In the world of exotic pets, bird-eating spiders occupy a special place, evoking both delight and awe. Among them is a species that is often recommended even to beginners for its surprisingly calm temperament. This is Brachypelma albopilosum, a spider whose appearance resembles a soft plush toy.
The first thing that catches the eye is its unusual “fur.” The spider's entire body, especially its abdomen, is covered with long hairs of a pleasant brown color with a slight golden sheen. These hairs are constantly slightly ruffled, which makes the spider look homely disheveled and very cute.
But its main feature is its character. Unlike many of its relatives, this bird-eating spider rarely shows nervousness or aggression. When in danger, it prefers to shed irritating hairs from its abdomen rather than attack. It is for this peacefulness and unpretentiousness that it is so loved by terrarium keepers around the world.
Range, habitat, and living conditions
The curly bird-eating spider is native to the humid forests of Honduras and Costa Rica. This arthropod is nocturnal. During the day, the spider hides in burrows it has dug or in various depressions in the ground. Usually, the brachypelma's shelter is located near a body of water.
Brachypelma albopilosum has a calm and phlegmatic character. Adults spend most of their time sitting in their shelter and waiting for prey. At the same time, they are quite timid. In case of danger, the spider prefers to hide, and if that doesn't work, it uses its fangs. irritating hairs, which, when they get into the eyes and mucous membranes of their prey, cause severe allergies and pain.
At nightfall, the bird spider becomes active. These large arthropods do not spin webs or make traps like their smaller counterparts.
Spiders hide in burrows, leaving the ends of their hunting webs outside. As soon as a potential prey touches the trap, the spider hiding in ambush immediately senses the vibration and prepares to attack. Curly bird-eaters act lightning fast, and their victims can be large insects, small amphibians, other spiders, and even mammals. At the very beginning, the spider immobilizes its prey, then injects poison into its body, which dissolves the internal organs, turning them into a nutritious liquid.
Brachypelma ambopilosum
Interesting! The venom of the curly-haired bird-eater is not as strong as that of other members of the species. In terms of potency, it is compared to wasp venom.
Appearance
Brachypelma albopilosum has an unusual and memorable appearance. The spider has a rounded, plump body covered with dark brown, black, and golden bristles. The bristles have curls that give them a certain frizziness.
This is a fairly large arthropod. Together with its legs, the body length of Brachypelma ambopilosum reaches 15-16 cm. Short chelicerae are located in front of the spider's mouth. The mouthparts, as in all spiders, are sucking. The chelicerae are designed to hold food, and the spider can also use them to drag small objects.
Female Brachypelma albopilosum are much larger and more aggressive than males. If the spider lives alone in a terrarium, it is almost impossible to determine its sex without special skills and knowledge.
Brachypelmus albopilosum is a large tarantula with a fluffy, ruffled body and light spots on a dark background, which stands out not only for its appearance but also for its calm temperament. Unlike many spiders, this species rarely shows aggression, is not quick to bite, and tolerates captivity well, which is why it has long been a favorite among novice and experienced arachnid enthusiasts. With proper care, it lives a long life, leads a leisurely lifestyle, and may even hunt in front of its owner — a calm but impressive terrarium inhabitant.
Care and maintenance
The curly bird-eater is extremely easy to care for. It is a wonderful pet for people with no experience. Thanks to its peaceful nature and lack of strong venom, Brachypelma albopilosum is completely safe for humans.
Terrarium
A 40-liter terrarium will be sufficient for one spider. The width of the container should be 2-3 times greater than the span of the brachypelma's legs. Spiders of this species spend almost their entire lives on the ground, so the area of the terrarium is much more important than its height.
It is very important to provide fresh air access to the terrarium. It can come from above or from the side. It is also best to get a special cover. The terrarium can be placed in a dark place where there is not much traffic, as constant movement and attention can cause stress to the pet.
Soil
When choosing soil for a spider, you need to follow simple rules:
- do not use sand or other fine fillers that can get into the spider's respiratory tract.
- do not use soil from outside, as it may contain insecticides and toxic substances.
- the daytime temperature in the terrarium should be between 22-24 degrees Celsius. At night, it should be 20 degrees Celsius. It is best to arrange the temperature vertically so that the frog can choose a comfortable spot for itself. With this approach, the temperature at the top should be 27-29 degrees Celsius, and at the bottom, 20-22 degrees Celsius. No additional heating elements are required.
Good examples of suitable substrate for Brachypelma albopilosum are coconut substrate, aquarium gravel, or vermiculite.
Microclimate
The optimal temperature for curly bird-eaters should be maintained within the range of +24-28 degrees. Humidity – 70-80%. A special mat can be used to maintain warmth.
