tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18182412643106338742024-02-08T07:50:48.274-05:00A Tarantula keeper's blogFor all your Tarantula related needs! Great for beginners and experts alike! Include other information about inverts and non-invert pets.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-14781890818722497012012-12-20T20:12:00.000-05:002009-02-26T20:43:00.893-05:00Home<div> </div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last update:</span> 26-Feb-09<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 204, 51); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Welcome to A Tarantula keeper's blog.</span><br /></div><br />I have been keeping Tarantula for a while and I absolutely love these misunderstood giants. So I decide to make a small blog for them. They are some of the greatest pets you can keep. This is more like a website though. <span style="font-weight: bold;">So please browse around using the menu on the left handside!</span> You will like it. ^_^<br /><br />This is not just another Tarantula website. I found some of the experts in the hobby were too into their own breeding projects, collection and what not while paying less attention to the beginners. If there is no new beginner, the hobby can't expand. Then I found many misconceptions about the hobby e.g. freak/goth/dark/show-off and those kinda things. So I will try to keep this site as beginner's friendly as possible with a bright, funny and lively image.<br /><br />Here I will post videos, pictures (in the form of HD slideshows and sometimes real pics) and other information about Tarantulas. Thank you very much for dropping by. Enjoy!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-73229949639848650792009-02-26T20:34:00.005-05:002009-02-26T20:45:15.295-05:00Tarantulas got the Colbert Bump!Absolutely hillarious. Stephen Colbert (one of my favorite comedians) had 3 Tarantulas on his body - 1 on his wrist (flicking hair like crap) 1 on his shoulder and 1 on his head! I think all 3 are Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Grammostola rosea</span>). Let's hope Tarantulas will get more popular, just like the politicians who appeared on the Colbert Report.<br /><style type="text/css">.cc_box a:hover .cc_home{background:url('http://www.comedycentral.com/comedycentral/video/assets/syndicated-logo-over.png') !important;}.cc_links a{color:#b9b9b9;text-decoration:none;}.cc_show a{color:#707070;text-decoration:none;}.cc_title a{color:#868686;text-decoration:none;}.cc_links a:hover{color:#67bee2;text-decoration:underline;}</style><div class="cc_box" style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.comedycentral.com/" target="_blank" style="display: inline; float: left; width: 60px; height: 31px;"><div class="cc_home" style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 1px 0px 0px 1px; background: transparent url(http://www.comedycentral.com/comedycentral/video/assets/syndicated-logo-out.png) repeat scroll 0% 0%; float: left; width: 60px; height: 31px; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;"></div></a><div style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 1px 1px 0px 0px; overflow: hidden; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; float: left; width: 299px; height: 31px; color: rgb(112, 112, 112); position: relative;"><div class="cc_show" style="overflow: hidden; position: relative; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 229); padding-left: 3px; height: 14px; padding-top: 2px;"><a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/" target="_blank">The Colbert Report</a><span style="position: absolute; top: 2px; right: 3px;">Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c</span></div><div class="cc_title" style="padding: 1px 3px 3px; overflow: hidden; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(134, 134, 134); background-color: rgb(245, 245, 245); line-height: 14px; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/219746/february-25-2009/the-word---ablacknophobia" target="_blank">The Word - Ablacknophobia</a></div></div><div style="padding-left: 360px; display: none;" ontop="true"></div><div style="padding-left: 360px; display: none;" ontop="true"></div><embed style="float: left; clear: left;" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:219746" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="autoPlay=false" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" bgcolor="#000000" width="360" height="301"></embed><div class="cc_links" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color rgb(207, 207, 207) rgb(207, 207, 207); border-width: 0px 1px 1px; float: left; clear: left; width: 358px; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,Verdana,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; color: rgb(185, 185, 185); background-color: rgb(245, 245, 245);"><div style="width: 177px; float: left; padding-left: 3px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes">Colbert Report Full Episodes</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.indecisionforever.com/">Political Humor</a></div><div style="width: 177px; float: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.jokes.com/">Joke of the Day</a><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://comedians.comedycentral.com/">Stand-Up Comedy</a></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><br />Watch it on <a href="http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/219746/february-25-2009/the-word---ablacknophobia">Comedy Central</a>. Skip to 4:20 onwards. :DUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-7566391478749562242009-02-26T13:38:00.004-05:002009-02-26T13:44:45.215-05:00Handle Green Bottle Blue Tarantula<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTKuYM3KsKI&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p>I DO NOT RECOMMEND HANDLING ANY TARANTULA.