Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Lasiodora stratipes
Common name: Bahia Grey Birdeater
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°F (25.5°C)  and the humidity 70%.
Enclosure: This is a 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 (10.16cm) 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. After they reached 1/2" (1.27cm), I introduced baby crickets. My adult Bahia Grey Birdeater, I give two (2) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 10 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater, and attacks its prey with a vengeance. I also give her two (2) pinkie-mouse or a house gecko once a year for variety.
Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank, even. I have never seen mine drink. 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 grow to  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). My girl is seven inches (17.78cm)
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 a new species in the hobby. It is an aggressive eating T. They have never refused a meal unless near a molt. The Bahia Grey Birdeater is a nicely colored smoke grey with red hairs over the abdomen. This spider grows to a large size and is a good display tarantula.
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