Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Acanthoscurria insubtilis

Common name: Bolivian Black Velvet

Indigenous: Bolivia

Habitat: Although situated entirely within the tropics, Bolivia has, as a result of its varied elevation, a wide range of climate. In the higher regions the climate is cold and dry. In the lower-lying regions the climate is warmer. The mean annual temperatures range from 8°C (47°F) in the Altiplano to 26°C (79°F) in the eastern lowlands.

Temp/humidity: 70°-80° (21.1-26.6°C)/65-75% humidity

Enclosure: Spiderling to two inches (5.08cm), Three inches (7.62cm) until adulthood, I use a terrarium that will allow at least four inches (10.16cm) of substrate

Substrate: Use four inches (10.16cm) of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: I Place a bark for a starter burrow hide

Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than after they reached 1/2" (1.27cm), I introduced baby crickets. My adult Bolivian Black Velvet, I give two dubia roaches or eight adult crickets weekly. This species, I found to be a good eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank, even though I have never seen mine drink. She normally fill the dish with substrate. I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish then I allow it to dry out.

Growth Rate: The growth rate for this species is fast. With proper heating and feeding it can attain a leg length of four inches (10.16cm) in the first year.

Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of six (6) to seven (7) inches (15.24-17.78cm).

Temperament: This is not an aggressive tarantula. I don't pick her up but I often rub her abdomen without her becoming skittish.

Comments: This is a good eating T. They have never refused a meal unless she is near a molt. A. geniculata will make a good addition to your collection. The color is a chocolate brown with a cream border around the carapace and faint striping on the legs; a beautiful contrast after a fresh molt. This is also a good display tarantula. Once it reaches about three inches in leg length, it rarely uses the hide. This tarantula is also easy to care for.

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