</p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/XTKuYM3KsKI" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/XTKuYM3KsKI" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-18612672359062235802009-02-23T21:40:00.002-05:002009-02-23T21:46:40.147-05:00African Back Horn Tarantula webbing<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>A very clear vid of my African Back Horn Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Ceratogyrus darlingi</span>) webbing. This is direct, NOT through the enclosure wall so more detail is recorded. You can even see some strands of web reflecting light.</p><p></p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c53ZAueUbqs&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/c53ZAueUbqs" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/c53ZAueUbqs" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-24087857437224368422009-02-21T16:25:00.002-05:002009-02-21T16:36:03.520-05:00Handle Cameroon Red Baboon (Hysterocrates gigas)<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>First thing first: I don't recommend handling Tarantulas, especially Old World Tarantulas. Their bites can mess you up. If you do handle a Tarantula, it's at your own risk.</p><p>Cameroon Tawny Red Baboon Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Hysterocrates gigas</span>) is known to be defensive, fast and defensive (double defensive!). One outside of her tank, my <span style="font-style: italic;">H. gigas</span> calmed down a bit, enough to be handled. What you did not see in the vid is 10 seconds after I pressed "Stop" recording, she went back into her usual self. Gave me a huge adrenaline rush!<br /></p><p></p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IeAt5NHhak&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/7IeAt5NHhak" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/7IeAt5NHhak" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-37265097307338411042009-02-18T22:26:00.002-05:002009-02-18T22:41:53.090-05:00GBB 240fps slow motion clip of catching and releasing a prey<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>This is probably the only 240fps clip of a Tarantula catching a prey on Youtube. The other clips are normal speed (30 or 60 fps) stretched out to make it looks slow. This one is smooth! Staring in the clip is a Greenbottle Blue Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens</span>) and a <span style="font-style: italic;">Blaptica dubia</span> roach.<br /></p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0WlrCi2CxE&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/z0WlrCi2CxE" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/z0WlrCi2CxE" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-4822460465411297072009-02-15T18:57:00.003-05:002009-02-18T22:42:05.572-05:00GBB sweetly walking around<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>My Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens</span>) is so sweet. She just calmly walks around and touches my hand and walks back down. The sweetest thing ever!<br /></p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpWgLEOxZN0&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;" ontop="true"></div><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/xpWgLEOxZN0" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/xpWgLEOxZN0" width="560" height="442"></embed></object><p></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-28279071469337399302009-02-12T19:55:00.002-05:002009-02-12T20:26:48.021-05:00Just got a new 8" Lasiodora parahybana and 4" Brachypelma albopilosum<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>I got an 8" female <span style="font-style: italic;">Lasiodora parahybana</span> (Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula) and a 4" female <span style="font-style: italic;">Brachypelma albopilosum</span> (Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula). The LP is huge and the curly hair is so sweet.<br /></p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHg23PY5dc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/ZbHg23PY5dc" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/ZbHg23PY5dc" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-22266283838209809162009-02-09T12:47:00.005-05:002009-02-09T12:54:14.115-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi macro HD<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>A macro HD look at this beautifully simple Tarantula.</p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp-N3wW0VuA&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/Fp-N3wW0VuA" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/Fp-N3wW0VuA" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-66890139520528556682009-02-09T12:47:00.004-05:002009-02-09T12:52:53.980-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi grooming (clear version)<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>This is a clearer version of my African Horn Tarantula (<span style="font-style: italic;">Ceratogyrus darlingi</span>) grooming.</p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbnjruiVZEM&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/BbnjruiVZEM" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/BbnjruiVZEM" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-78590734015578328412009-02-07T14:16:00.002-05:002009-02-07T14:23:25.274-05:00Centruroides sculpturatus exploring<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>My Arizona Bark Scorpions (<span style="font-style: italic;">Centruroides sculpturatus</span>) exploring their enclosure</p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Bd7lYMd9Y&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/3-Bd7lYMd9Y" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/3-Bd7lYMd9Y" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-21108547417322821172009-02-05T22:49:00.004-05:002009-02-12T20:26:55.407-05:00Just got a new Tarantula and scorpions<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>I got a 5" female <span style="font-style: italic;">Hysterocrates gigas</span> (Cameroon Tawny Red Baboon Tarantula) and 2 <span style="font-style: italic;">Centruroides sculpturatus</span> (Arizona Bark Scorpion) in a trade. Another ABS died during shipping.