Pamphobeteus sp. ‘mascara’

[antinous]

Don’t really know too much about these guys other than they’re from the Manabi area of Ecuador an that they do well in either tropical and dry set ups. Does anybody have this species and can comment on the size? I’ve heard that they can push 9” or so and on the other hand I heard they ‘medium’ sized maxing at 6”.

 

[Nightstalker47]

Keep them like any other pampho, moist sub and good vent...size would be 7-8" range for adults.

 

[antinous]

Keep them like any other pampho, moist sub and good vent...size would be 7-8" range for adults.

I’ve actually read that they can be kept in dry areas, similar to Brachypelma. Also made a quick stop to the region where they’re supposedly found near Manabi, Ecuador and it’s quite dry. Just was confused on the size range as from sellers I’ve heard 6” was a decent size for them whilw other sellers say 9” is average. Thanks for the reply!

 

[sasker]

I have one, but she hasn't reached adult size yet. A nice species. I keep mine on slightly damp substrate, and let it dry out before moistening again. The bottom layers of substrate never dry out, so she can go down her burrow if she thinks it's too dry. But she is out most of the time so I think they don't mind if it is somewhat dryer.

 

[KezyGLA]

I have some. They get fairly large. One of the bigger Pamphs for sure.

I just keep have sub moist and half dry.

 

[antinous]

I have some. They get fairly large. One of the bigger Pamphs for sure.

I just keep have sub moist and half dry.

Do they rival the antinous in size? I feel like it would be pretty cool to see a giant black spider and brown spider back to back. Also, what size enclosure would you keep an adult female in? Trying to see what kind of ‘show’ enclosure I should get as an acrylic enclosure store is having a sale

 

[johnny quango]

@Phormic28 I have an adult female that I've raised from 1/2" to the 7" she is now, for me I kept her on moist sub while under 3" then since then I've kept her on dry substrate.
I also have a juvenile male Pamphobeteus sp mascara that I keep the same way and they are both thriving. You've heard correctly that they can be kept either way. Unlike most other Pamphobeteus that need moisture or at least shorter periods of time being dry these are very adaptable,

There are rumours that females of this species hit 8-9" and males around 7-7.5" and watching 1st hand I wouldn't disagree with this but for me time will tell

 

[antinous]

@Phormic28 I have an adult female that I've raised from 1/2" to the 7" she is now, for me I kept her on moist sub while under 3" then since then I've kept her on dry substrate.
I also have a juvenile male Pamphobeteus sp mascara that I keep the same way and they are both thriving. You've heard correctly that they can be kept either way. Unlike most other Pamphobeteus that need moisture or at least shorter periods of time being dry these are very adaptable,

There are rumours that females of this species hit 8-9" and males around 7-7.5" and watching 1st hand I wouldn't disagree with this but for me time will tell

Thanks for the reply! Do you have any pics of them by any chance? Also how long did it take the female to reach 7” from 1/2”? I have a sneaking suspicion that my gf got me one, or hopefully more haha.

Would it be safe to get it a 16 inch x 16 inch x 8 inch enclosure for an adult female, unless they get over 7”?

 

[boina]

Would it be safe to get it a 16 inch x 16 inch x 8 inch enclosure for an adult female, unless they get over 7”?

That sounds small... All my Pamphos are in 24x12x12", although I admit that probably wouldn't be necessary for the smaller ones like insignis and petersi, but mascara is one of the larger ones... My cf. nigricolor is 7" and uses every inch of her enclosure.

 

[antinous]

That sounds small... All my Pamphos are in 24x12x12", although I admit that probably wouldn't be necessary for the smaller ones like insignis and petersi, but mascara is one of the larger ones... My cf. nigricolor is 7" and uses every inch of her enclosure.

You’re right, I was looking at one that’s 20x16x8, idk why I typed out 16x16x8, I usually keep my adult Pamphos in enclosures this size at least

 

[johnny quango]

@Phormic28 this is my adult female I haven't been able to get a chance to take a picture of the male because he is a pet hole

 

[antinous]

@Phormic28 this is my adult female I haven't been able to get a chance to take a picture of the male because he is a pet hole View attachment 290784 View attachment 290785

Nice! How long did it take her to reach that size?

 

[johnny quango]

Nice! How long did it take her to reach that size?

I've had her around 3 1/2 years and she was only 1/2" when I got her. I've been told these are almost as large as T blondi/stirmi when they hatch so I suspect that you get a lower yield from egg sacs.
Just to give you an indication of her size that water dish in front of her is just over 1" in diameter

 

[antinous]

I've had her around 3 1/2 years and she was only 1/2" when I got her. I've been told these are almost as large as T blondi/stirmi when they hatch so I suspect that you get a lower yield from egg sacs.
Just to give you an indication of her size that water dish in front of her is just over 1" in diameter

Interesting, thanks for the information! Do you own any other species of Pampho by any chance?

 

[johnny quango]

Interesting, thanks for the information! Do you own any other species of Pampho by any chance?

Yeah I have 2 Pamphobeteus nigricolors and a machalla, unfortunately all three are mature males

 

[antinous]

Yeah I have 2 Pamphobeteus nigricolors and a machalla, unfortunately all three are mature males

Ah, well on the bright side they are still stunning!

Would you say the mascara is more skittish or more ‘bold’? Trying to see if they’d make a better show specimen or not.

 

[sasker]

Unless you are constantly ticking on the glass of your enclosure, you will see her most of the time. Mine tends to stand with er face inside her burrow and her butt outside Compared to some of my other tarantulas, my P. mascara is not the skittiest of the bunch. I can even pick up and put down the enclosure without her running away if I am careful.

 

[johnny quango]

Ah, well on the bright side they are still stunning!

Would you say the mascara is more skittish or more ‘bold’? Trying to see if they’d make a better show specimen or not.

My juvenile male is fairly skittish and will bolt if I move his enclosure. My adult female is the polar opposite she doesn't flick, threat pose or run she is out and about 100% of the time, I've never seen her use the hide provided so I'd say my female is a great show specimen

 

[antinous]

Quick question @johnny quango , at what size did they start gaining their adult coloration? Getting a bit impatient with mine. They're all around this 1.5"-2" currently, but I'm guessing it won't be till they hit around 4"?

 

[johnny quango]

Quick question @johnny quango , at what size did they start gaining their adult coloration? Getting a bit impatient with mine. They're all around this 1.5"-2" currently, but I'm guessing it won't be till they hit around 4"?

View attachment 295138 View attachment 295139

If I remember correctly it was around the 3" mark, as adults the Christmas tree markings are still dark and very visible unlike some other Pamphobeteus