- Joined
- Feb 22, 2013
- Messages
- 3,292
Many people do, but when given the option, they burrow. These are much less of a "pet hole" than the rest I'm about to bring up, and also one of only two NW on the list. A. seemanni are fairly docile relatively speaking, but quite a bit more skittish than their cousin A. chalcodes. As always with these Aphonopelma, though, they're slow growing. Be prepared for that. But this is the only beginner tarantula on the list, and frankly one of my favorite. It also likes it a bit more humid, so you could even set up a vivarium if you're up for thatI did not know this is an obligate burrowing species I always pictured these being housed terrestrial
The only other NW would be M. robustum, and again, they like it humid as well. They burrow deep, but are on the surface at all hours... until they get startled. They are probably the most skittish spider I've ever owned, and they're fast. But they always make a B-line to their hole. Gorgeous spider and out constantly. Couldn't ask for much more.
P. muticus was already brought up, but this is certainly a pet hole. Unless you're lucky enough to have it make the burrow right up against the glass/plastic, you'll never see this one unless you're fond of midnight viewings. This is an advanced species, and quite defensive.
M. balfouri don't burrow very deep, but they are considered burrowers. They also incorporate heavy webbing into their homes. They're fairly passive as far as OW's go, but remember that they're still a baboon. When it comes to fight or flight, they'll usually choose flight.
C. darlingi is a great beginner OW species if that's what you're looking for. They will absolutely bite if antagonized, but hopefully you're not going to antagonize it. They're easy to keep because they take it absolutely bone dry in specimens larger than 2", and they're a bit passive in terms of defensiveness. They won't run for the hills at every disturbance, but they will make their way into their hole when disturbed. Also, it's got a horn. So there's that.
Finally, you can choose anything from the Chilobrachys genus, but C. fimbriatus is my favorite. You can actually choose to have either a heavy webber or an obligate burrower - they're perfectly happy to do either. If you want a burrower, then provide a starter burrow with no webbing anchor points. You'll have a pet hole in no time. If you want a webber, provide plenty of webbing anchor points. The latter will turn it into a display spider. Heads up on this species: if a spider can be called aggressive, this is it. They won't stand their ground when threatened, they will actually chase down intruders within the confines of their enclosure. They seem very reluctant to leave the enclosure, however. Note that they are always willing to bite. Nasty venom and a nasty attitude, but one of my favorite species out there.