User Josh's Frogs Picture Thread

[Joshs Frogs]

The Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula's scientific name, Caribena versicolor, translates as, "The Caribbean Spider that changes colors." Born sapphire blue with a distinct pattern, they gradually change to being metallic pink overall with a teal cephalothorax. Changes like these, that happen with age, are called ontogenetic changes.


Psalmopoeus victori is known as the Darth Maul Tarantula. It got that name from the striking, high contrast black and red that make this tarantula look so exciting. This individual is just starting to grow into its adult colors.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Please feel free to repost this as far and as wide as you wish.


Why do breeders pull tarantula egg sacs at around 30 days after they are laid? There are other reasons, but not having to remove each tiny baby by hand that just happen to be behind a very disapproving mother is a pretty good reason all by itself!! This is one of our Trinidad Chevron Tarantulas (Psalmopoeus cambridgei) that produced this sac, years ago.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Avicularia avicularia Morphotype Six (M6 for short) is commonly known as the Metallic Pink Toe Tarantula. This is the mother of our most recent baby M6 spiderlings, Tina (AvAvM6-014F). She is an excellent example of her kind. As adults, they tend to have an overall bright to dark blue, overall coloration. They have white tips on longer, shaggier looking "hairs" (setae) that remind me of 90's Acid Washed Jeans. These are bold tree spiders that can often be found out sunning themselves when it is quiet. The spiderlings look completely different! They are born with pink legs and black toes. They have a distinct pattern on their abdomen. This changes, over the course of about 2 years, to their adult colorations with blue legs and their characteristic pink toes.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Nhandu tripeppi is the Brazilian Blonde Tarantula. This gorgeous mix of flaxen, reddish and greenish hairs gives this spider a look reminiscent of old 3d movies. As pretty as this tarantula is, approach with caution! Her short temper and dramatic threat poses make her a jewel in a more advanced keeper’s collection. She may not be the best idea for beginners!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Theraphosa blondi is the true Goliath Bird Eater Tarantula. While, even in the wild, this species would not ever be likely to eat a bird, this species is capable of having greater than a ten inch diagonal leg span. That is a wider stretch than a dinner plate! While they are young, they are an absolute fuzz bucket. It is also much easier to tell the difference between them and their close relatives while they are young. Both of its close relatives have at least four, if not eight, pink tips to their feet. T. blondi has no pink tips to its feet.


Tarantula courtship can be a scary thing for the male. In tarantula courtship, there is a fine line between being a dinner date and just plain being dinner. Once the male is mature, he leaves his nice safe burrow and skitters out into the open night to find a lady. Once he finds her, he knocks on her door to let her know that he is there and would like to not get eaten. He does this by tapping his legs near the opening of her burrow. He is careful to do this close enough for her to feel his taps and know that he is strong enough to tap loudly, but far enough away to make a break for it if she decides that he would make a better breakfast than boyfriend. Here we see a mature male Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (Hapalopus formosus) in exactly that same predicament. He almost got in the door, seen in this picture, when she chased him out. I tell you, there was a hole in space where that little spider was. That little guy teleported into the catch cup. He lived to court another day. By the way, notice that she is easily 4 to 5 times his size.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

This species is commonly called the Brazilian Blue Tarantula. Its scientific name was recently changed to Lasiocyano sazimai. Scientific names are often patterned after Latin. This species name, translated from Latin, means Sazima’s Hairy Blue tarantula. Lasio-(hairy)-cyano-(blue) sazimai (belonging to sazima). This species was given its species epithet, sazimai, in honor of Dr. Ivan Sazima. He was a Brazilian scientist who collected the first examples of this species. Looking at this species, it definitely earns the name, Sazima’s Hairy Blue Tarantula!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Pamphobeteus mature males are gorgeous! In most tarantula species, once a male molts out as mature, they often become straw color or drab. This is wise camouflage for males that are venturing out into the world for the first time since they left their egg sac. In many of the species of tarantulas that are in the Genus Pamphobeteus, the males don't do it like that. Instead, they opt for Vegas style fabulous! Their femurs, patellas, and tibias (the first three top visible leg segments coming out from the body) turn metallic blues, purples or pinks! Their carapace (top of their “head”) turns jet black with the same metallic color making a pattern striating out from the center. The pattern over the eyes make an arrow shape pointing toward the center. Many predators do not see well on the extreme blue end of the spectrum. Tarantulas, however, do. These electric colors created by refracting scales make them stand out to potential mates but not so much potential predators. Clever! Here is a Pamphobeteus Sp. ‘Machala’ mature male. In the next frame, compare him to his stockier, drab colored mate.


