Info needed on Lampropelma violaceopes

[Thomas2015]

Hey guys,

Does anybody have any info on keeping these tarantulas? I've looked all around and there doesn't seem to be any solid care sheets or anything on the intensity of the bite. Some tips or experiences would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Thomas

 

[Chrisduhfur]

I know they have a sub forum in the bite reports for the Lampropelma violaceopes and the search function on here is full of help.

I have one and she has a nasty temper.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Lopez]

Did you look in the dark, without a torch? The best husbandry information for Lampropelma violaceopes is the second match in Google when you search for "Lampropelma violaceopes"

http://sites.google.com/site/asianarboreals/lampropelmaviolaceopes



EDIT

My sincere apologies - you specifically wanted information about the bite and I skim read your post. Erm, I'm assured by the only person who I know who's been bitten by one that it really hurt quite a bit, but I don't think she cried.

 

[Thomas2015]

No problem: I should have made everything a little more clear. I was more concerned that their venom may be comparable to something like a pokie, which I would rather stay away from for now. As for that care sheet: it was awesome!

Thank you guys!

 

[Lopez]

As for that care sheet: it was awesome!

Thank you guys!

It was written by someone I know personally and the whole site is probably the best resource for Asian theraphosid care on the internet.

 

[TexasTreeViper]

Why are you so concerned about their bite? Are you planning on trying to handle it?

 

[hamhock 74]

Why are you so concerned about their bite? Are you planning on trying to handle it?

Because they are extremely fast, defensive tarantulas that won’t hesitate to bite. Its much better to be forewarned and have knowledge of a tarantula's temperment and venom potency then going about it blindly and having you or god forbid someone else getting bitten by this blue blue of a spider.

 

[TexasTreeViper]

I'm very familiar with their behavior, I keep this species. IME, as long as you respect them & don't try to do anything foolish then you run very little risk of putting yourself in a position to get bit. I think people worry to much about how venomous a spider is - as long as your careful, you're cool. Then again, after 10 years of working with venomous snakes, a bite from a spider is the least of my worries.

 

[grayzone]

i agree with you texas tree... however i think hamhock is being a responsible t owner and is right to answer the questions as well.. i too do research (including bite reports) on any t i own , or plan to own ... BEFORE buying it. i proper decent to proper husbandry, and have never been bit... doesn't mean things cant/wont JUST HAPPEN... these ARE ts were talking about.. highly unpredictable.

 

[TexasTreeViper]

Maybe it's just me but I find Ts to be quite predicable. If you work with them enough you begin to get a grasp on how they can/will behave & you can plan for their responses in advance. I'm far from a T expert on any level but going off of a few behavioral characteristics they can be read pretty easily.

 

[grayzone]

good luck with that... i too believe that they CAN be read a little bit, but that will never change me wanting to know what its capable of... never underestimate something that is frightened and angry...

 

[TexasTreeViper]

If dealt with correctly there's no reason they should be frightened or angry.

 

[jayefbe]

Why are you so concerned about their bite? Are you planning on trying to handle it?

Everyone should be aware of the strength of a tarantula's venom, regardless of whether or not they plan to handle them. Plus, many (most even?) tarantula bites don't happen during handling. I've never been bitten, and I am confident that it will never happen. But still, being knowledgeable about the potential impact a bite could have should always be on a new keeper's mind when purchasing a new species. Especially if you are new to OW species.

To the OP, if you're worried about keeping Pokies, than I would personally stay away from a Lampropelma until you feel more comfortable with keeping the "hotter" species. It seems as though Lampropelma venom may not be quite as bad as Poecilotheria (your mileage may vary), but in my experience, a Lampropelma is much more likely to try to bite than a Poecilotheria. If you're looking for a fast arboreal that can be a bit defensive, but don't want to worry about a bite keeping you in constant pain for a week, I highly recommend getting a Psalmopoeus. They are very fast, can be defensive at times, are stunningly beautiful, and their bite isn't as bad as most OWs. They are a great stepping stone to the OW arboreals.

 

[TexasTreeViper]

When do most bites happen then? I myself have never been bitten but then again I don't put my hands, or anything else for that matter, in a position to be bitten.

 

[grayzone]

thats cool, but your being pretty pretentious saying it cant happen. like J said, most bites dont occur during handling... more like rehousing, packaging, feeding, and cage maintenance. I never think i will be bit either, however, dont even BEGIN to pretend im not capable of taking a hit. Im not scared to be bit by ANY t but i still exercise caution handling or not, and research their bites potency and effects, should the unthinkable ever happen. Even if it cant help during that event, at least knowing what to expect will bring peace of mind, and reduce the panic that may or may not occur

 

[TexasTreeViper]

When did I ever say it couldn't happen? I merely suggested that if precautions are taken then there is no reason it should happen. That's not to say to anything couldn't happen though, I guess.

 

[Thomas2015]

The reason I'm concerned about the bite is that I'm a veterinary student and I may have to start surgery in the near future: muscle cramps and surgery don't mix. So, although I don't plan on handling any of the more venomous varieties (especially a pokie), I'd rather avoid the chance of an accidental bite altogether and simply work with tarantulas that have a lower toxicity until I've graduated. From what I hear, most bites occur during cage transfers and maintenance. (I'm still thinking about a p. miranda though, although I wonder if its worth the risk) I do have a Psalmopoeus irminia, and she keeps me on my toes.

 

[grayzone]

aah.. well then i take it back.. not tryin to argue with anybody.. just would hate to see somebody get tagged. if i remember right, i read a reptile thread you started and saw some pretty cool snakes.. im sure somebody with exp. with HOT snakes like those knows that fire is capable of burning.. was just trying to reassure the op he is doing the right job by tryin to know what hes signing up for

 

[Thomas2015]

Actually, I don't have any experience with snakes hardly at all. I can't imagine that it was me posting that, although I do have some friends that have some AWESOME snakes. Thanks for the concern: this is why I'm trying to get all the facts before I consider buying any tarantula.

 

[TexasTreeViper]

You're right, I have worked with many very deadly snakes & in doing so I've learned a lot, not only about them but about animal behavior as a whole. To me, working with venomous snakes & tarantulas can be very similar at times & in my years & training with venomous snakes, I've learned how to go about things in a safe manor. With venomous snakes, there is absolutely no room for error, as your first mistake could easily be your last. I juat simply apply the same precautions when dealing with Ts.