Recommended fossoral species?

[Phases]

I need a good fossoral for my collection. I currently have what you see in my signature. Preferably nothing described as "aggressive" as that does not please my wife. I'd like something interesting if there is such an option. For example in The Dark Rooms (I think) YouTube channel there was one mentioned that always makes two entrances, which I found cool. I like the 5-7 inch adult sizes best.

Thanks for any suggestions Also, why ?

 

[Nightstalker47]

I need a good fossoral for my collection. I currently have what you see in my signature. Preferably nothing described as "aggressive" as that does not please my wife. I'd like something interesting if there is such an option. For example in The Dark Rooms (I think) YouTube channel there was one mentioned that always makes two entrances, which I found cool. I like the 5-7 inch adult sizes best.

Thanks for any suggestions Also, why ?

I think what your looking for is either E.pachypus or A.ezendami. Some other good options are P.muticus and H.gigas. They are beautiful Ts, although larger and more feisty, they also build burrows with multiple entrances.

 

[Moonohol]

Chilobrachys and Harpactira spp. have not disappointed me at all thus far. My Chilobrachys sp. electric blue have both constructed very interesting web labyrinths that give way to tunnel systems below the substrate. My H. pulchripes makes interesting burrows as well but spends plenty of time in the open as well. I'd also recommend H. chrysogaster and H. marksi.

 

[sasker]

I think the OP may not be ready for OW just yet, as he has four tarantulas so far, all of them NW species. If @Phases wants to take the plunge into OW, I think the E. pachypus is his best bet. This is a species that I have set my sights on as my first OW as they are among the calmest African species. There are not many NW species that burrow. Ephebopus spp. come to mind, but they are quite defensive and reclusive from what I have heard. On the other hand, they could be a good choices as a 'bridge species' into OW. From the New World species, Neoholothele incei may be interesting temperament-wise, but they remain relatively small.

I think P. muticus and H. gigas would not be the best choice if you are looking for a not so 'aggressive' (or rather defensive) species.

P.s. B. smithi recently became B. hamorii, you may want to change that in your signature

 

[Walker253]

Of my fossorial species, I find the easiest and also probably hardiest species is the Ceratogyrus darlingi. Yeah they have a bite that would ruin a day, but they dart down in their hole when anything is going on. I just don't see nor hear of any crazed examples.
C darlingi also tend to hang out at the mouth of their burrow so they are often seen, unlike my H gigas and P muticus that I've had. Plus that horn is cool.
I believe they are an easy OW for someone entering that part of the hobby. Just keep fingers out.

 

[Ungoliant]

I need a good fossoral for my collection. I currently have what you see in my signature. Preferably nothing described as "aggressive" as that does not please my wife.

Many tarantulas will burrow as slings but stop burrowing as they get bigger. So the term "fossorial" or "burrower" refers only to species that burrow as adults.

Burrowers are generally broken down into two categories: obligate and opportunistic. An obligate burrower needs to be given appropriate substrate for burrowing. An opportunistic burrower will burrow if given the opportunity (a setup with deep substrate that will support a burrow).

There is some debate among the hobby about which species are truly fossorial (obligate burrowers) and which are just opportunistic burrowers. However, generally speaking, many of the obligate burrowers are from the Old World, which tend to have more potent venom and a more defensive disposition. I wouldn't recommend any Old World species to a new keeper or to one who would prefer to avoid defensive species.

So what are the New World options? (I have not kept any of these, so if you are interested in more detailed information about them, use the search function or wait for some other keepers to weigh in.) There aren't as many New World species that burrow as adults, but here are some:

• Ephebopus are fast and have a defensive temperament. (Some of them are downright cranky.) For this reason, they are considered to be bridge species for those who are looking to build experience in anticipation of getting into Old World species.
• Megaphobema robustum is gorgeous but generally defensive.
• Aphonopelma seemanni is an opportunistic burrower. It's a New World species, so it has mild venom, and it's generally not defensive. It's reasonably priced and easy to find.
• Aphonopelma hentzi (another New World species) is often said to be an opportunistic burrower. It's reasonably priced and easy to find.

