Pamphobeteus sp. “antinous big black” spiderling • 1 1/2″

Description

Pamphobeteus sp. “antinous big black” has been in the hobby for over a decade. As an undescribed species not much about it has been documented. Common knowledge has it coming from the environs of Iquitos, Peru and that it is not the so-called true Pamphobeteus antinous. The latter has never been in the hobby; indeed, its type locality is in southern Peru, over 400 miles south, near the Brazil/Boliva border [1].*

Thus P. sp. “antinous big black” is the hobby body double for P. antinous. You’ll see various names attached to it, including P. antinous, P. cf. “antinous” and P. sp. “antinous.”**

We admit however that P. sp. “antinous big black” is a large, lusciously black tarantula with a large hobby following. It’s in our top 5 favorite Pamphobeteus species,  something we always want to have around.

Care is straightforward. Keep spiderlings in moderately elevated humidity. Boost humidity to this level with slightly dampened substrate, limiting ventilation only enough to allow humidity to build. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine. Warmth up to 80-85F will speed growth, but note, with warmth comes dryness. A water dish can help stave off dehydration if you wish to use higher temperatures.

Note, substrate should be slightly damp not wet. Wetness encourages microbial growth. As your specimen grows it can be kept under a wider range of conditions. You’ll be able to increase ventilation and limit substrate dampening to only half the enclosure or less. A water dish may still be helpful though, especially if ventilation is vigorous.

We have not seen this species burrow, but it will use a hide if provided.

Photos: 1-typical appearance of the spiderlings offered (ArachnoEden); 2-adult female (ArachnoEden); 3-adult female (breeder)

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened substrate for spiderlings (sds)
• elevated humidity, adjust ventilation to achieve
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• consider a hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment

*In 1903 Pocock described Pamphobeteus antinous from specimens collected in northern Bolivia (Madre de Dios), near the trifurcating border separating Bolivia from Brazil and Peru [1].

**The association with ‘antinous’ is rather unfortunate. Would this spider be introduced today, it’s unlikely that ‘antinous’ would be used in its name at all.

[1] Pocock, R. I. (1903b). On some genera and species of South-American Aviculariidae. Annals and Magazine of Natural History (7) 11(61): 81-115.