Hey guys I’m new at this tarantula hobbyist thing but I’ve been thinking about owning a dwarf tarantula

[PapaSpyder26]

I've only ever came across one H Chillensis for sale and it was 175 for a 1/2" sling. Apparently they grow glacially slow.

I'd recommend a Hapalopus sp Colombia. They grow pretty quickly for being dwarf species and are relatively docile in my experience, plus super awesome looking. Cyriocosmus Elegans wouldn't be a terrible choice either.

Keep in mind, many of the more species more commonly recommended to beginners do grow glacially slow. If you get many of the grammastolas or aphonopelmas, it could potentially be less than 2 inches after 2 years.

I actually have a Grammostola Pulchripes 1/2 inch sling for only 30$ at an expo believe me I love my child with all of heart and I would care for it with my life. I know it’ll take several years for them to grow into their adult form and adult coloration but I’m all for it. Besides I want the experience of them actually growing up to become an adult. That and I’m also thinking of getting the Neishchnocolus sp Panama as well. Not because of the colors exploding their bodies. But because they look extremely beautiful

Not kill them on purpose, by accident due to their size. It is harder to care for a tiny sling than a full size adult for any species.

H sp Columbia Large - is a GREAT species to own if you can deal with fast and flicky Ts. Primarily because of their fast/strong feeding response as a sling. They will tackle prey many times their size! They are also pretty fast growing too.

Hmmm I might have to take that under consideration. But I have been thinking of getting 3 Ts. The Neishchnocolus & Theraphosinae sp Panamas & the Eupalaestrus Campestratus Ts. But then I was casually looking at the Grammostola Acteon but as I think about it now all tarantulas are beautiful but these 4 plus the one you just mentioned are very beautiful. It’s just way too many options but I’m doing research on them and seeing which ones I’ll get for sure. Nevertheless no dwarf species of tarantula are a bad species of tarantula it just goes to how well you can care for them. After all if you’re comfortable. Your tarantula is comfortable

Homoeomma chilensis and Neischnocolus sp. "Panama" are the easiest for a newbie to deal with as they buck the trend of dwarf species being fast/skittish/bolty.

Neischnocolus sp. "Panama"

• The Grym Reaper
• Nov 13, 2020
• 5
• gold banded sunburst dwarf neischnocolus neischnocolus sp. "panama" sp. "panama" subadult

New suit for Toxin.

0.1 Homoeomma chilensis

• The Grym Reaper
• Feb 14, 2020
• 2
• chile flame chilean flame chilensis euathlus sp. "red" female homoeomma homoeomma chilensis juvenile juvenile female

Siryn rocking her new suit.

I was actually looking up the H. Chilensis yesterday and boy they look extremely beautiful seriously, I love them both. I’m still researching the Neischnocolus sp Panama right now. Because they’re gorgeous indeed. And that’s a dwarf species I’d love to have. But what about the Theraphosinae sp Panama? Are they also for beginners too? Or for more advanced people? Because they too are extremely gorgeous and I just can’t stop staring at them

 

[Tarantuland]

I actually have a Grammostola Pulchripes 1/2 inch sling for only 30$ at an expo

I have three g pulchripes I got for $18 each they are usually available and awesome spiders, I don’t think any of mine have molted even once in nearly 6 months but they are fat

But what about the Theraphosinae sp Panama? Are they also for beginners too? Or for more advanced people? Because they too are extremely gorgeous and I just can’t stop staring at them

thereaphosinae sp Panama are newer to the hobby, so there isn’t a ton of info about them yet. Since they’re from Panama, it’s probably just slightly damp substrate and they’re good to go like any other terrestrial. However, if that isn’t the case, do you want to spend $125+ dollars on a sling that might have different requirements? Usually the best beginner species are ones that are more affordable and common, since we know more about their care and a death from beginner mistakes won’t set you back triple digits

 

[PapaSpyder26]