Make Your Bed! Some tarantula species love to make their bed, literally! While some species of spider use their silk to catch their prey, tarantulas use theirs for home making and an early warning system. Here you can see three species doing just that. Here we have the Entre Rios Tarantula (Grammostola iheringi), the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens), and the Rear Horned Baboon Tarantula (Caratogyrus darlingi) keeping a tidy and tight home!



Chilobrachys natanacharum is also known as the Electric Blue Tarantula. In a world where just about everything wants to eat you, it is a strategy for the survival of your species to hide from everything that wants to eat you, but attract a member of the opposite sex. This species took a page from the Dead :Leaf Butterfly. This butterfly has mottled gray wings that look remarkably like dead leaves, when folded. When they open their wings, they reveal streaks of bright orange. This tarantula is mud brown when seen from above. But when it spreads its frontmost legs and its pedipalps (kinda like arms), it shows off the inside face of these appendages. Here it has gorgeous electric blue and metallic lavender scales that refract light causing iridescence. It turns out that tarantulas see better on the blue end of the spectrum and can see each other, even in near dark conditions, when they flash the blue, inside edges of their front legs. This is actually a difficult thing to catch on camera. I have been trying for months to catch this spider's beauty. With a little advice from fellow tarantula breeder, Kelly Fornez, I finally managed it. He said the key was a darker room and a bright flash. I think these pictures show that it did the trick!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Avicularia avicularia M2 (formerly Avicularia braunshauseni) is also known as the Goliath Pink Toe. Like many of its closely related species, this species has undergone a bit of an identity crisis. For now we can agree that, whatever the name, it is one of the prettiest tarantulas on the market. Here is a picture of an inch and a half spiderling, and a three inch juvenile next to a 5 inch young adult. Also like so many other Avicularia, it changes color and pattern drastically as it grows. These are called ontogenetic (age related) changes.



Her size is not the measure of her value! When most people think of tarantulas, they think of giant spiders. While the largest existing species of spider ever measured is a tarantula, not all tarantulas are giant spiders. There are many coveted dwarf species sporadically available in the hobby. Cyriocosmus leetzi, the Venezuelan Dwarf Beauty Tarantula, is definitely among them. Topping out at barely two inches, this gem of the Colombian Rainforest is the envy of any collector!

Ceratogyrus marshalli is known as the Straight Horned Baboon. Like a few other closely related species, they have a protrusion extending up from their carapace, where most other tarantulas have a divot, called the fovea. Biologists do not agree on why they have it or what purpose it may serve. Many people are impressed by the bright, flashy colors that can be found on many of the most popular species. However, fans of this species seem to appreciate the tones and patterns that can be found on this tarantula. With dappled spots on their abdomen and radiating striations on its carapace in tones of brown and bronze, it is easy to see why this handsome species has been popular for the last two decades!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Stegodyphus dufouri is also known as the Egyptian Pink Velvet Spider. This tiny beauty can be found throughout North and West Africa, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia. I love the way that the pattern above their eyes makes them look like they are perpetually sorry about something. It looks as if they approach their prey and say, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to eat you now”.