 

[Leila]

For example in The Dark Rooms (I think) YouTube channel

Are you referring to @petkokc's youtube channel, The Dark Den?

 

[sasker]

Are you referring to @petkokc's youtube channel, The Dark Den?

I think he does. I am not sure which species he referred to, though. It sounded vaguely familiar when he mentioned a tarantula with two entrances to its burrow, but I could have seen this on a different channel.

 

[Moakmeister]

Aphonopelma seemani is what you are looking for, I believe. They're total pet holes from what I've heard, and being an Aphonopelma sp. they are very docile. If you want a tiny fossorial spider, then get a Cyriocosmus elegans. Why? BECAUSE IT HAS A HEART ON ITS BUTT

 

[boina]

A. seemanni is not really a fossorial species - they might burrow but many do not (mine never has, despite opportunity) and the same goes for A. hentzi.

When it comes to NW species I think Ephebopus spp. and Megaphobema spp. are pretty much it. M. robustum is gorgeous, but usually it makes a burrow and disappears, never to be seen again. Other Megaphobema are hard to find and can be pricey. Ephebopus is extremely fast and willing to use that speed - and it's fangs, if it comes down to it.

I've no personal experience with OW burrowers as I don't like pet holes, but from what I've heard Ceratogyrus is a good idea, if you like the horn, and if not get a meridionalis. Ok, I lied, I do have two tiny C. meridionalis slings and they are very cute and often show their legs at the entrance, if that counts as experience

 

[Tomoran]

IF you're ready to take on an Old World, I would second @Nightstalker47 's suggestion of E. pachypus. They are reclusive, recognized as usually being very chill for an Old World species (temperaments may vary), and create some really cool and unique burrows. I have two females, and both have two vertical entrances that they burst out of to catch prey. Plus, those extra thick and hairy back legs are adorable and quite unique looking. You won't see them that often, and when you do catch them out, they tend to scuttle to one of their burrow entrances. Adult females are smaller, so an enclosure with 6-7" of sub would do fine.

 

[johnny quango]

I agree with others as regards to old world E pachypus is the best option to start with in my opinion less defensive, less potent venom and a little smaller.

If on the other hand it's new world you're after then the best choice is Megaphobema robustum they tend to be a lot less defensive than say Ephebopus sp which I personally regard as possibly the most defensive of all new worlds.
M robustum grow pretty quickly they're easy to care for and great feeding response.

If you want something a little different then Cyriocosmus sellatus could be it they're a small dwarf species that as a great feeding response, they don't get very large and they have some crazy burrows with multiple entrances/exits and a plus is plenty of webbing

 

[Venom1080]

Well considering you just got into tarantulas and own two for a short time, I'd recommend a Megaphovema robustum. They grow fast, look amazing, and are really "active" for a fossorial.

They dig to the point of insanity, eventually using just about every bit of space under the ground. Very entertaining.

They also try to ninja kick you sometimes, I think that's a plus. Just avoid those back legs.
No double entrances tho, sorry. Or at least mine never bothered

 

[Phases]

Thanks all for the awesome replies! I guess let me just say a few things rather than quote everyone:

1. Yes, dark den. Love that guy. I'm fairly sure it was a rehousing video, and also fairly sure he has many of those so.... heh.

2. Love the suggestions, definitely going to check them all out, but currently most intrigued by fluffy back leg guy, the horned fella, ninja T, and the ones described as using lots of substrate to tunnel, with webbing, heart in butt, heh, etc

3. I might be new, fyi, to these T's, but I have had a couple before. I'm ready for anything. I'm a reasonably bright 38 year old man who isn't afraid of much, and in fact part of the appeal of spiders to me IS the danger or rather the perceived, misunderstood, "danger" of them. If it were up to me only, I'd get all the most ferocious But, I do have a wife, and kids, so. It's not up to just me. Defensive is fine - but "fast, timid and aggressive" is less than fine with her. And hey, I'm super luck she's been this cool about it all so, I'm good with the compromise Course that said, I've not had an OW before, and honestly I just don't know what they are like. You are the ones with the experience in that, so I just have to learn to listen, and trust that you know better

