Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Lampropelma nigerimum

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Common name: Sangihe Island Black

Indigenous: Indonesia

Habitat: Lying along the equator, Indonesia's climate tends to be relatively even year-round. The country experiences two seasons—a wet season and a dry season—with no extremes of summer or winter. For most of Indonesia, the wet season falls between October and April with the dry season between May and September. The coastal plains averaging 28 °C (82.4 °F), the inland and mountain areas averaging 26 °C (78.8 °F), and the higher mountain regions, 23 °C (73.4 °F). The area's relative humidity ranges between 70 and 90%.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 75°-80°F and the humidity at 70%-80%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept more on the dry side and monthly I wet the substrate, then allow it to dry out completely.

Enclosure: This is a arboreal tarantula. As spiderling or juvenile, I put a twig in the vial so it may climb. When they get between three and four inches (7.76cm-10.16cm), I housed them in their permanent enclosures. They should be given a hollow vertical branch or cork to climb into. Their enclosure should be vertical. I have observed that, if the terrarium is decorated with plants, live or artificial, it will encourage the tarantula to venture out of its hide periodically.

Substrate: Use one inch (2.54cm) of substrate in vial, deli cup for spiderlings, and two inches (5.06cm) in a terrarium for sub-adult to adult. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: A ten inch (25.4cm) vertical barreled bark leaned against the cage.

Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (.635cm) baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now I give my Sangihe Island Black two (2) -one inch B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater. For variety, I give my girl one (1) house gecko every six (6) months.

Water Requirements: I glued a small bottle cap to the bark that is leaning against the cage for water and I also mist.

Growth Rate: This is a fast growing tarantula. I bought her at one inch (2.54cm). The first year she attained a leg length of three inches (7.76cm).

Adult Size: I read that this tarantula can reach a leg length of seven (7") inches. My girl is a relaxed five inches (12.7cm).

Temperament: This is a very fast moving spider. It is also a defensive tarantula, and will bite if provoked.

Comments: This is a secluded species and is rarely visible. It needs a proper hide to live stress free, but when it decides to venture outside its hide, which is rarely, it makes keeping this species worth the while and it is time to run and get the camera. 

As an introduction to this species, I suggest you get a large, Avicularia specie. The species in the Avicularia Genus will give you an experience with a large fast moving arboreal without the potent toxin.

This Asian species is a beautiful velvet black spider. It is reported that the toxin from this tarantula is stronger than most tarantulas. Because of its speed, and toxin, this species is not recommended as a beginner tarantula.