The Lava Tarantula is essentially the most lovely species of tarantula on the planet so far as I’m involved. The widespread title completely describes the unimaginable coloration, consisting of a fiery orange/crimson contrasted in opposition to jet black. It actually must be seen to be believed.
The Lava tarantula continues to be an actual rarity within the interest, although a restricted variety of specimens have turn into obtainable lately. Their recognition and rarity, nevertheless, imply they promote out nearly as quickly as they turn into obtainable. This can be a tarantula species you actually must be on the hunt for; your probabilities of simply stumbling throughout one at a pet retailer or reptile present are slim.
Simply the identical, the Lava tarantula comes at a premium worth, making it some of the costly theraphosids within the interest proper now. For that reason it’s in all probability not one to think about as a primary pet tarantula; as an alternative get some expertise underneath your belt earlier than you drop a large sum of cash on one in all these beauties.
That mentioned, for these with the money and the expertise, for my part they’re value each penny.
At current I’ve 7 specimens of assorted sizes, so on this article I’ll describe my private experiences to this point. Hopefully for those who’re significantly contemplating choosing one up then the next will show helpful.
Theraphosinae sp. Panama or Davus sp. Panama?
The Lava tarantula is but to be scientifically described. That’s to say it doesn’t also have a “correct” Latin title at current. As an alternative, hobbyists have given it a brief title so at the least we all know we’re speaking about the identical spider.
Traditionally the species has been recognized by the moniker of Theraphosinae sp. Panama. That’s, consultants believed it was probably an undescribed member of the Theraphosinae genus. The Panama bit is self-explanatory.
Extra just lately, nevertheless, taxonomists learning the species more and more consider this tarantula belongs within the Davus genus. Therefore this species is more and more changing into referred to as Davus sp. Panama within the interest.
Whereas Davus sp. Panama is now the generally-accepted title, older articles nonetheless check with Theraphosinae sp. Panama. To the reader, you possibly can assume each of those names check with the identical species – the Lava tarantula.
Housing the Lava Tarantula
Lava tarantulas are fairly simple to deal with in my expertise, with no particular necessities being required.
Most specimens bought right here within the UK are spiderlings, so require a really small container. The spiderlings of Davus sp. Panama are miniscule too; after dropping a lot cash on one you is likely to be fairly disenchanted with its dimension when it arrives!
However, the unimaginable coloration is current from the outset, so this isn’t a species the place you want to watch for a 12 months or two till these attractive grownup colours begin showing.
My spiderlings are at present housed in 2 oz clear plastic deli cups. Air flow is supplied by pushing a dissecting needle by means of the aspect a number of instances. Substrate-wise I’m at present utilizing coir. Because the spiderlings are so small, the finer the granules, the higher. This can be a species that likes to burrow, so giving an affordable depth permits for this.
Juvenile specimens are stored in an analogous method, however clearly in bigger containers. For the juveniles my choice is a 16 oz deli cup, once more with air flow added.
Temperature-wise, I attempt to hold my specimens above 20’C / 68’F and so they appear to be thriving underneath these circumstances.
To keep up this I’ve a reptile vivarium into which all of the deli cups are positioned. A single warmth pad is positioned contained in the vivarium, hooked up to 1 finish of the tank.
A thermostat hooked up to the heater prevents the chance of overheating, and I take advantage of digital thermometers at each ends of the vivarium to watch temperatures every day.
Adults attain a leg span of round 4” (10cm) so they’re thought-about a dwarf tarantula species. Which means adults will be efficiently housed in moderately modest cages. One thing no smaller than 8” / 20cm sq. works properly, with sufficient depth that your spider can burrow into their substrate and disappear from view.
Meals, Feeding & Development Charges
Lava tarantulas have a really improbable feeding response. Not solely do they nearly immediately bounce onto any livefood I provide them, however they’re ready and prepared to sort out surprisingly giant prey objects.
To this point my specimens have solely ever gone off their meals when a molt is approaching, which appears to occur each 3-4 months on common with my setup. Admire that completely different temperatures and feeding regimes will have an effect on how usually tarantula molt.
Lava tarantulas will fortunately eat all the usual feeder bugs, although be aware that the spiderlings are so tiny that solely the tiniest bugs will work.
My spiderlings get hatchling black crickets. Because the spiders develop, so does the dimensions of the livefood. Adults can take full-sized crickets with out problem.
I feed all my specimens, regardless of dimension, roughly as soon as per week, and consider this species has a moderate-to-fast fee of development.
Solely the bigger specimens, in larger cages, have small water bowls. For slings and juveniles I calmly mist one aspect of the deli cup so there are water droplets to drink from. The containers are allowed to dry out between purposes.
Temperament and Angle
To this point I’ve solely noticed one menace posture from my Lava tarantulas. And that was a specimen in premolt who obtained irritated with a cricket. I’ve by no means had one directed at me.
Typically I’d say this species is shy and skittish, extra more likely to run off than to face its floor. They’re not overly fast, in order that they’re fairly simple to work with.
I don’t deal with any of my tarantulas, however even when I did I wouldn’t take into account it with this species as I wouldn’t need to danger any hurt coming to such a uncommon and costly tarantula.
Conclusion
Davus sp. Panama is a thoughts blowingly attractive tarantula with a hefty price ticket. In case you’ve obtained some expertise and the readies then I extremely advocate you take into account choosing up a specimen. I’ve discovered them simple to maintain, with an awesome feeding response and an honest development fee.
Briefly, this species is really up there as some of the thrilling tarantulas at present within the interest and is one thing that’ll deliver you no finish of enjoyment taking care of.