Lasiodora parahybana female • 1 3/4″ (salmon pink birdeater)

Description

Listed for sale is a captive-bred juvenile female Lasiodora parahybana, commonly known as the salmon pink birdeater. This hobby-famous species is native northeastern Brazil. Specifically it’s found in the state Paraíba, which we mention because the state’s former name, Parahyba, hints at the origin of the scientific name!

Due to Atlantic moisture falling on the eastern slope of a vast plateau, creating a rain shadow on the plateau itself, L. parahybana‘s habitat is semi-arid. The regioin supports deciduous, thorny scrub (Caatinga). With 8-9 months of dry season, L. parahybana is undoubtedly not a rainforest species, despite some internet claims to the contrary.

This juvenile female has grown beyond the more sensitive stages of lower instars. As a result she’s acquired some drought tolerance. You can keep her on slightly dampened to slightly dry substrate with moderate ventilation, a modest level of humidity being the goal. A water dish for hydration support is the only other measure we’d recommend, at least until you understand water balance in your enclosure/home environment.

Room temperature (68-72F) is fine. Warmer temperatures to 80-85F will enhance appetite and growth. Drying will accelerate, but you can intervene by adjusting enclosure moisture and ventilation. As your pet matures she will acquire even more drought tolerance. You’ll have the option of adapting enclosure moisture further.

Females are sexually mature by about 7″ although reports of larger specimens exist. They are one of the largest tarantulas available. Hardy, voracious and fast growing, L. parahybana is nearly a right of passage for many hobbyists. The number of spiderlings per sac can be an order of magnitude greater than the 100-200 obtained for many other tarantula species.

Photos: 1-specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-subadult female, recently molted (ArachnoEden); 3-immature male (ArachnoEden); 4-stock image

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened to slightly dry substrate for juveniles
• modestly elevated humidity +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 85F
• older specimens can be kept with less enclosure moisture
• an opportunistic burrower, consider a hide
• consider dry scrub litter and plantings for enrichment