Aphonopelma bicoloratum

NAME: Aphonopelma bicoloratum
COMMON NAMES: Mexican Bloodleg
ORIGIN: Mexico (Southern Pacific portion)
ADULT SIZE: 4 to 5 inches
TEMPERATURE: 75 to 80 degrees
HUMIDITY: 65% - 70%
TEMPERAMENT: Docile and calm
TYPE: Terrestrial
LIFESPAN: 20 years +
BREEDING DIFFICULTY:
EGG SAC SIZE: 400

NOTES: This is an incredibly slow-growing species and thought to be one of the longest-lived (as is true of all Aphonopelmas). They are generally very docile in captivity, though they can occasionally kick hairs. The mature size is relatively small, but lack of size is made up for in beauty. Upon maturity, males will lose the red markings and become solid black. Some keepers find this species can be prone to hunger strikes and can have sporadic feeding habits. They can be difficult to find and quite expensive, but are a wonderful beginner species and most consider them well worth the price.

Lasiodora parahybana

NAME: Lasiodora parahybana
COMMON NAMES: Salmon Pink Birdeater
ORIGIN: Brazil
ADULT SIZE: 10 to 11 inches
TEMPERATURE: 75 to 85 degrees
HUMIDITY: 65% - 75%
TEMPERAMENT: Active, semi-defensive
TYPE: Terrestrial
LIFESPAN: 10-15 years
BREEDING DIFFICULTY: Easy
EGG SAC SIZE: Up to 2000

NOTES: This species is the second or third largest tarantula there is, rivaling T. blondi in size. Due to their enormous size, rapid growth rate and active behavior they do best in a larger tank. They are poor climbers and should not be given too much height in their enclosure, but a variety of surfaces for basking will be taken advantage of as these spiders spend much of their time out and about and make wonderful display specimens. These spiders are slow moving and though some people consider them relatively handleable, they can be moody - kicking hairs more often than biting. However, with fangs up to an inch in size one must consider the mechanical damage a bite can inflict before deciding to handle this species.