I have three g pulchripes I got for $18 each they are usually available and awesome spiders, I don’t think any of mine have molted even once in nearly 6 months but they are fat


thereaphosinae sp Panama are newer to the hobby, so there isn’t a ton of info about them yet. Since they’re from Panama, it’s probably just slightly damp substrate and they’re good to go like any other terrestrial. However, if that isn’t the case, do you want to spend $125+ dollars on a sling that might have different requirements? Usually the best beginner species are ones that are more affordable and common, since we know more about their care and a death from beginner mistakes won’t set you back triple digits

Hmm, you could be right. But the Neishchnocolus sp Panama is one of the species i am most definitely looking into. Next to the Grammostola Acteon, Eupalaestrus Campestratus but I’m still researching these three. Because I plan on getting these three at my next expo. But yes. Spending 125$ on a simply sling? Yeah that’s going way overboard there. But yes my G Pulchripes sling is very, skittish, but very comfortable with me when I placed it on my hand, I rubbed its abdomen a little and it just stood there for me to rub softly. And gently. Which I loved the most. I was actually going to get a G. Pulchra but stopped on G Pulchripes because you can’t say no to gold! Lol esp if a tarantula has them for features.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

But what about the Theraphosinae sp Panama? Are they also for beginners too? Or for more advanced people?

Their husbandry isn't difficult (keep in a slightly moist terrestrial setup) but they're faster, more skittish, more expensive, and harder to come by than the two I mentioned.

 

[PapaSpyder26]

Their husbandry isn't difficult (keep in a slightly moist terrestrial setup) but they're faster, more skittish, more expensive, and harder to come by than the two I mentioned.

Yeah, you’re probably right. But the only one I’m focused on getting is the Neischnocolus sp Panama dwarf tarantula instead of their relative because the N. sp Panama I’ve heard was way more easier to handle then the other one. But I’ve seen people have them and they love them. So I’m not going to judge. But yes you’re right the other ones you did mention are two of the rare ones that are hard to find indeed. But I’m going to do more research on all four of them: H. Chilensis, Grammostola Acteon, Eupalaestrus Campestratus, & Neishchnocolus sp Panama

 

[Tarantuland]

If you mean actually handling, no spider is good to hold

 

[PapaSpyder26]

If you mean actually handling, no spider is good to hold

Ahh gotcha

 

[USNGunner]

Cyriocosmus perezmilesi

 

[PapaSpyder26]

Cyriocosmus perezmilesi

Beautiful baby you have

 

[ShureevilKnevil]

Are there any good: recommendations/suggestions on what top 10 or 20 best beginner dwarf species Ts I should know about before getting one? Because I was looking at the Brazilian Blue Beauty dwarf species and I gotta say those are extremely beautiful. And also the Pumpkin Patch one as well. But can I get your thoughts on which ones are the best for beginner hobbyists like myself? And when you do can you weigh the pros and cons for me? Because I want to be prepared when I get one. Thank you

Its next on my list!!

Ahh okay okay thank you



So Brazilian blue beauties aren’t quite ideal for beginners is that correct? But in your opinion what are ideal for beginners? Because I’ve heard that the Pumpkin Patch & E. Sp red, the Trinidadian olive and gold were best beginner species if I’m not mistaken. But thank you for telling me about this

Really?! I have a few u mentioned and I cannot say even in my 2yrs keeper infancy that that s doesn't seem true.

Most are directed to grammostola or brachypelma species.

Mexican red knee
Honduran or Nicaraguan curly hair
Versicolor for an arboreal
Chilean rose hair
G. Pulchra
And of course the beloved and my favorite the Avicularia Avicularia and Avicularia Metallica.

With that said I'm fairly certain that no one would disagree that all spoods have individual personalities.
And those personalities can and do change in many species be it through aging and mellowing out or becoming testy and defensive.

 

[Storm76]

If you decide on a dwarf T be aware of their extremely tiny size as slings and in case of the H. chilensis some 3-4 years time before they even get to around 2"...

 

[ShureevilKnevil]

If you decide on a dwarf T be aware of their extremely tiny size as slings and in case of the H. chilensis some 3-4 years time before they even get to around 2"...

So tiny!

Well anyone with a G. Pulchra probably can relate to waiting 67 yrs haha.

This is good to know.

 

[PapaSpyder26]

Its next on my list!!