Psalmopoeus pulcher is also known as the Panamanian Blonde Tarantula. Just as each breed of dog is generally known to have typical dispositions, so too do tarantulas. Psalmopoeus pulcher is known to be a very defensive species with a quick temper! The funny thing is that their scientific name translates roughly from the Latin as, “Beautiful poetic song”. Yeah, maybe if that beautiful poetic song was a terrifying battle hymn! It is an extremely pretty spider, though!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

The Seven Dwarfs: When people think of tarantulas, they mostly think of giant spiders. While some of the largest spiders in the world are tarantulas, some tarantulas never get bigger than a few inches. The term “Dwarves” only applies to Tolkien's fictional race and other fantasy creatures inspired by them. Dwarfism is a term denoting something, especially an animal or plant, that is much smaller than the usual size for its type or species. Today we will feature Seven awesome Dwarf species of Tarantula. First, we feature Harpactira pulchripes, commonly known as the Golden Blue Leg Baboon Tarantulas. This tarantula is native to the arid scrubland of the eastern cape of South Africa. The habitat that this spider comes from is remarkably drab, mostly varying shades of brown. Remarkably, this spider with such flamboyant colors blends right in. When you see pictures of this species online, they look like they have been photoshopped. Then you see them in person and their blue is so intense that it still looks photoshopped. The intensity of their blue is explained because it comes from color that has been refracted by special scales on their leg. The refracted color comes out as an iridescent electric blue. The scientific species epithet of this species, “pulchripes” translates into English as, “Pretty Feet”!

Next we feature Cyriocosmus sellatus, commonly known as the Peruvian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula. Although these gems of the Peruvian Rainforest seem quite tiny next to the giants of the genus Theraphosa, they are actually quite large and bulky compared to their close relatives in the genus Cyriocosmus. Like many of their close relatives, they have a shiny heart shaped patch on their abdomen. This is interesting for two reasons. One is that, although it is not shaped like that, this spider’s actual heart runs right underneath this heart. The other is that this heart shape pattern is made up of specialized urticating hairs that fall off when disturbed by a predator or by them when they are angry. These urticating hairs are a nightmarish cross between poison ivy and fiberglass insulation and function something like a powdered pepper spray for the tarantulas protection. Well, they say, “love hurts”.

Thirdly, we will feature Kochiana brunnipes, also known as the Brazilian Dwarf Pink Leg Tarantula. The species epithet for this species, “brunnipes” translates loosely to, “Brown Feet”. The Common Name says the feet are pink. I would say that they are more of a light red, but either way, this is a gorgeous tarantula! These tiny Brazilian Beauties rarely gets over two inches and are generally known to be very tolerant spiders.

Next, we move on to feature Hapalopus formosus, also known as the Pumpkin Patch Tarantula. This tarantula earns its Halloween association with a bold black and orange pattern on its carapace and abdomen. This species is known for the females to get disproportionately large abdomens, compared to the rest of their body. The females are often 4 to 5 times larger than the males. I think even Linus would have to agree that this is one gorgeous Pumpkin Patch.

Our fifth dwarf species is Davus pentaloris, also known as the Guatemalan Tiger Rump Tarantula. This petite Guatemalan beauty rarely gets over 3 ½ inches in diagonal leg span. This fast growing species is known for coating everything in their habitat in silk and making silken tunnels underneath the resulting silken mat. I love that copper carapace!!

Next we will feature Cilantica psychadelicus (formerly Haploclastus devamatha), whose common name is the Psychedelic Earth Tiger. It has also been known as the Polychromatic Earth Tiger. Both of those names refer to the intensely iridescent blues, pinks, and purples that have metallic sheens. Its scientific name comes from Deva Matha Central School in Bangalore, India. This species is well known to be a pet hole. That just makes it all the more special the rare times that you do see this spider as she is absolutely breathtaking!!

