I want a togo!

[angrysnail98]

Hello arachnoboard users.
I need help deciding weather to get a togo starburst baboon spider. I like the spider alot but iv only had one pink toed tarantula. Im looking for an exotic spider, But an inexpensive one. If anyone else has a better choice please share

~Devon

 

[le-thomas]

I have two and they're some of my scariest tarantulas. Extremely fast, very reclusive (you won't see it too often), and they have very strong venom. Read the bite reports. Definitely not a good second spider. They're amazing spiders, a favorite of mine, but surely more experience should be gained before owning one.
I would suggest a tarantula in the Psalmopoeus or Tapinauchenius genus if you want a step up from your A. avic. They're very fast and skittish but don't possess the venom of the H. maculata. Most of the species in these genera are also very affordable.
Also, use scientific names please.

 

[Anonymity82]

If you get one get a half inch sling so you can experience its speed before it can really do you any damage. I don't know if they can pierce the skin at that size but mine never even tried. This will also give you plenty of time to research it before it gets big. They grow pretty fast so expect a 3 inch spider in around 6 months give or take. At this size they can definitely cause some damage.

My second T was an OBT so I pretty much took the plunge. Got her when she was only .75" about 6 months ago. Now she's over 3"!

 

[le-thomas]

If you get one get a half inch sling so you can experience its speed before it can really do you any damage. I don't know if they can pierce the skin at that size but mine never even tried. This will also give you plenty of time to research it before it gets big. They grow pretty fast so expect a 3 inch spider in around 6 months give or take. At this size they can definitely cause some damage.

My second T was an OBT so I pretty much took the plunge. Got her when she was only .75" about 6 months ago. Now she's over 3"!

A few things. First, a 1/2 inch sling can do considerable damage. Again, check the bite reports. Second, Heteroscodra maculata have been noted as slow growers, and that has been the case with my two juveniles (though I've never owned a small sling; I've read they grow slowly at all stages of life). Third, and this is simply anecdotal, H. maculata are considered faster and more potently-venomed than P. murinus.
If one of the two is the better second tarantula, it would be the OBT.

 

[Deftones90]

H. macs are the only Ts that I'll always be uncomfortable moving and what not. I think the only thing that can top em is the stromatopelma...

 

[jayefbe]

A few things. First, a 1/2 inch sling can do considerable damage. Again, check the bite reports. Second, Heteroscodra maculata have been noted as slow growers, and that has been the case with my two juveniles (though I've never owned a small sling; I've read they grow slowly at all stages of life). Third, and this is simply anecdotal, H. maculata are considered faster and more potently-venomed than P. murinus.
If one of the two is the better second tarantula, it would be the OBT.

In agreement with everything you said. I've only had a few H. macs, but they were all fairly slow growers. Definitely nowhere near OBT level. They tend to be much more reclusive, unpredictable, and much faster than OBTs in my experience. I tend to be a bit conservative when it comes to recommending tarantulas, and I wouldn't suggest an H. mac to anyone without some experience with OW species, preferably OW arboreals.

 

[le-thomas]

H. macs are the only Ts that I'll always be uncomfortable moving and what not. I think the only thing that can top em is the stromatopelma...

I'm ALMOST "comfortable" (comfort around these is just naivety ) with my H. macs, but I still can't decide if I want to own a Stromatopelma calceatum. Fast, chase-you-around aggressive, and venomous as crap. But they're just SOOOO pretty

In agreement with everything you said. I've only had a few H. macs, but they were all fairly slow growers. Definitely nowhere near OBT level. They tend to be much more reclusive, unpredictable, and much faster than OBTs in my experience. I tend to be a bit conservative when it comes to recommending tarantulas, and I wouldn't suggest an H. mac to anyone without some experience with OW species, preferably OW arboreals.

This is why I recommended the Tappies and Psalmos. Even Pokies could be considered as a step up towards an H. mac, though that may be like more of a jump than a step.

 

[Deftones90]

I'm ALMOST "comfortable" (comfort around these is just naivety ) with my H. macs, but I still can't decide if I want to own a Stromatopelma calceatum. Fast, chase-you-around aggressive, and venomous as crap. But they're just SOOOO pretty

I enjoy keeping H. Macs I've just seen a many videos of them doing laps around whatever poor soul is trying to transfer or move them lol.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

 

[Anonymity82]

A few things. First, a 1/2 inch sling can do considerable damage. Again, check the bite reports. Second, Heteroscodra maculata have been noted as slow growers, and that has been the case with my two (though I've never owned a small sling; I've read they grow slowly at all stages of life). Third, and this is simply anecdotal, H. maculata are considered faster and more potently-venomed than P. murinus.
If one of the two is the better second tarantula, it would be the OBT.

