Swimming tarantulas

[Ilovepredators]

Ive heard and seen on YouTube that Hysterocrates gigas is a tarantula that can and likes swimming. Since then I also heard Hysterocrates crassipes is another tarantula that is capable and enjoys swimming. I was just curious is this entire genus Hysterocrates all tarantula species the can and like to swim? AND are they the only ones?

 

[dredrickt]

There are a lot of claims about the H. Gigas going into water to avoid predators, fishing out of the water, swimming, etc. I haven't heard anyone here make explicit claims, but Mike- from Mikes Basic Tarantula, said he was making up an enclosure for his H. Gigas with a pond in it so he could observe if there are any truths to all the claims about H. Gigas and water. You might email him on his site and inquire about what he's seen first hand.

 

[LadyofSpiders]

Do a search on here as well, there is some info on actual experiences. I will say that although my H. Gigas is still a juvie, it does have a preference for pools of water from what I have experimented with. Once it gets over 4" I'm going to see about adding a little swimming area and see what happens.
There's also claims about them being communal. Some have kept them this way successfully, but from what I researched, it can go bad very quickly with this species. I opted not to experiment with it, plus they are ornery and get to be 8" and I don't really want a whole community of them with the excitement I have with just my one.
But to answer your question, I haven't heard of another tarantula species that likes to swim.

 

[Frogo224]

There are a lot of claims about the H. Gigas going into water to avoid predators, fishing out of the water, swimming, etc. I haven't heard anyone here make explicit claims, but Mike- from Mikes Basic Tarantula, said he was making up an enclosure for his H. Gigas with a pond in it so he could observe if there are any truths to all the claims about H. Gigas and water. You might email him on his site and inquire about what he's seen first hand.

Rob C actually did a video on Youtube of his H. Gigas completely submerged in the water. It's actually quite fascinating.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE4bki09Z2Y
Here's the video!

 

[Ilovepredators]

Awsome video. I've watched and enjoyed a lot of his other stuff too.

 

[Nicolas C]

There is a very interesting article on swimming tarantulas here:

http://atshq.org/downloads/

 

[Poec54]

Not only do Hysterocrates have a fondness for water, but mothers also kill prey and give it to their young (seen it myself with my own spiders), they readily stridulate, and they're on record as having the longest burrows of any tarantula: 22'. Fascinating genus.

 

[freedumbdclxvi]

From my observations, given a choice between their burrow and water, H gigas will go for their burrow. However, if what they are trying to avoid is between them and their burrow *and* water is present, they will dive and submerge til the threat passes.

 

[Tarantula24]

Not only do Hysterocrates have a fondness for water, but mothers also kill prey and give it to their young (seen it myself with my own spiders), they readily stridulate, and they're on record as having the longest burrows of any tarantula: 22'. Fascinating genus.

Wow. That is a huge burrow for a relatively small animal!

 

[flex]

That video is very cool!

 

[Angel Minkov]

This video is making me want to buy a H. gigas LOL

 

[Poec54]

This video is making me want to buy a H. gigas

+1. Too many people get hung up on colorful spiders that don't have a lot in the way of interesting behavior. Hysterocrates really are interesting spiders, there's probably more we can learn about them.

 

[Tomoran]

I just picked up two slings, as this species has been on my wishlist for quite a while. Between the impressive burrowing, swimming, and mothering skills, they're just a fascinating spider. I gave the 1" slings an enclosure with about 5" of substrate, and within 24 hours, both had dug all the way down to the bottom. They are now constructing a series of elaborate tunnels. Very cool so far.

 

[awiec]

+1. Too many people get hung up on colorful spiders that don't have a lot in the way of interesting behavior. Hysterocrates really are interesting spiders, there's probably more we can learn about them.

I've grown more fond of the less colorful species as I've observed them. My P.muticus is pretty in its own way but the most fun part is the tunnels and remodeling it constantly does. I've been eyeing H.gigas for a while as I am a sucker for a big bulky T, especially one that is quirky like this genus is.

 

[dredrickt]

+1. Too many people get hung up on colorful spiders that don't have a lot in the way of interesting behavior. Hysterocrates really are interesting spiders, there's probably more we can learn about them.

This was the main reason I bought one. Took it all of 5 minutes to burrow down over 2" right out of the shipping vial, instant adaptation, I love it. I'm also finding the webbing pattern and habitat of the Chilobrachys to be extremely interesting as well after I got one as a freebie on the same order.

---------- Post added 08-11-2014 at 08:21 PM ----------

I've grown more fond of the less colorful species as I've observed them. My P.muticus is pretty in its own way but the most fun part is the tunnels and remodeling it constantly does. I've been eyeing H.gigas for a while as I am a sucker for a big bulky T, especially one that is quirky like this genus is.

The P. Muticus is awesome, I bought one and ended up buying 2 more. I've seen it lunge (almost jump) up a burrow to snatch a cricket. Since I can see its entire tunneling system on the bottom of the container, its fascinating watching it move around when there is a cricket loose up top, just deciding which tunnel to go barreling up to get it. I absolutely love them.

 

[awiec]

This was the main reason I bought one. Took it all of 5 minutes to burrow down over 2" right out of the shipping vial, instant adaptation, I love it. I'm also finding the webbing pattern and habitat of the Chilobrachys to be extremely interesting as well after I got one as a freebie on the same order.

---------- Post added 08-11-2014 at 08:21 PM ----------



The P. Muticus is awesome, I bought one and ended up buying 2 more. I've seen it lunge (almost jump) up a burrow to snatch a cricket. Since I can see its entire tunneling system on the bottom of the container, its fascinating watching it move around when there is a cricket loose up top, just deciding which tunnel to go barreling up to get it. I absolutely love them.

Mine used to have 4 entrances to the system and when I would clean it would run out of one hole and into another, looked like a wac-a-mole game. The T's of African need some more love as they are very interesting behavior wise.

I would not be surprised if there are other Ts that are fond of water like H.gigas. I've kept various types fishing spiders for years and they always did better with a little swimming pool; so a close relationship with water is not rare in the spider world

 

[dredrickt]

Mine used to have 4 entrances to the system and when I would clean it would run out of one hole and into another, looked like a wac-a-mole game. The T's of African need some more love as they are very interesting behavior wise.

I would not be surprised if there are other Ts that are fond of water like H.gigas. I've kept various types fishing spiders for years and they always did better with a little swimming pool; so a close relationship with water is not rare in the spider world

Agreed completely. My two newest ones have 2 entrances, my original P. Muticus has 4. Of all of my burrowers, it is my favorite behavior wise right now, but that's probably because I can see them. My H. Gigas' burrows are too intricate and winding to be able to see it very often. But when it gets bigger I will add a small pond so I can observe its behavior with water. Its variations like this that make me love this hobby. While watching them attack and eat is fun, for me its equally entertaining watching them construct their own habitat and make it their own and seeing instincts kick in.

 

[edgeofthefreak]

I would not be surprised if there are other Ts that are fond of water like H.gigas.

Not that this is showcasing a fondness of water... maybe a fondness for getting away from whatever scared it (in this case, a rehouse). Enjoy!

[YOUTUBE]c0sgNaDKxKE[/YOUTUBE]



Now I don't want hear stories of people putting their spiders into 3oz, water-filled souffle cups..... Be responsible people!! JEEZ!

 

[Zigana]

Just curious how they are able to swim under water and not drown?

 

[Dalix]

Their bristles actually keep most of the water from touching them. And since they don't breathe, they don't need very much air at all.