</p><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbeZ3uO-fIc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;" ontop="true"></div><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/rwo5n8y19D0" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/rwo5n8y19D0" width="560" height="442"></embed></object><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-49502178029533538022009-02-04T16:30:00.003-05:002009-02-04T16:32:51.557-05:00Chromatopelma cyaneopubescence macro HD<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbeZ3uO-fIc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/qbeZ3uO-fIc" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/qbeZ3uO-fIc" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-59068577173915140272009-02-04T16:12:00.003-05:002009-02-04T16:14:43.648-05:00My T can read!I was typing in a post that <span style="font-style: italic;">Ceratogyrus darlingi</span> (African Back Horn Tarantula) is a burrowing specie - with her in a tank right next to me. I thought nothing was wrong.<br /><br />Right the next routine handling, that same <span style="font-style: italic;">Ceratogyrus darlingi</span> shot out of the tank screaming "What burrowing?!?!?! I'm arboreal!". She then ran towards the ceiling of my room. I had to step on the table to cup her and get her down. She kept on mumbling "I'm arboreal!" all the way back into the tank.<br /><br />I aint typing anything about T with them near me anymore. They can read!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-79826927150046803022009-02-02T14:21:00.005-05:002009-02-02T14:25:31.731-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi macro HD white<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ojQ0GF8vNs&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/-ojQ0GF8vNs' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/-ojQ0GF8vNs'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-19404139722709680902009-02-02T14:21:00.004-05:002009-02-02T14:24:55.282-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi grooming (seeing through enclosure wall)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bl5hxwKwp2E&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/bl5hxwKwp2E' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/bl5hxwKwp2E'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-77835313650399443602009-01-31T21:29:00.002-05:002009-01-31T21:31:06.994-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi rare appearance<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO3K9e9cVsc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/CO3K9e9cVsc" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/CO3K9e9cVsc" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-35988428921945870442009-01-30T21:38:00.002-05:002009-01-30T21:41:13.643-05:00Grammostola rosea handling<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suX6fqH9Nrk&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p>I DO NOT RECOMMEND HANDLING ANY TARANTULA.</p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/suX6fqH9Nrk" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/suX6fqH9Nrk" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-12150204857612023232009-01-27T21:25:00.002-05:002009-01-27T21:37:26.564-05:00Ceratogyrus darlingi eating leftover<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvkCzYmmnDU&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/jvkCzYmmnDU" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/jvkCzYmmnDU" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p><div style="padding-left: 0px; display: none;"></div><p></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-38630811896690483942009-01-26T00:03:00.001-05:002009-01-26T00:22:45.363-05:00Beginner's avoid listI will summarize some traits that you should <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">avoid</span> for your first (few) Tarantulas. Hope it will help those who want a specie that is not in my <a href="http://tarantulakeeper.blogspot.com/2008/12/top-10-beginners-tarantulas.html">Top 10 beginner's Tarantulas</a> list. Just because it is not in the top 10 doesn't mean it is not suitable for a beginner. In fact, there are so many species out there that I am not even aware of. Again, I need to remind you that all Tarantulas are venomous and some can cause serious medical consequences with their bites. So you should show the Tarantulas the appropriate respect.<br /><br />Please remember this article is geared towards beginners so please don't generalize it to other more experienced keepers. And just because a specie fits into 1 category doesn't mean it is not suitable for a beginner. I interprete it as it will be more challenging. The list is in order of importance in my experience (most important first) so for example fitting the no.1 category will be more challenging to keep than fitting the no.2 category. Certain species fit into multiple categories and I will definitely try to avoid those as my first few Tarantulas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Too delicate</span><br />Some species have certain requirements that are not easy to maintain. For example, <span style="font-style: italic;">Theraphosa blondi</span> (Goliath Bird Eater) requires a lot of humidity; otherwise, it usually results in molting complication. This also applies to <span style="font-style: italic;">Theraphosa apophysis</span> (Pinkfoot Goliath).<br /><br />Some species just have strange requirements that are at odds with the majority of other species. For intance, <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria subfusca</span> (Ivory Ornamental) prefers low temperature (in the 70's F) and do not enjoy it in the 80's F like other <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria</span> species.