Finally, we will feature Hapalopus vangoghi, also known as the Speckle Patch Tarantula. This species is the largest of its group, measuring up to four inches. And while that is pretty massive for your average house spider, the are still dwarfs among their kind. This species has only recently become available in the hobby. They have even more recently been taxonified, or properly assigned a scientific name. Their species epithet, “vangoghi” was given to it in honor of Vincent Van Gogh!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

There are two very popular species of Tarantulas, kept as pets, that are very easy to confuse. These are the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula and the Mexican Giant Orange Knee Tarantula. Brachypelma smithi was first described in 1897. However, in 1994, a man named A. M. Smith redescribed the species using two adult specimens that actually belonged to B. hamorii. B. hamorii was first described, years later, in 1997 by Marc Tesmoingt, Frédéric Cleton, and Jean Verdez. In 2017, J. Mendoza and O. Francke used DNA barcoding to clarify the distinction between the two species. They found that the two species have different DNA barcodes and can be distinguished by other morphological features. Here are some of those visible morphological differences, to help us hobbyists tell the difference. On the left is Brachypelma hamorii. On the right, Brachypelma smithi. In the first picture, you can see the front of the tarantulas showing the leg pattern differences. On B. hamorii, there is only red on the “knee segment” (patella). The rest of the segments are cream colored. On B smithi, the red/orange can be seen on each of the lighter colored bands.

The second picture shows the top (carapace) of the tarantulas. On B hamorii, the carapace is dark, with a red ring along the outermost edge. On B smithi we see that the majority of the carapace is red with a dark triangle over the eye mound.

The third picture shows the sides of the patellas of the number one (first towards the front) leg pairs. On B hamorii, the color is only on the top of the patella. It has black on the sides and bottom of that leg segment. On B smithi, the color is completely across the sides of their patellas, with no black visible from the side or above.

Hopefully this can help you differentiate between these two awesome and popular Tarantulas!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

There has been a lot of reclassification of the spider known as Avicularia avicularia. The Tarantula that has always been known as the Common Pink Toe was dubbed Avicularia avicularia Morphotype One. As an adult, it is typically so dark blue as to appear nearly black. This species has a broad natural range, from Guyana to Suriname. While there is a typical look for Common Pink Toes, there is a group from Northern Guyana that retain that spectacular blue color, throughout their lives. These have been termed, “The North Guyana Blue Pink Toe” but are still scientifically known as Avicularia avicularia Morphotype One. Here we see a couple of excellent examples of adult female North Guyana Blues that we keep here at Josh's Frogs.


Although most species of tarantula have one consistent look throughout each species, there are some that come in different varieties. Today we will look at the Trinidad Olive Tarantula, known scientifically as Neoholothele incei. This gorgeous dwarf species from the dry scrublands of Trinidad, Venezuela, and the Caribbean actually comes in two color forms. The original is a classic, the Trinidad Olive Tarantula has a metallic pale green hue as an adult female. There is also the Trinidad Olive Tarantula Gold Form, which, as it sounds, has a shiny golden hue. Here we see two adult females that live here at Josh’s Frogs. We call them Frick (the Gold) and Frack (the Olive). They are heavy webbers and it is not difficult to see why they are so popular. Under the correct conditions, this species can be kept communally.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

The Thai Golden Fringed Tarantula, known scientifically as Ornithoctonus aureotibialis, is an uncommon tarantula that definitely deserves a bit more attention. This Thai beauty from the tropical rainforests of Thailand, Myanmar and Malaysia is rarely seen where it comes from. That is because this species is an inveterate burrow dweller that never leaves its home except for if it is destroyed or if it becomes a mature male. This gorgeous tarantula looks like it is reflecting back a golden light source hitting its front legs. You might not see this beauty out of its home much, but when you do, it is all worth it!!


