Description
This entry is for juvenile Pamphobeteus sp. “mascara” female. P. sp. “mascara” is familiar to most hobbyist collectors by now. The species is coveted for its size and unusual mix of color (mascara).
A quick scroll through Pamphobeteus images shows many of them to be variations in darkness, from almost black to black. Pamphobeteus sp. “mascara” took a different path. At any stage beyond spiderling one finds shades of red, tan, light brown and dark brown/black. The adult female’s dense red hairs beautifully accent her base color. The overall look is distinctive, so much so that it’s unlikely for P. sp. “mascara” to be mistaken for any other hobby tarantula. A juvenile Pamphobeteus sp. “mascara” female adds highlight to a collection dominated by large dark Pamphobeteus.
P. sp. “mascara” comes from Ecuadorian dry coastal forest, near Manabí. Females mature at about 7 inches in legspan and have a husky look, attributable in part to hair length and distribution. The specimens listed for sale are late-spiderling and juvenile/semi-adult. They have 15-20 years and several inches of growth ahead of them.
We keep these specimens on slightly dry substrate with an added water dish. We limit ventilation only enough to allow some humidity to build. Temperature here is 72F plus or minus a few degrees depending on time of year. Higher temperatures are fine as long as access to water is secured. If you like Pamphobeteus, we think you’ll enjoy P. sp. “mascara.”
Photos: 1,2-typical appearance of specimens for sale, larger and smaller (ArachnoEden); 3,4-post molt late juvenile (ArachnoEden); 5-adult female (ArachnoEden)
Care highlights:
- slightly dry substrate + water dish support
- consider a damp end in larger enclosures
- adjust ventilation to slightly favor humidity
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- consider a hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment
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