<br /><br />Or some species are just plain not hardy. For instance, most <span style="font-style: italic;">Avicularia</span> spiderlings (particularly <span style="font-style: italic;">Avicularia versicolor</span> in my experience) can die for no apparent reason - even in good care conditions. There is even a word for it - Sudden Avic Death Syndrome (S.A.D.S or SADS) - the T just dies. The word is quite appropriate because when a beautiful and docile T like an Avic dies or SADS, it's really SAD!<br /><br />As a result, you should research and check (especially with <span style="font-weight: bold;">relatively less experienced</span> keepers) to make sure that you are not getting a delicate T. The best T's are those who have no specific humidity requirement (or just prefer it dry), like it around 75 - 85 F and hardy. I hate to say it but please don't listen to the experts who say it is easy to keep this or that specie. Trust me, there is a reason they are the experts!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Strong venom</span><br />Many people can make the argument that a Tarantula's venom can neither kill a person nor cause allergic reaction. I don't care if the argument is medically accurate. It creates a false sense of security for beginners that there is no need to worry about a T's venom. The fact is some Tarantulas can mess you up pretty badly with even long-term effects. That doesn't mean you are totally afraid of the venom either. Just respect a Tarantula. And for your first (few) Tarantulas, you should be rather more cautious. Be safe, don't be sorry!<br /><br />Generally speaking, all Old World Tarantulas (those <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span> coming from the American continent<span style="font-weight: bold;">s</span>) have strong venom. The title of Most Venomous Tarantula currently have the following contenders:<br /><ul><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria regalis</span> (Indian Ornamental Tarantula)<br /></li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma calceatum</span> (Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula) - one <a href="http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showpost.php?p=53415&postcount=1">source</a> believes a bite in the neck area is extremely dangerous, possible fatal if one has pre-existing conditions.<br /></li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma species</span> e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma hainanum </span>(Chinese Black Earth Tiger) - I saw <span style="font-weight: bold;">rumor</span> that it caused one death in an infant but the report was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not substantiated</span>.<br /></li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Heteroscodra</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Heteroscodra maculata</span> (Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula)<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Pterinochilus murinus</span> (Orange Bitey Thing - Orange Baboon Tarantula)</li></ul> So please check to make sure your Tarantula does not have strong venom and try to avoid the above list as your first few Tarantulas. The safest bet in my experience is to go with New World Tarantulas (found in the American continents - including North, Central and South America).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Too fast</span><br />How fast is too fast? Basically anything that can move faster than your reaction time is too fast. Firstly, it can startle you and cause accidents (e.g. dropping the feeding tongs on your foot - it hurts!). Secondly, because you can's react in time, the T can escape or bite you.<br /><br />What species are considered too fast? Below is a nonexhaustive list:<br /><ul><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria regalis</span> (Indian Ornamental Tarantula)</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma calceatum</span> (Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula)</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma species</span> e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma vonwirthi </span>(Vietnamese Tiger Tarantula)</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Heteroscodra</span> species e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Heteroscodra maculata</span> (Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula)</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Pterinochilus murinus</span> (Orange Bitey Thing - Orange Baboon Tarantula)</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Hystrocrates gigas</span> (Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula)</li></ul>I rate speed more imortant than defensiveness/aggressiveness because you can dodge the attack of a slow defensive Taranula! You can notice that most are also highly venomous species. So ya, try to look for the slow Tarantulas (medium speed is ok though slow is much better).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Too defensive</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">/aggressive</span><br />Many beginners want to handle their Tarantulas (I <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't</span> recommend it though!). Defensive means you cannot handle - no way no how! Don't watch those videos on Youtube of people handling defensive Tarantulas and think it is easy. It requires lots of experience, good technique, awareness, reaction and familiarity of the specific specimen. Degree of defensiveness varies even within a specie so it may be hard to predict exactly what you will get. But the safer bet is to get a generally known to be docile/skittish specie. Try to avoid Old World species because they are mostly defensive.<br /><br />Of course, aggressiveness is a big no-no. Defensiveness means a T will react negatively to disturbance but will not chase after it - it only defends its territory. Aggressiveness means a T will react negatively to disturbance and will chase after the disturbance to a certain extent - it wants to attack the disturbance. There are 2 species that I consider aggressive. Make no mistake, they are likely to chase you around the room!