Really?! I have a few u mentioned and I cannot say even in my 2yrs keeper infancy that that s doesn't seem true.

Most are directed to grammostola or brachypelma species.

Mexican red knee
Honduran or Nicaraguan curly hair
Versicolor for an arboreal
Chilean rose hair
G. Pulchra
And of course the beloved and my favorite the Avicularia Avicularia and Avicularia Metallica.

With that said I'm fairly certain that no one would disagree that all spoods have individual personalities.
And those personalities can and do change in many species be it through aging and mellowing out or becoming testy and defensive.

I’m going to get 3 in total of 4 I’m going to get: Grammostola Pulchra, Eupalaestrus Campestratus, Maybe a Aphonopelma Chalcodes / Avicularia Purpurea but I’m not sure. I’m doing more research on Aphonopelma Chalcodes, Grammostola Pulchra, & Eupalaestrus Campestratus but I don’t know about Avicularia Purpurea people can’t switching up, with A. Purpurea wasn’t a beginner species to they are a beginner species but fairly new to the hobby so I don’t know. I’m probably going to get the Aphonopelma Chalcodes

If you decide on a dwarf T be aware of their extremely tiny size as slings and in case of the H. chilensis some 3-4 years time before they even get to around 2"...

Beautiful baby you have

 

[CommanderBacon]

I'm curious what sort of things you like in a spider, and what makes you want a dwarf in particular? What are some things you'd like to avoid?

If money is no issue, we can recommend anything. If money is an issue, we can point you in the direction of a good dwarf or small species for your price range.

 

[PapaSpyder26]

I'm curious what sort of things you like in a spider, and what makes you want a dwarf in particular? What are some things you'd like to avoid?

If money is no issue, we can recommend anything. If money is an issue, we can point you in the direction of a good dwarf or small species for your price range.

Personally I love a tarantula that’s a slow moving, slow growing, species of tarantula, whether it’s a Dwarf, or regular T, that and I don’t have too much to worry about. Like 1’ slings. I’m still fairly new at this. But that’s what I truly like. Slow moving, slow growing Ts, docile, hardy, good temperament that sorta thing.

 

[CommanderBacon]

Personally I love a tarantula that’s a slow moving, slow growing, species of tarantula, whether it’s a Dwarf, or regular T, that and I don’t have too much to worry about. Like 1’ slings. I’m still fairly new at this. But that’s what I truly like. Slow moving, slow growing Ts, docile, hardy, good temperament that sorta thing.

So most dwarf and small species are bolty and fast and have TINY spiderlings, which can be difficult for a new keeper to care for (in my opinion they aren't but it depends on the species). I would recommend keeping an eye out in the classifieds for adult or subadult female specimens. Just bear in mind, you *will* pay more. It will hurt your wallet.

It sounds like what you'd really enjoy, though, are some of the high altitude dwarfs that are found in the Andes mountain range, since they tend to be slow-moving and are slow growing. They can still be fast when they need to be, so be prepared. On the downside, the ones from Chile, such as the Homoeomma chilensis (formerly Euathlus sp red) and most Euathlus species, are no longer allowed to be exported, but demand is incredibly high, so availability is severely limited. Getting conditions right for these guys to make more of themselves is incredibly difficult and not something most North American breeders have dialed in yet, so a lot of of the specimens that are available are imported from Europe and the cost will reflect that. That's why H chilensis now goes for around $200 for a spiderling, but they are still almost impossible to find.

Genera that you'd want to keep an eye out for are Euathlus, Homoeomma and Hapalotreumus. They're all ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

A species that I absolutely adore that fits your bill perfectly and is available is Plesiopelma sp Bolivia, but the slings are tiny. If you can get hold of a larger specimen, you won't regret it. They aren't too pricey yet, but that might be because of their glacial growth rate. If you have the money, I also recommend Hapalotremus albipes, despite being a little spendy. I'm not sure if anyone still has any right now, but they're incredible, and look amazing. They also have an excellent feeding response.

Neischnocolus sp Panama is great. I've kept two so far and they're both doing well. I guess you could say that they are a bit skittish, and both are burrowed for now but they didn't arrive nearly as small as something like Cyriocosmus sp does. They are somewhat delicate at smaller sizes from what I hear, so I would recommend that you aim for a specimen that is closer to an inch if you can.

