Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Crassicus lamanai
Common name: Belize Cinnamon
Indigenous: Belize
Habitat: Tropical forest/savanna Temperatures in Belize, which is situated between the tropic of Cancer and the equator, vary principally according to altitude rather than latitude. Three main temperature zones are discernible. The tierra caliente (“hot country”), which extends from sea level to an altitude of about 915 m (about 3,000 ft), has average yearly temperatures of 24° C (75° F) or more.
Temp/humidity: I keep mine at 78° to 82°F (25.5°-27.7°C) and 70% Humidity
Enclosure: Use a spiderling vial that will allow at least three inches of substrate for burrowing, and four inches as sub-adult-adult.
Substrate: I use three inches of substrate in vial and four inches in terrarium. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate). I keep the substrate in the terrarium dry on half the terrarium, and dampen the other half where the water dish is located, then allow it to dry out.
Retreat/Hide: This is an opportunistic burrower, therefore I place a bark for a starter burrow hide.
Food Consumption: I first fed her fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets. Now I give my Belize Cinnamon two (2) - one- inch (2.54cm) B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly. This specie is a good eater.
Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink.
Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is slow. I purchased this tarantula as a juvenile of 2" (5.08cm) in size. After the first year she had only grown to three inch (7.62cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, it reached a size of four inches (10.16cm) in about four years.
Adult Size: I read that they get five inches (12.7cm) leg length. Mine is a solid four inches (10.16cm).
Temperament: This is not an overtly defensive tarantula, but she can be feisty at times. It has never kicked hair at me.
Comments: This species is not common in the trade. Very hardy and easy to care for, and is a pretty cinnamon color. I am always able to view because she rarely uses her hide. If you have a opportunity to purchase one, go for it.
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