Amazonian Pink Toe Tarantula After quite a lot of re-classification, the Amazonian Pink Toe Tarantula is known as Avicularia juruensis Morphotype 2. Like other Pink Toe Tarantulas, they change quite a bit as they age. When they are babies, they have pink legs with black toes and orange stripey butts. As they grow, their legs darken, they gain the famous pink tips to their toes, and the stripey pattern on their abdomen fades into a red blush on either side.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Let's talk about Forced Perspective. Some pictures on the internet are deliberately presented to be misleading. Many of us have seen pictures of people holding up 8 foot corn snakes or nearly foot long Camel Spiders. One way to make a creature look bigger is called forced perspective. Things that are closer, appear larger. The opposite is also true. Things that are further away look smaller. These creatures are presented to look larger than they are by being closer to the camera than the person holding it up. Here we have what appears to be the largest mature male Trinidad Chevron that ever lived. My hand behind it makes it look to be at least nine inches. But, remember, things that are further away look smaller. What you can't tell is that my hand is several inches behind the spider. My hand is further and the spider is closer, so it looks much bigger, relative to my hand. In the second picture, my hand is directly on the other side of the glass from the tarantula and you get a better idea of its true size!


Not all spiders have to be brightly colored to be gorgeous! The Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula is scientifically known as Heteroscodra maculata. As babies, they are a fawny, speckled brown. As they mature, those browns are traded out for high contrast black, white, and gray. I, personally, love the bold black triangles ordering their eye mounds. Appropriately enough, that gives them an angry look. I say appropriate because they are famous for a very short, often violently defensive, temper. This is not a spider to take lightly. They have what is called, “medically significant venom” While there has never been a human death from a tarantula, the symptoms of a medically significant tarantula bite include; pain, swelling, possible nausea, possible disorientation, and possible religion. Even then, these symptoms usually clear up in just a few days. The lesson of caution and respect hopefully lasts longer.

 

[TheraMygale]

Nice pictures and descriptions. Its a lot of effort.

 

[Joshs Frogs]

Nice pictures and descriptions. Its a lot of effort.

Thanks!! I'm having a lot of fun with this!

 

[TheraMygale]

Thanks!! I'm having a lot of fun with this!

thats the point really.

we don’t have enough tarantula pictures, in my opinion.

the members who have good equipement, and time, to take shots, are very helpful.

 

[Nitroxide]

Love all the pictures and the info given as well! The forced perspective one really was interesting and well done and described. Beautiful specimens too!!

 

[Joshs Frogs]

You mad, bro’? Some species of tarantulas are known to be easily provoked to give a defensive display. This is known as a, “Threat Pose”. They raise up their numbers one and two leg pairs, exposing their fangs. These are normally tucked up underneath them, to keep them out of the way. But, being oriented down, they can not bite directly in front of them. They have to raise them above their intended target and slam them down, reinforcing the bite by grabbing their target and bringing them towards them, driving their fangs deeper and with more force. While that all sounds impressive, or even maybe a bit intimidating, remember that anything that is not directly below their fangs are reasonably safe from them. For all the ferocity of their fangs, they are actually quite vulnerable, particularly from above and behind. They are frequently prey to birds and larger, predatory flying insects, like wasps. Most tarantulas do not want to be called out on what is usually a bluff, so they posture in place, striking at air. While the threat of a tarantula bite is easy to avoid when you are being careful and aware, too many careless keepers have found out the hard way that not being fatal is not quite the same thing as harmless. Be careful, read your tarantula’s body language and their threat pose will be nothing more than posture.



Have you ever meme-ified your pets? We all love to take pictures and we all love memes! Some of us have taken those two loves a step further by meme-ifying their own pets. Most people do it with their cats and dogs because most people have cats and dogs. That doesn’t mean that those of us with more exotic pets can’t get in on the fun! My Togo Starburst would almost look like she was begging, at the top of her cage for a cricket snack. She reminded me of the, “I can has cheezburger” cat of ancient meme fame. So, I gave her the, “I can has cheezburger” cat’s pleading eyes, via a little copy/paste, and made her into a meme. My Theraphosa stirmi always looked so happy and satisfied when I gave her earthworms that she reminded me of a dog with a bone. A few short minutes with photoshop and she was a meme, now, too! Do you guys have any memes that you have made out of your exotic pets? Please share them with us below!