Theraphonsinae sp Panama slings are very delicate and I would not recommend them to beginners.

There are many other awesome dwarf species that move a little faster, like true spiders almost, that are really cool if you're interested. Cyriocosmus, Bonnetina, Dolichothele, Neoholothele, and are all very cool genera with species that can be super attractive. I always take a close look at species available within these to see if I would like them. I haven't kept Bonnetina (believe me I want all of them), but the rest are speedy and beautiful. Most species in the Cyriocosmus genus are very small and absolutely gorgeous, but can be very fast. In my opinion, the primary downside to some of the smaller, faster specimens is that most don't live very long.

Neoholothele incei are fantastic. They are gorgeous, affordable, spin lots of web, but are fast. As long as you're careful with these guys, they are totally worth it, imo. Just be aware of their speed. I think they are this board's favorite dwarf species.

And finally, we have some neat dwarfs and small species native to North America, but most are fossorial and you won't see them much. Aphonopelma dwarfs are mostly a beautiful dark grey, but they are extremely cool. Not a show tarantula, as they will most often be in their burrow. If you're lucky, that will be against the glass and you can see them. They have the added benefit of living for 6 million years, but they are so reclusive, I'm not sure they have much appeal for a newer keeper that wants to check out dwarfs.

I did not get into Old World dwarfs yet but I can if you want XD

(hey I like dwarfs)

 

[PapaSpyder26]

So most dwarf and small species are bolty and fast and have TINY spiderlings, which can be difficult for a new keeper to care for (in my opinion they aren't but it depends on the species). I would recommend keeping an eye out in the classifieds for adult or subadult female specimens. Just bear in mind, you *will* pay more. It will hurt your wallet.

It sounds like what you'd really enjoy, though, are some of the high altitude dwarfs that are found in the Andes mountain range, since they tend to be slow-moving and are slow growing. They can still be fast when they need to be, so be prepared. On the downside, the ones from Chile, such as the Homoeomma chilensis (formerly Euathlus sp red) and most Euathlus species, are no longer allowed to be exported, but demand is incredibly high, so availability is severely limited. Getting conditions right for these guys to make more of themselves is incredibly difficult and not something most North American breeders have dialed in yet, so a lot of of the specimens that are available are imported from Europe and the cost will reflect that. That's why H chilensis now goes for around $200 for a spiderling, but they are still almost impossible to find.

Genera that you'd want to keep an eye out for are Euathlus, Homoeomma and Hapalotreumus. They're all ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

A species that I absolutely adore that fits your bill perfectly and is available is Plesiopelma sp Bolivia, but the slings are tiny. If you can get hold of a larger specimen, you won't regret it. They aren't too pricey yet, but that might be because of their glacial growth rate. If you have the money, I also recommend Hapalotremus albipes, despite being a little spendy. I'm not sure if anyone still has any right now, but they're incredible, and look amazing. They also have an excellent feeding response.

Neischnocolus sp Panama is great. I've kept two so far and they're both doing well. I guess you could say that they are a bit skittish, and both are burrowed for now but they didn't arrive nearly as small as something like Cyriocosmus sp does. They are somewhat delicate at smaller sizes from what I hear, so I would recommend that you aim for a specimen that is closer to an inch if you can.

Theraphonsinae sp Panama slings are very delicate and I would not recommend them to beginners.

There are many other awesome dwarf species that move a little faster, like true spiders almost, that are really cool if you're interested. Cyriocosmus, Bonnetina, Dolichothele, Neoholothele, and are all very cool genera with species that can be super attractive. I always take a close look at species available within these to see if I would like them. I haven't kept Bonnetina (believe me I want all of them), but the rest are speedy and beautiful. Most species in the Cyriocosmus genus are very small and absolutely gorgeous, but can be very fast. In my opinion, the primary downside to some of the smaller, faster specimens is that most don't live very long.

Neoholothele incei are fantastic. They are gorgeous, affordable, spin lots of web, but are fast. As long as you're careful with these guys, they are totally worth it, imo. Just be aware of their speed. I think they are this board's favorite dwarf species.

