Shiny grey tunelling spider

[Scorp guy]

Who owns one? im looking to buy one from krazy 8's inverts. id like to know more about them.

thanks.

 

[lucanidae]

I'm sure C-land can tell you about them, but I'll give you a preview.....FAST FAST FAST!!! Definetly a cool looking spider though.

 

[P. Novak]

i just checked it out and those do look very interesting, so if someone can post some information (esp. husbandry) id really appreciate it! THANKs.

 

[c-land]

Just got one

I just got one from Chris at Krazy8s recently and have it in a cylindrical container with a diameter of ~8 inches and about 5-6 inches of a peat/vermiculite/sand/potting soil mix. It began its burrow (it appears to be more lateral than the typical vertical trapdoor burrow) within a day of captivity, and has also chased down and eaten a large cricket. The spider itself is beautiful and EXTREMELY quick as well as easily agitated (it performed an aerial escape during the first attempt to transfer it from the vial to the enclosure!). Otherwise, Chris told me that they are generally pretty hardy, eat more often than trapdoors, and have survived (and molted) in his care for about a year. So far seems to me to be a great spider. Hope this helps a bit,
Mike

Also, I believe that the same variety of spider is shown in Todd Gearheart's spider gallery photo page and is listed as a member of the family Barychelidae. I admittedly know little of this family, or its apparent members, but thought that some taxonomic information might help someone in their search.

 

[P. Novak]

So do these burrow and stay burrowed or do they come out atleast?

I read from here http://www.tarantulaspiders.com/pages/spidergallery.htm
that it makes a Y formation type of burrow? whats that?

 

[lucanidae]

I'm taking care of C-Land's spider right now, and I can tell you it generally sits at the opening of it's burrow, like a trapdoor without the door. It dosen't seem to retreat nearly as quickly down the burrow though. As for the Y shape, you've got me on that one.

 

[P. Novak]

Thanks! These do sound very interesting! i want one, do you know the venom of these? Can you possibly get a pic of the burrow?

 

[lucanidae]

I'll try to get a pic of the burrow, but it's not againast the wall so it may be difficult. Venom is unknown, but I guess should be assumed nasty until proven otherwise. Like I said before, these are FAST!

 

[Brian S]

Is this a Myglamorph or a True Spider?

 

[P. Novak]

im not sure brian, maybe erik will know.


erik if you can do you think you can get a size comparison pic, if you can.

 

[Henry Kane]

Brian,
I believe Barychelids are mygales.

Gary

 

[lucanidae]

Definetly mygal, even has shiny tarsi like tarantulas! I'll post pics of this sp. if possible tommorow in this thread.

 

[Brian S]

Ok thanks,

Can someone tell me what the adult size is and where they are from?

 

[Ryan C.]

They're from Tanzania and dont know about adult size but the ones Chris are selling are 3"

 

[Steve Turner]

Got one of these

It is a Mygalomorph spider (chelicerae articulate downwards). Builds a Trapdoor tunnel doing well at a humidity of 65 - 70%.was Told by the Guy I got mine off theat the adult legspan is around 10cm. Are very fast be careful if you get one because mine ran up my forceps when iI opened its trapdoor entrance! Also may want to note that these may have quite a nasty bite.... however beautiful spider!

Steve.