Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” female • 3 1/2″

Description

Listed for sale is a captive-bred, 3.5-inch Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” female. Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” is a large, undescribed terrestrial from southwestern Ecuador. It’s name suggests locality near the coastal city of Machala.

Ecuador is home to many Pamphobeteus species. P. sp. “Machala” in particular is notable for purplish femur iridescence and a metallic starburst pattern on the carapace. It is a dark tarantula, nearly black.

Juvenile/semi-adults like this female are more drought tolerant than spiderlings. It’s fine to start with substrate drier than slightly dampened substrate: e.g., 1 part water mixed with 15 parts dry substrate. Limit ventilation only enough to allow some humidity to build. A water dish might offer a safety net while you adjust her enclosure water and ventilation to suit your home’s geographic location.

Photos: 1-specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-adult female (customer’s photo)

Care highlights:

• less than slightly dampened substrate for juveniles
• elevated humidity +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• an opportunistic burrower, consider a hide
• consider forest litter and plantings for enrichment