Davus sp. “Panama” female • 1 1/2″ (lava tarantula)

Description

Captive-bred, juvenile female Davus sp. “Panama.” The lava tarantula, Davus sp. “Panama,” has enchanted hobbyists for years. It’s been at or near the top of many hobbyist’s lists at one point or another. A dwarf tarantula from Panamanian rainforest, D. sp. “Panama” is an opportunistic burrower. In captivity it tends to excavate under flat pieces of cork or seal up hide entrances with soil and web. Live prey will often be consumed at night when the spider emerges. Growth is moderately fast and temperament is even. It neither flicks hairs nor readily rears up.

Although we keep D. sp. “Panama” spiderlings on slightly dampened substrate with ventilation limited to allow humidity to build, we keep juveniles such as this specimen in less dampness, less humidity (more liberal ventilation). From time to time we include a water dish to allow specimens to self-adjust hydration state. We keep this specimen at 72F, the upper end of room temperature (68-72F).

Photos: 1-actual specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-juvenile female (ArachnoEden); 3-adult female (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dry substrate
• modestly elevated humidity +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• consider a hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment