Whipspider species recommendations

[KevinsWither]

I do have a group of Damon diadema, these are doing really well! Was wondering what other nice species that one can keep. Thanks!

 

[chanda]

Have you tried any of the local Paraphrynus carolynae (formerly Paraphrynus mexicanus)? They're quite a bit smaller than the diadema but still pretty cool to watch - and they can be kept communally in small groups. You should be able to catch them yourself in the Phoenix area - you just have to go out hunting for them at night. I've found them along hiking trails and empty washes, but my brother (who lives in Phoenix) has also seen them right in town, on his mailbox or the garden wall.

 

[pannaking22]

Agreed with P. carolynae, it's a fun species to keep. They're much more active than Damon.

 

[KevinsWither]

I am trying to find some actually! Who has any for sale btw? And how are the florida whipspiders?

 

[LordAnon]

I am trying to find some actually! Who has any for sale btw? And how are the florida whipspiders?

I actually have Florida whip spider, only I just have one. I thought about buying more than one when I first got him, but the guy who sold it to me told him he keeps them communal normally but this guy was known for being a little bit of a cannibal.

I think the Florida whip spider has great coloration. Mine is a type of Blackish greenish brown that camouflages perfectly with his cork bark but with these red legs that really stand out.

 

[aphono]

How about Damon medius? WC imports are still commonly available & captive bred babies are starting to be available. They seem to grow bigger than diadema. Their hunting technique is generally more blunt and aggressive if you like that kind of thing.

P. marginemaculatus(Florida whip spider) are easy if housed singly or given spacious room and tons of separate hiding spaces for a communal set up. Needs high humidity and I would not describe them as '(highly)tolerant communal' based on mine.

 

[KevinsWither]

How about Damon medius? WC imports are still commonly available & captive bred babies are starting to be available. They seem to grow bigger than diadema. Their hunting technique is generally more blunt and aggressive if you like that kind of thing.

P. marginemaculatus(Florida whip spider) are easy if housed singly or given spacious room and tons of separate hiding spaces for a communal set up. Needs high humidity and I would not describe them as '(highly)tolerant communal' based on mine.

I would do Damon medius. Though I am skeptical on wild caughts as the lifespan are more dependent on luck. Though on the other side one of my diadema slings died :'( not sure why tho the other six are doing really well. I have six, so I'm hoping I get a good mix of males and females!

 

[MikeyD]

Probably best to see what is available to you before deciding. If you already have Damon then how about trying one of the smaller New World Genera? Phrynus and Paraphrynus are interesting genera. My profile pic is of a Paraphrynus species I found while in Costa Rica. I keep Paraphrynus aztecus, Paraphrynus cubensis, and Euphrynichus bacilifer at the moment and hope to get more Phrynus and Paraphrynus species. Most are small enough to not need very large enclosures so that's nice too. I guess it comes down to what you like and what is available.

 

[KevinsWither]

Good call! One day I shall find some acanthophyrunus!

 

[Ratmosphere]

Damon medius.

 

[pannaking22]

Good call! One day I shall find some acanthophyrunus!

Just don't die, apparently the only semi-known US locality isn't in a very hospitable spot, where going after dark is heavily recommended against. It'd be awesome to get some though! There are a couple people in the US that have them now, so it'll be a few years before they get offered to the hobby.

 

[wizentrop]

Well, they are kinda being offered right now... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[pannaking22]

Good call! One day I shall find some acanthophyrunus!

Well, they are kinda being offered right now... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I can vouch for Gil, he sells some awesome amblypygids. If you want good phrynids he's the guy (including Acanthophrynus!).