Really? I thought they were fast growers. At least fast enough to be full size within 2 years? I own an H. mac at about .75 got her at .5 two months ago. She's already molted once. I guess it's a little slower than my OBT. Larger tarantulas usually molt at a much slower rate than slings anyhow.

I must say though, the OBT is usually much more aggressive/defensive where as the H. macs are shyer. I have read that they are slightly faster hunters and they do HAVE stronger venom but they're less likely to use it than an OBT (P. murinus). Unfortunately I cannot back this up with experience because my H. mac sling acted just like my P. murinus sling acted when I got her in December. She was fast and ran up my hand. She's basically acted the same as my P. murinus has so far. Not sure what she's going to be as an adult but they're all individuals. My 3"+ P. murinus is extremely shy but has never thrown a threat display.

 

[le-thomas]

Really? I thought they were fast growers. At least fast enough to be full size within 2 years? I own an H. mac at about .75 got her at .5 two months ago. She's already molted once. I guess it's a little slower than my OBT. Larger tarantulas usually molt at a much slower rate than slings anyhow.

I must say though, the OBT is usually much more aggressive/defensive where as the H. macs are shyer. I have read that they are slightly faster hunters and they do HAVE stronger venom but they're less likely to use it than an OBT (P. murinus). Unfortunately I cannot back this up with experience because my H. mac sling acted just like my P. murinus sling acted when I got her in December. She was fast and ran up my hand. She's basically acted the same as my P. murinus has so far. Not sure what she's going to be as an adult but they're all individuals. My 3"+ P. murinus is extremely shy but has never thrown a threat display.

From everything I've read and experienced, H. macs grow slowly. I've seen reports of a larger sling becoming around 3'' in 3 years.
I'd say that the H. maculata (and any OW tarantula) should be expected to bite upon contact. This might not always be the case, but I've seen a handling video where the spider reared up for no reason. You may be right, but the simple fact that they're so fast and possess that kind of venom should be reason enough to dissuade any novice from purchasing one.

 

[Deftones90]

I somewhat agree that they DO grow at a pretty quick and steady rate. Obviously not like OBTs or LPs but they also weren't the fastest to molt. I also agree on them being on the shy side. In MY experience they were pretty quick to run and hide. But I wouldn't trust that for a second.

 

[Anonymity82]

I had no idea they grew that slowly!

True true on the dissuading

I was told not to get an OBT as my second but I did and she's over 3 inches and in her permanent home (thank god!) now. I didn't get tagged and luck only played a little part of it. Mostly it was learning from the second I took her out of the package just how fast she was. A couple days later at 2am I was giving her a cricket and the next thing I knew I was in the bath tub in my boxers with my sleepy eyed fiance telling me where she was on my body. At that size I wasn't worried one bit about her biting me but I was afraid I was going to crush her. I didn't! Yea! But from that point on I don't play around haha.

I've read the whole bit on contact and I don't doubt it. What I do know is that neither of them did that as slings. I'm not advocating handling them as slings I'm just saying that if the OP or anyone for that matter with little to no experience with an OW to get them as slings. I have to go read up on the bite reports now and look for these sling bites not that I think you're lying but I'm not going to ask you to find them for me

I also enjoy the excitement! I don't "play" with them but it's pretty exciting when rehousing is needed. Kind of like a carnival ride, you'll probably be safe but maybe you're in the seat with the bad bolts lol.

---------- Post added 07-16-2012 at 11:15 PM ----------

Read some H. mac bite reports:

Holy crap! These guys are little monsters! Don't get a H. mac sling! I don't think this is typical behavior in most species as slings but these guys are crazy! I want to give mine back now (JK). I need to get some antihistamine! I got a rehousing coming up in the next couple of months! She did crawl all over my hand and arm. I blocked her way and definitely annoyed her severely but she didn't bite me at all. Maybe she was tired from the hot two days in the box I don't know. Maybe I did get lucky. I'm not going to let that happen again though!

This species is basically a semi-arboreal right? I'll just give it less substrate and more to hide under and build so it's lower than the top the enclosure.

