Skeleton Tarantula

[rknralf]

Yesterday I did a little shopping and came home with a Salmon Pink L. parahybana and a Skeleton E. murinus. I'm pretty sure I know what kind of set up I need for the Salmon Pink, but am curious about the Skeleton. She is a big female, approximately 4.5 - 5 inches and has a feisty attitude.
Anyone with experince in them, I would love to hear how I should complete her setup.
Also, I assume she is wild caught, since she is missing a leg and because of her size, what is the possibility that she may have mated in the wild? Are the seasons such that it is possible?
Thanks!
Ralph

 

[kellygirl]

Well that's funny! Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went to an exotic animal show and came back with both of those species. I bought the E. murinus for him--it's his first spider. I was unable to find any caresheets for this species, so I did some research and made one for him! So here it is:

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French Guyana Skeleton
(Ephebopus murinus)

DESCRIPTION
Size: a relatively small species reaching 4-6"

Longevity: ?

Food: crickets, mealworms, occasional pinkie mouse

Temperament: This species is fast, skittish, and aggressive so I'd say handling is not a good idea. But then again, every tarantula is different. Just watch and see what yours is like and maybe one day you can hold him/her!

ENVIRONMENT

Habitat: The natural habitat of this species is the rainforest floor and woodland so high temps and humidity are key.

Temperature: 75-85 degrees is best, leaning more towards the 80s.

Humidity: This species needs high humidity (75-90%) so aim for a moist/damp soil but not wet (keeps mites away). To keep the humidity up, mist the cage or pour water along sides of glass at least once every other day. Also have a large waterdish available since some tarantulas will actually drink from the dish and it will also keep the humidity up. If you want to keep it more humid in the cage, you can also put seran-wrap over part of the screen top to hold in moisture.

Setup: You've got a Terrestrial/Burrowing spider meaning it will make a burrow if you allow enough soil for it to do so--deep substrate is ideal. You can use a peat moss/potting soil mix or a peat moss/vermiculite mix, depending on availability. Also, a half-log shelter or small flowerpot on its side will make a good hide for it.

OTHER STUFF

Notes: The urticating hairs are on the pedipalps instead of on the abdomen, so if you see them moving, don't let your hands get in the way! In all probability, you won't have a reaction but some people are allergic to the hairs and get itchy rashes. This species not often available in pet trade--so good choice!

PICTURES
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/the.tarantula.store/E.murinus.htm
http://tarantulasmadeeasy.freewebspace.com/emurinuscare.htm
http://www1.freewebs.com/tarantulasmadeeasy/emurinuscare.htm
http://www.swiftinverts.com/pix/Skeleto2.jpg
http://tarantulas.differentdawn.com/skel/EPHE1.jpg
http://tarantulas.differentdawn.com/skel/EPHE5.jpg

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Hope that helps! Congrats on some wonderful spiders. I think you'll quickly find that the parahybana is a bottomless pit!!! My little sucka has inhaled every cricket I've dropped in there. =D

kellygirl

 

[rknralf]

Kelligirl,
Thanks very much! Both tarantulas have eaten everything I put in for them. I'm sure I will enjoy both. Both are females, the Skeleton as I indicated above and the Salmon Pink was sexed by the shop through both visual and by molt.
I had been wanting a Sheleton for quite a while, and the Salmon Pink, I just couldn't pass up.
Take care,
Ralph

 

[RugbyDave]

murinus is a really cool T! I'd say just keep the humidity on the upper end witha bigger water dish, and its cool!

Nice caresheet, KG!!

peace
dave

 

[bodc21]

kelly do you think that was a good starter tarantula for him?
all i hear is m u r d e r

 

[kellygirl]

Originally posted by bodc21
kelly do you think that was a good starter tarantula for him?
all i hear is m u r d e r

I bought this tarantula for him because it was the first species he'd gotten really excited about and I hopped on the opportunity to make a tarantula-lover out of him. He has been around my tarantulas many times, held several of the adults, and even kept my entire collection at his apartment over winter break (1 month). And he is doing just fine with this one so far. I helped him set up the aquarium and the spider has taken up residence in a flowerpot on it's side, and done some extensive webbing around the entrance. Shaun is still a little nervous about handling this one but I held it when we were transferring it into its new enclosure--and it showed no signs of aggression. I don't see why he couldn't care for this species with my help. So which part makes you hear 'm u r d e r,' jason?

kellygirl

 

[bodc21]

well kelly.

i wouldnt suggest this the E. murinus as a starter tarantula
and would not at all suggest holding him/her
i had one and it was an evil little girl but with your experience i dont see a problem with it hope your bf has a good time with his new spider!
-jason

 

[vulpina]

You will love the parahybana, they are such an awesome species, great feeders and always visible, the Skeleton will be a burrower so give it enough substrate to allow for this and keep the humidity up. The skeleton is definately not a species for handling as they are skittish and aggressive.

Andy