Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Lasiodora itabunae
Common name: Unknown
Indigenous: Brazil
Habitat: Most of Brazil has high annual average temperatures, above 22°C (72°F). Only in the South and in the highest elevations does the average fall below this.
A tropical wet climate characterizes much of northern Brazil, with abundant rainfall and little or no dry season. Temperatures average 25°C (77°F). Rainfall averages about 2,200 mm (about 90 in) a year. Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. Eighty percent of the rain falls in summer (October through March). Here rainfall averages about 1,600 mm (about 60 in) a year. In the interior Northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid region receives less than 800 mm (30 in) of rain, which falls in a period of two or three months.
In the Southeast the tropical climate is modified by elevation, with a winter average temperature below 18°C (64°F) and an average rainfall of about 1,400 mm (about 55 in) concentrated in summer. The South has subtropical conditions, with average temperatures below 20°C (68°F) and cool winters.
Temp/humidity: 75°-80° /65%-75%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 70%.
Enclosure: This is an opportunistic burrower. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (7.62cm) of substrate for burrowing. As sub-adult-adult I use a terrarium that will allow at least four inches (10.16cm) of substrate
Substrate: I use four inches of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).
Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide
Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My adult Lasiodora itabunae, I give two (2) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 10 adult crickets weekly. This species is a great eater, and attacks its prey with retribution. I also give her one pinkie-mouse or a house gecko once a year for variety.
Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink, and it always fill the water dish with substrate. I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish, than I allow it to dry out.
Growth Rate: The growth rate for this species is fast. With proper heating and feeding it may attain a leg length of four inches (10.16cm).
Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of seven to eight inches (17.78-20.32cm).
Temperament: This is a bold tarantula, but not aggressive as an adult. It may use a defensive pose, but would rather retreat than stand and fight.
Comments: This is an aggressive eating T. They has never refused a meal unless it is near a molt. This is another fairly new species in the USA. This is another easy to care for tarantula. It is a very handsome spider also, after a fresh molt. My girl is only seven inches (17.78cm). I am looking forward to seeing what this species looks like when she matures.
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