 

[Aviara]

There are a lot of "exotic" tarantulas that are still inexpensive. I would not recommend the H. mac for a beginner, that just seems like an awful idea. No matter how confident you feel, it's best to learn to work with a fast, defensive tarantula that doesn't have such potent venom, because you are bound to make mistakes. Why risk some of the worst venom in the hobby? There is always time for owning the species, and others, but take it easy as a beginner. A good choice might be a Psalmopoeus irminia - they are gorgeous, even as slings, they are fast, and can have a big attitude, but their bite likely won't send you to the hospital. There are plenty of New World species that can be a "stepping stone" to the Old Worlds, but won't deliver a bad bite.

 

[le-thomas]

Read some H. mac bite reports:

Holy crap! These guys are little monsters! Don't get a H. mac sling! I don't think this is typical behavior in most species as slings but these guys are crazy! I want to give mine back now (JK). I need to get some antihistamine! I got a rehousing coming up in the next couple of months! She did crawl all over my hand and arm. I blocked her way and definitely annoyed her severely but she didn't bite me at all. Maybe she was tired from the hot two days in the box I don't know. Maybe I did get lucky. I'm not going to let that happen again though!

This species is basically a semi-arboreal right? I'll just give it less substrate and more to hide under and build so it's lower than the top the enclosure.

See what I mean? I ALWAYS have a catch cup ready and don't open their enclosures at all unless I've got everything I could possibly need to recapture one unless I'm just dropping a cricket in. These definitely aren't spiders to be underestimated and nonchalantly bought. Also, slings have the same venom as adults, just less, and can and will break skin with their fangs. What can go wrong, will go wrong.
They are basically, semi-arboreal. The slings especially like to burrow, so ample substrate, maybe a few leaves, and maybe some branches should suffice.

 

[LV-426]

Mine is out 50% of the time, they are very nice looking Ts. I own a S. calceatum also and it has grown faster and larger than the H. mac, not to mention that I more scared of the S. calceatum.

 

[Bugmom]

I'll go against the grain and say if you want one, get one, if you do your research and you know what you're getting into. Treat it with extra caution. It's not like your pink toe. Not at all. Don't ever interact with it while tired, distracted, or otherwise not at your peak, which is never advised around ANYTHING that can bite you anyway. You can't be faster than the spider (it does have 6 legs up on you). You also can't predict what it will do, and THAT is what makes animals dangerous. So, be prepared for something super speedy, super bitey, rather venomous, and entirely unpredictable. If that doesn't unsettle you even a little bit, well, I have a nice jacket you should try on, it has extra long sleeves... (For the record, I just bought an H. mac sling. It's kind of unsettling to know that I'll have that level of venom chilling in my house, but this is not the first or last venomous creature I've been around and if I can't interact with a potentially nasty spider in my own house, however will I do so out in the field?)

Now, are there other exotic species you can get that aren't as venomous and fast? Sure. Lots. The question is, why do you want an H. mac in particular? It's not super special, it's not especially colorful, it is apparently prone to being bitey (more so than others I gather), it doesn't get THAT big for a "baboon" spider, and it grows slowly.

 

[le-thomas]

The thing is, though, you CAN'T be ready for a super venomous, extremely fast, unpredictable spider when what you're used to is a calm tree spider. Research can only do so much. Experience is key. This is my opinion.

 

[Deftones90]

The thing is, though, you CAN'T be ready for a super venomous, extremely fast, unpredictable spider when what you're used to is a calm tree spider. Research can only do so much. Experience is key. This is my opinion.

Agreed. Knowing what you're up against and what to expect helps.

 

[dWebster]

Ok well i agree with bugmom. If you want one, go get it!. But I do think it would be a great idea to get a sling first. That way you get to know it, as it grows. My second t after my Rosea was a regalis and i did the same thing. Raised it from a sling. And am very glad I did it that way. But as far as my Togo...(thats for you le-thomas ).. mine is vary calm, an angel compared to my h. lividum.my t has not shown any aggression in the 2 years iv had her. But they do grow slow. And the only time i can really see her is late at night when I can't sleep. And she normally hides after the slightest disruption. So don't plan on seeing her. Or messing with her. But if you really want one go get it they are very beautifully t's.

 

[mmfh]

I had 2 OBT's for a few years before I got a H. mac. I was still stunned by their speed. I was transfering the .5" sling into her first home and she was gone! I didnt even know she was gone till she nearly crawled on my hand and even then my brain had to take a few minutes to register that she was on the OUTSIDE of the container! I didnt get bit but a situation was in place where I could have been bit and these T's have potent venom. As far as growth, mine was approx. .5 when I got her in sept of 2011. She is now approx 2" in july 2012, I feed only once a week if I feel they need it (Not a power feeder).