Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Xenesthis immanis

Common name: Colombian Lesserblack

Indigenous: Venezuela

Habitat: The climate of Venezuela is tropical on the Llanos and along the coast and temperate in the mountainous regions. The average daily temperature range in January is 15° to 26°C (59° to 78°F) in Caracas and 23° to 32°C (73° to 90°F) in Maracaibo; in July the range is 17° to 26°C (63° to 80°F) in Caracas and 24° to 34°C (76° to 94°F) in Maracaibo. Most precipitation falls from May through November, with the northern mountain slopes receiving less rain than those on the south.

Temp/humidity: 76°84°F degrees/70-85% humidity

Enclosure: Adults should be given a large terrarium. I use a twenty Gallon long aquarium. I have found that, if you simulate their natural environment by decorating the cage with foilage, they tend to stay out and wonder more. But make sure the plants you use have no pestiside on it.

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: I Place a bark for a starter burrow hide

Food Consumption: Because the spiderlings of this species are born large, I fed them half (1/2") (1.27cm) baby crickets. My sub-adult Colombian Lesserblack, I give two (2) adults B. dubia roaches or seven (7) adult crickets weekly. This species is a excellent eater, and devour its prey. I also give her one pinkie-mouse or a house gecko twice a year for variety.

Water Requirements: I keep a large water dish in her cage, even though after six years, I have never seen mine drink. 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 medium-fast. With proper heating and feeding it may attain a leg length of four inches (10.16cm) in a year.

Adult Size: I read that this species may attain a leg length of nine inches (22.86cm).

My girl is seven inches (17.78cm).

Temperament: This is a shy tarantula, especially as a juvenile, but once it reach the six-seven inch mark they become less skittish and the abdomen will become less bald because of hair kicking. It is not what I consider as an aggressive or defensive tarantula. It may use a defensive pose as a threat, but would rather beat a retreat than stand and fight.

Comments: This is an aggressive eating T. They have never refused a meal unless near a molt. A must have to your collection. The legs are black The carapace is black with a purple star burst; the abdomen is covered with reddish-orange hairs. Beauty coupled with size, would makes this tarantula one of the better display species. This tarantula is worth the wait for adulthood. I don't disturb nor handle this species. For more frequent viewings, decorate the enclosure with plants and barks to simulate its natural environment.

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