Theraphosa stirmi male • 3″ (burgundy goliath birdeater)

Description

Listed for sale is a juvenile male Theraphosa stirmi, the burgundy goliath birdeater.

Theraphosa stirmi was the last described of the 3 Theraphosa: Theraphosa blondi (1804), Theraphosa apophysis (1991), and Theraphosa stirmi (2010).

Interestingly, for over 10 years T. stirmi was sold mistakenly as T. blondi. Closer examination in 2008 led to scientific description in 2010 [1]. Native to southeast Guyana [1], T. stirmi is rainforest creature. It thrives in warmth and humidity.

By far the most important factor in raising Theraphosa is humidity, spiderlings in particular. For spiderings and juveniles we use slightly dampened substrate (1 part water + 10 parts dry substrate) and limit ventilation enough to allow humidity to build.

As your pet grows past the juvenile stage into semi-adulthood and beyond, you’ll find it tolerates less enclosure moisture. Indeed, it seems to prefer it. We prefer dryer substrate and moderately elevated humidity.

Photos: 1-male specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-adult female (ArachnoEden); 3-with egg sac in situ (Ashley Holland); 4-immature female (ArachnoEden); 5-mature male (@mauspad)

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened substrate +/- water dish to support humidity
• elevated humidity (75-90%), adjust ventilation to achieve
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• consider hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment

[1] Rudloff, J.-P. & Weinmann, D. (2010). A new giant tarantula from Guyana. Arthropoda Scientia. 1: 21-40.