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Common &
Scientific Name
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Comments
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1
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Chilean Rose
Grammostola spatulata
Now re-classified as G. rosea! |
This was my very first tarantula
and she (Helga) has always been very
docile. I consider this species to be the ideal
starter for budding tarantula keepers. |
2
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Chilean Beauty
Grammostola cala
Now re-classified as the red morph of G. rosea! |
Very similar to the Chilean Rose,
somewhat more pink in appearance than its close
relative. It is also very docile and again ideal
as a first tarantula as it is not very demanding
and can handle wider temperature and humidity
fluctuations. |
3
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The Mexican True
Reg Leg
Brachypelma emilia |
My own specimen of this species (Bracken)
was obtained as a 1st moult spiderling (under
1" across) and now has a 5" legspan. A
little more skittish and prone to hair flicking
but a beautiful and interesting spider
nonetheless. It is believed that this species may
have a higher venom level than many other
tarantulas, so if you wish to handle it do so
with care and respect! |
4
|
Mexican Red Rump
(Black Velvet)
Brachypelma vagans |
A very handsome spider, with its
jet black body and legs with distinct red hairs
on the abdomen. Be warned that this spider is
generally fast and may be a little aggressive. |
5
|
South American
Pink Toe
Avicularia avicularia |
One of the most charming spiders
I have ever seen. Almost completely black with
red/orange/pink tips to the legs. It requires a
tall tank as it is an arboreal species and high
humidity to ensure that it doesn't dehydrate. |
6
|
Mexican Blond
Aphonopelma chalcodes |
A tan and light brown spider that
can be expensive and although it is a ground
dwelling species it appears to like to climb.
They can be very fast. |
7
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Honduran Curly
Hair
Brachypelma albopilosa |
This is similar to the Mexican
Blond but with long curly hairs, like it has just
been blow-dried! They can be very mercurial, one
minute docile the next skittish. |
8
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Mexican Red Knee
Brachypelma smithi |
The archetypal tarantula that is
very much a film star (Raiders of the lost
ark, James Bond....) Generally docile but
expensive as it it now protected and can no
longer be collected from the wild. Can be a bit
of a hair flicker. |
9
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Trinidad Chevron
Tree Spider
Psalmopoeus cambridgei |
Another beautiful arboreal
spider, which can be very skittish and requires
high humidity and temperature to survive. This
spider really requires more experience to
successfully keep. Although it may be
suitable for the more adventurous. |
10
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Costa Rican Zebra
Aphonopelma seemani |
Another extremely striking
tarantula, but it is known to be rather
aggressive, not generally a good choice for a
first spider, although it may be suitable for the
more adventurous. |