Please note! There is no need to illuminate the spider, and direct sunlight has a detrimental effect on it.
It is best if a special a sensor, that monitors temperature and humidity. If the humidity drops, you can spray the substrate with a spray bottle. There should also be a container of clean water in the terrarium.
Brachypelma albopilosum
Moulting
Spiders molt throughout their lives. During this period, the pet becomes less active, refuses to eat, and its body takes on a darker shade. The spider begins to weave a special mat. The entire process from preparation to molting can take from 1 week to 6 months.
Keeping Brachypelma albopilosum at home
Important! The molting itself lasts no more than 20 minutes. During this period, the spider lies on its back or side on a prepared mat. It does not need any help at this point. The owner's task is to leave the pet alone, providing it with optimal conditions.
Diet
Brachypelma albopilosum is a predator that prefers live prey. Its diet consists mainly of insects: large cockroaches, crickets, and beetles. The spider obtains all the necessary fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins from its prey.
At home, spiders are fed:
- marble cockroaches;
- crickets;
- mealworms.
Please note! Growing brachypelms are fed once every 2-3 days, adult spiders once every 7-10 days.
Young spiders are quite timid, so large prey must be immobilized a little before giving it to the spider. If the prey is much larger than the hunter, it can be divided into several parts. Large spiders can be fed newborn mice.
Close-up of a spider
Important! A spider's diet should be nutritious. Bird-eating spiders do not tend to overeat. They stop eating as soon as they are full. This allows you to accurately determine the optimal portion size for a particular spider.
Color variations, morphs, and popular subspecies
This species has no subspecies or color variations.
Reproduction
The breeding season for Brachypelma albopilosum coincides with the rainy season. A female ready to breed drums her front legs on the ground, signaling her readiness and inviting the male to mate.
A fertilized female lays 300 to 500 eggs in a special egg sac. Egg incubation lasts 8-10 weeks. After that, small spiders appear. They differ from adults in their pale color.
Note! Immediately after birth, young spiders stay together, then they molt and scatter in different directions.
Young spider
Diseases and health maintenance
A common cause of disease in bird-eating spiders is improper care. In this case, owners may encounter the following problems:
- dehydration the spider becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, and constantly tries to occupy the most humid part of the terrarium. Dehydration can lead to the death of your pet. To remedy the situation, it is important to purchase a hygrometer and monitor the humidity level in the terrarium. It is also necessary to provide a drinking bowl with clean water.
- injuries – very often, spiders suffer serious injuries when fighting large prey. That is why it is important to immobilize the prey before giving it to your pet. Bird-eating spiders are also often injured by sharp stones and driftwood that owners place in the terrarium as decoration.
- ticks they appear in conditions of high humidity and poor hygiene. Some types of mites can be seen with the naked eye on the spider's body. To get rid of parasites, the pet must be transferred to a clean and dry terrarium or container, gently dusted off with a brush, and left in quarantine.
Note! The terrarium itself must be treated and disinfected. If the contamination is too severe, the spider will most likely die.
Spiders are not given any additional vitamins or medications. The easiest way to prevent any problems is to provide comfortable and proper living conditions for the arthropod.
Interesting facts about the animal
The price of a Brachypelma albopilosum spider depends on its sex. Males are cheaper than females. Their cost varies from 900 to 2,000 rubles. Females cost from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles.
Thanks to their peaceful nature and lack of strong venom, this species of spider has proven itself to be an excellent pet.
Brachypelma albopilosum females are larger than males. If a female is not ready to mate, she may eat a male that comes too close.
In case of attack by a predator, Brachypelma albopilosum begins to combing hairs from their abdomen. When they come into contact with mucous membranes, these hairs cause severe allergies.
Brachypelma albopilosum
Brachypelma albopilosum is a very unusual spider. Despite its threatening appearance and large size, it is almost completely harmless and poses no danger to humans.
So, Brachypelma albopilosum is a truly unique spider that breaks many stereotypes about bird-eaters. Its calm, even phlegmatic temperament makes it one of the best candidates for those who are just beginning to explore the world of giant spiders.
Don't be fooled by its impressive size and shaggy, somewhat stern appearance. Underneath this furry “coat” hides a very patient and peaceful pet. It rarely shows aggression and prefers to sit quietly in plain sight, delighting the eye with its unusual appearance.
If you are looking for a spectacular but not fussy pet that does not require constant attention, the curly bird-eater can be an excellent choice. Just provide it with proper care, respect its peace, and this amazing furry friend will live with you for a long time, causing surprise and admiration.