And finally, we have some neat dwarfs and small species native to North America, but most are fossorial and you won't see them much. Aphonopelma dwarfs are mostly a beautiful dark grey, but they are extremely cool. Not a show tarantula, as they will most often be in their burrow. If you're lucky, that will be against the glass and you can see them. They have the added benefit of living for 6 million years, but they are so reclusive, I'm not sure they have much appeal for a newer keeper that wants to check out dwarfs.

I did not get into Old World dwarfs yet but I can if you want XD

(hey I like dwarfs)

I know but it’s weird because people tell me (well a few) that the Theraphosinae sp Panama is a good beginner species, because they said all they need isa water dish, food, dry substrate, and no attention then they’re all good. But I’m not truly sure. Some say that they are amazing to have. But that’s really awesome for them. But they gave me false information. So that’s a no brainer. But I’ve never noticed that. Some will give that 1 mill dollar vibe just for 1 species of a certain dwarf species? That’s a bit much and outrageous don’t you think? But all I gotta say is that’s amazing dude. That you got two of the same species of dwarf. But all I gotta say is. You should get the dwarf species you actually want. Be happy. I’ve just realized I’m getting 3 normal sized Ts (G. Pulchra, Eupalaestrus Campestratus, & Aphonopelma Chalcodes) (the total I want is 4 and four normal sized Ts work perfectly) (plus I just wanted everyone’s opinion on what was their best dwarf T etc)

 

[CommanderBacon]

I know but it’s weird because people tell me (well a few) that the Theraphosinae sp Panama is a good beginner species, because they said all they need isa water dish, food, dry substrate, and no attention then they’re all good. But I’m not truly sure. Some say that they are amazing to have. But that’s really awesome for them. But they gave me false information. So that’s a no brainer. But I’ve never noticed that.

Theraphosinae sp Panama might be fine once they're out of the delicate stage and are established, but with the die-off I've seen from spiderlings that have been produced recently, I would not recommend that a new keeper buy a spiderling of this species in the middle of winter, and especially not for what they are currently selling for, unless they have money to burn.

Some will give that 1 mill dollar vibe just for 1 species of a certain dwarf species? That’s a bit much and outrageous don’t you think?

Well, I explained why they are expensive. Nothing to be done about it. People complaining that $200 is too much for a spiderling isn't going to stop people paying $200 for a spiderling, ya know? If they are hard to come by and in demand, people can get away with charging more as long as other people will pay it. The price is the price.

But all I gotta say is that’s amazing dude. That you got two of the same species of dwarf. But all I gotta say is. You should get the dwarf species you actually want. Be happy. I’ve just realized I’m getting 3 normal sized Ts (G. Pulchra, Eupalaestrus Campestratus, & Aphonopelma Chalcodes) (the total I want is 4 and four normal sized Ts work perfectly) (plus I just wanted everyone’s opinion on what was their best dwarf T etc)

If someone asks what the best dwarf is, it really all has to do with what they want in a spider, imo. I don't really think there's a such thing as a *best* dwarf, but there could be a best dwarf *for you*. I personally can't pick one I like over the others. They're all pretty great for different reasons.

 

[PapaSpyder26]

Theraphosinae sp Panama might be fine once they're out of the delicate stage and are established, but with the die-off I've seen from spiderlings that have been produced recently, I would not recommend that a new keeper buy a spiderling of this species in the middle of winter, and especially not for what they are currently selling for, unless they have money to burn.


Well, I explained why they are expensive. Nothing to be done about it. People complaining that $200 is too much for a spiderling isn't going to stop people paying $200 for a spiderling, ya know? If they are hard to come by and in demand, people can get away with charging more as long as other people will pay it. The price is the price.


If someone asks what the best dwarf is, it really all has to do with what they want in a spider, imo. I don't really think there's a such thing as a *best* dwarf, but there could be a best dwarf *for you*. I personally can't pick one I like over the others. They're all pretty great for different reasons.

now that’s something I can totally agree with my friend.

 

[USNGunner]

Beautiful baby you have

Thank you.