Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula (Lasiodora parahybana)
Lasiodora, New World June 18th, 2014The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater tarantula is a New World species coming from eastern Brazil. They are velvet black with pink hairs all over their bodies. They are actually the 3rd largest tarantula in the world (getting beaten by T.blondi “Goliath Birdeater” and T.aphophysis “Pinkfoot Goliath”) growing anywhere from 9 to 12 inches. They are fast growers being able to grow to full size within 18 to 24 months. They also get to live to be anywhere between 6 to 12 years. Quick fact is that the female can actually lay an egg sack of 1200 spiderlings (talk about a BIG family). They are relatively passive sitting still for display in their enclosures.
Housing:
This is the type of tarantula that you will need a big enclosure for. At full growth you are looking into needing a 25 to 30 gallon tank. Be sure that this tank is has more width and length then it has height. You are going to want to give them ample space to crawl and just enough height to turn over (in the event they need to molt). They are poor climbers due to their large size and weight. They rarely climb and if they do it can be dangerous for them. A fall can certainly cause injuries (visit https://halelaw.com/south-venice-ammunition-explosion-causes-injuries-and-airlift/ to get lawyers help to file compensation), bleeding and worse even death. We do recommend you give this tarantula at 3 to 5 inches of substrate. Being from Brazil they are used to a very warm and humid environment and we recommend a temperature of about 76 to 84 degrees with a humidity level of 75 percent. They are not known for using a hide though you can always place one in its enclosure, chances are it will not use it. You will also want to add some bark as something for it to climb and stand on. A fresh shallow water dish should be available with clean water at all times.
Feeding:
The Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula has a very big appetite. They eat constantly and can easily get overfed. You are going to want to feed them only once a week and a large cockroach or locusts should be fine. You can also feed them crickets, moths and occasionally a small lizard, pinkie mice or even small frogs, (they actually do not mainly eat birds) however we do not recommend a steady feeding of lizards/pinkies or frogs due to the potential calcium buildup it can produce in your tarantula’s exoskeleton which can possibly harden to much and become an issue during molting. However there should be no other issues feeding this specific tarantula.
Attitude:
Your Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula is not known for being aggressive at all. They do have one of the worst of urticating hairs which can induce horrid rashes. They are not quick to bite but if provoked will certainly do so. A full grown Lasiodora parahybana can have fangs up to a full inch in length which can certainly induce some damage should it bite you. In addition they have potent venom which can prompt muscle cramps and pain.
You can most certainly handle your Brazilian Salmon Pink but please be careful in doing so. Not being able to hold them properly (due to their size) can make the tarantula flick urticating hairs and worse case scenario bite. You also do not want to drop such a large tarantula as it can certainly be fatal. All in all a must have and definitely great for an intermediate hobbyist who wants a showcase pet.
Do you have a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater? Do you have a question or just want to share your experience? Tell us about it! Comment down below!
September 27th, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Hello all,
Watched mine moult for the 3rd time and man, it came out a monster. It’s a wonder howa spider that big could fit in the prior shell. I was abe to get a bit of video of it coming out andpushing out of the oldshell. Awesome. If you care to view send me a request at Christopher Brodbeck (facebook).
January 11th, 2019 at 9:53 pm
Hi Chris I just ordered a sling of the same. I guess I don’t know what I am in for. I would love to watch your video .You can send it to my email address. I also watched two of my others molt and felt it was awesome how they do it. Thanks Chris hope to get a video.
October 22nd, 2019 at 5:39 am
Hi I have a Lasiodora parahybana. He’s three years old now. He is not yet fully grown.
He is a great spider.
November 3rd, 2019 at 12:15 pm
M
April 22nd, 2020 at 11:29 am
I’m getting a new spider it’s my first time with the salmon pink any tips?
January 4th, 2022 at 6:28 pm
they grow really fast! hardy tarantula though. will make for a great long lasting pet
October 13th, 2020 at 5:45 pm
Do tarantulas need a heat lamp?
January 4th, 2022 at 6:26 pm
Not at all, room temperature is suffice. if its comfortable for you it will comfortable for them.