This is a generalised care sheet for Theraphosas, a genus titled (Theraphosa). For more in this femily see Category:Theraphosidae, or for a more detailed species care sheet see Category:Theraphosa.
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Theraphosa is a genus of tarantula spiders of South America. The two species, Theraphosa apophysis and Theraphosa blondi are very large.
| Tarantula Information (for a more detailed Tarantula care review see Tarantula Care Sheets | |
| Regions Found: | South America |
| Class: | Terrestrial and ground dwelling |
| Longevity: | Reach maturity in 3-5 years and females can live to 25 years, whereas males will die shortly after reaching maturity |
| Adult Size: | Leg span of 25-30cm |
| Temperament: | Very aggressive and will make defensive hissing noises |
| Urticating Hairs: | Yes and lots of them |
| Venom Potency: | Strong and painful |
| Theraphosa Housing Requirements | |
| Tarantula Housing: | Floor space is more important than height, a deep substrate should be provided for burrowing. A good retreat is required. |
| Temperature: | 24-28°C (75-82°F) |
| Humidity: | About 80% |
| Special Requirements: | Humidity needs to be increased near a moult to prevent problems |
| Breeding Theraphosa Tarantulas | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Egg sac size: | 50-150 |
| Danger to Male: | Possible sexual cannibalism |
| Theraphosa Diet | |
| Livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, housefliesand cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Theraphosa | |
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Breeding Theraphosa
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. From a successful mating, anywhere from 50 to 2000 eggs can be produced, depending upon the size and species of the female. The Brazilian Salmon Pink (Lasiodora parahybana) are of the larger species and have been known to produce some 1500-2000 eggs in one sac. Another popular species The Goliath Bird Eater (Theraphosa blondi) however, has been known to produce as little as 50 eggs despite its “goliath” size.
The basic steps involved in breeding tarantulas are discussed further:
- Preparation for breeding
- Tarantula breeding
- Looking after an egg sac
- Birthing
- Caring for the female
- Caring for the spiderlings