<br /><ul><li> <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma calceatum</span> (Feather Leg Baboon Tarantula)<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma hainanum </span>(Chinese Black Earth Tiger)<br /></li></ul>I personally care a lot less about defensiveness as compared to speed because if it takes 10 seconds for the T to attack me, I usually can dodge it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Visibility</span><br />You want to participate in the hobby for the Tarantulas, don't you? I think that means you want to see a Tarantula, not a hole or a tube web! Yes, visibility is very important for a beginner, especially those starting out. It is much harder to appreciate a hole on a ground than a Tarantula.<br /><br />Visibility CAN be improved vastly with the correct enclosure design/material! However, most beginners are more comfortable with a simple tank-subtrate-hide-water dish set up so it's still better to choose a specie that prefers to hang out in the open to begin with.<br /><br />Usually you should avoid burrowing species (e.g. the classic pet holes - <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma</span> species). They burrow and spend much of their time in tunnels underground! And one big concern for a beginner is to find out if the T is in the molting process and premolt. Removing a prey from the tunnels undeground is very challenging.<br /><br />Then you should also avoid species that web too much or web a tube web and hide in there most of the time (e.g. <span style="font-style: italic;">Avicularia avicularia</span>). Those are not visible and will be a big frustration if you want to see them.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Summary</span><br />So the below is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">non-exhaustive</span> list of what you need to avoid as your first few Tarantulas.<br /><ul><li>Spiderlings of all <span style="font-style: italic;">Avicularia</span> species (too delicate!)<br /></li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Poecilotheria</span> species - strong venom, defensive, fast</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Stromatopelma</span> species - strong venom, defensive/aggressive, fast</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Haplopelma species</span> - strong venom, defensive/aggressive, fast, not visible</li><li>All <span style="font-style: italic;">Heteroscodra</span> species - strong venom, defensive, fast</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">Pterinochilus murinus</span> (Orange Bitey Thing - Orange Baboon Tarantula) is a split case. I put it in the <a href="http://tarantulakeeper.blogspot.com/2008/12/top-10-beginners-tarantulas.html">Top 10 beginner's Tarantulas</a> mainly for its outstanding hardiness and beautiful color, which increases its score very substantially. However, it is defensive, fast and possesses a strong venom so you should know what you are getting into.<br /><br />I don't say it just for the sake of saying it. I really hope that you can find a good Tarantula (or better a lot of Tarantulas) that fits your preferences and become part of this exciting hobby.<br /><br /><br />Below is a disclaimer for formality. It's like you don't want to write a dog breed review and then get complaints from those who are bitten by the dog!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disclaimer: </span>I shall not be held responsible for any harm and/or negative consequences (to anyone and/or anything) resulting directly and/or indirectly from my article.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-45495867067847104952009-01-25T21:59:00.002-05:002009-01-25T22:05:41.105-05:00Grammostola rosea picky eater<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YeqU_Gh5Hc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/2YeqU_Gh5Hc' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/2YeqU_Gh5Hc'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-25582216621732341892009-01-23T16:59:00.007-05:002009-01-23T17:05:26.332-05:00Acanthoscurria geniculata getting her water dish refilled<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yJzPpNGLo0&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/6yJzPpNGLo0' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/6yJzPpNGLo0'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-27637292896211300382009-01-23T16:59:00.006-05:002009-01-23T17:05:03.744-05:00Poecilotheria regalis getting her water dish refilled<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azPgXHW7_fc&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/azPgXHW7_fc' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/azPgXHW7_fc'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-67111009358214689132009-01-22T23:04:00.002-05:002009-01-22T23:05:16.591-05:00Chromatopelma cyaneopubescence getting her water dished refilled<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8j09akUGDU&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object height='442' width='560'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/p8j09akUGDU' name='movie'/><embed height='442' width='560' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/p8j09akUGDU'/></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1818241264310633874.post-49497555506326675262009-01-22T15:26:00.003-05:002009-01-22T15:30:01.195-05:00Grammostola rosea getting her water dish refilled<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Best watched in HD quality: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkXWX5I6aZs&fmt=22">click here</a></p><p><object width="560" height="442"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/QkXWX5I6aZs" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/QkXWX5I6aZs" width="560" height="442"></embed></object></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0