4. I do want variety. So, an OW is good just so I can .. have one. But that's not a requirement. I just want at this point one that burrows as part of its nature. My LP juvi, or sub adult or whatever he is (5, 5.5 inches) has burrowed to no end, but I'm sure he'll get out of that as an adult. I think it's cool

5. Oh yeah! Thanks for the heads up, will change my signature now for that b. hamorii

I will look into every spider mentioned here, thanks so much guys! Oh, ish't the regular ol striped knee a burrower? Not that I particularly want 'regular ol' but, I used to have one of those and he liked to do his thing..

 

[Andrea82]

Many tarantulas will burrow as slings but stop burrowing as they get bigger. So the term "fossorial" or "burrower" refers only to species that burrow as adults.

Burrowers are generally broken down into two categories: obligate and opportunistic. An obligate burrower needs to be given appropriate substrate for burrowing. An opportunistic burrower will burrow if given the opportunity (a setup with deep substrate that will support a burrow).

There is some debate among the hobby about which species are truly fossorial (obligate burrowers) and which are just opportunistic burrowers. However, generally speaking, many of the obligate burrowers are from the Old World, which tend to have more potent venom and a more defensive disposition. I wouldn't recommend any Old World species to a new keeper or to one who would prefer to avoid defensive species.

So what are the New World options? (I have not kept any of these, so if you are interested in more detailed information about them, use the search function or wait for some other keepers to weigh in.) There aren't as many New World species that burrow as adults, but here are some:

• Ephebopus are fast and have a defensive temperament. (Some of them are downright cranky.) For this reason, they are considered to be bridge species for those who are looking to build experience in anticipation of getting into Old World species.
• Megaphobema robustum is gorgeous but generally defensive.
• Aphonopelma seemanni is an opportunistic burrower. It's a New World species, so it has mild venom, and it's generally not defensive. It's reasonably priced and easy to find.
• Aphonopelma hentzi (another New World species) is often said to be an opportunistic burrower. It's reasonably priced and easy to find.

I didn't know M.robustum was defensive...I thought it was more of a kick and run type of species?

 

[sasker]

who isn't afraid of much, and in fact part of the appeal of spiders to me IS the danger

Although I am sure that many think that is a wrong reason to keep tarantulas for, I kind of understand where you are coming from. At least you are not keeping hot snakes Perhaps needless to say, but be very careful and do not underestimate the more 'dangerous' species, especially considering you have children in the house as well. Do a lot of reading and preparing before you purchase your spider. And watch lots of videos on YouTube. Although a great number of videos show idiots individuals who do not really know what they are doing who poke and prod their spiders for no good reason, it gives you an idea of what an Old World species is capable of.

Keep us in the loop about your purchases

 

[Phases]

Yea I mean it's not like I want to dance and cuddle with them, I'm just saying they are misunderstood.. and I like to prove that with proper precautions and care they are worthy pets

Yes, I always do (a little too much?) info gathering when going into a purchase when it comes to having choices, as I'm a very very indecisive person. I love google and youtube! ....and arachnoboards.

 

[mack1855]

I didn't know M.robustum was defensive...I thought it was more of a kick and run type of species?

IME,they are.

 

[johnny quango]

IME,they are.

Really? I'm with @Andrea82 mine as never and I mean never shown me any sort of defensive behavior, infact mine tends to shoot straight to her burrow

 

[Nightstalker47]

I think the OP may not be ready for OW just yet, as he has four tarantulas so far, There are not many NW species that burrow.

You would be surprised how many NW species will burrow if given the proper conditions. They may not dig as extensively as many OWs would but they will definitely establish a small den.

It really depends on the individual specimen sometimes. I had an adult B.albo that would dig deep tunnel systems, I've seen B.hamorii do this as well. Just saying many NWs will burrow... but often times they aren't offered the right conditions to do so.