Chaetopelma lymberakisi spiderling • 5/8″ (Cretan rock dwarf)

Description

Chaetopelma lymberakisi

Chaetopelma lymberakisi is pretty new to the hobby, 2019 by description. Its introduction follows closely that of its larger cousin, C. olivaceum, as one of the few tarantulas native to Europe. C. lymberakisi is found on the island of Crete. According to one reference:

“This species can be found in coastal, sandy areas on the coast of its native island, although sightings have been reported in rocky crevices in the Lefka Ori mountains [1]. Its coloration varies from a metallic beige as juveniles to a darker beige as they mature.” -Wikipedia

In Greece, winters are mild and rainy, summers are hot and dry. We recommend keeping C. lymberakisi spiderlings on slightly dampened substrate, limiting ventilation to allow humidity to build. Average room humidity in the US is 50% RH. Spiderlings will do better with 80-95%RH. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine.

Juveniles and older instars have higher drought tolerance and can be kept on drier substrate. Thus, enclosure ventilation can be liberalized; high humidity isn’t needed. If you use higher temperatures, say 80-85F, adjust enclosure water and ventilation to prevent pet desiccation. Adding a water dish may be helpful.

Adult females are about 20 mm body length, males smaller (~15 mm body length); thus, C. lymberakisi is substantially smaller than C. olivaceum.

As with any recent addition to the spider-keeping community, keep an eye out for unusual behaviors. We’d all like to learn more about C. lymberakisi. Send a photo of an adult or near-adult specimen and I’ll post with credit! Meanwhile, we’ll post updates as specimens here molt.

Why keep Chaetopelma lymberakisi?

Why Chaetopelma lymberakisi? You’re curious about new species, Old World dwarfs, or species from novel regions, the Mediterranean in this case.

Photos

Photos: 1-one of the spiderlings for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-spiderling (Spidersnyc)

Care highlights

Care highlights:

• C. lymberakisi live in Mediterranean climate

• slightly dampened substrate for spiderlings

• control ventilation to elevate humidity slightly

• semi-dry substrate + water dish for juveniles and up; liberalize ventilation

• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80-85F

References

[1] Chatzaki, M. & Komenov, M. (2019). Description of a new Chaetopelma (Araneae, Theraphosidae) species from Crete and a re-description of Macrothele cretica Kulczyński, 1903 (Araneae, Macrothelidae). Zootaxa 4544 (2).