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| One of the females from my breeding project |
This week i'd like to introduce you to my favorite tarantula of all: the Dwarf Chile Flame, also known as Euathlus sp. "Red." Their low cost, hardy constitution, tolerant nature, appealing coloration, and ease of care make them a superior beginner species as well as an excellent addition to established collections.
Appearance and Behavior
This diminutive jewel is distinguished by a well-proportioned black body with red patches on the opisthosoma at the pedicel and spinnerets, which seem to make the opisthosoma look somewhat like a glowing chunk of coal. Males may have brighter coloration and larger patches of color than females. They only reach 3" at maturity and are extremely hardy and almost impossibly docile. They will tolerate handling, being stroked, and even repeated cupping without rearing or kicking hairs. Even during and after mating the spiders remain calm and cooperative.
They are an active and engaging species, often busy bulldozing the substrate in their enclosures and difficult to keep still during handling and photographing sessions. Seriously, these guys are a challenging subject to photograph. They never stop walking! They are not skittish, just very determined to keep moving; plodding carefully and doggedly across hands and up arms. Despite their high levels of activity they are slow growing and infrequent feeders. Slings may take up to eight years to reach adult size.
This species is also known for their ability to climb slick surfaces with ease even as adults, which can perturb keepers who are more accustomed to heavier-bodied and less able terrestrial species.
Housing
Dwarf Chile Flames thrive in enclosures slightly larger than what would normally be expected for a tarantula of their size. They are terrestrial and need substrate at a depth of twice their legspan, minimum, and enough floor space to have one corner of the enclosure damp and the opposite corner bone dry with an even humidity gradient across the enclosure. They will usually burrow under or next to decorations, and will happily incorporate provided shelters like caves or cork tunnels into their subterranean dens. For slings, i find that 4oz. plastic oval-shaped souffle portion cups are convenient and economical enclosures and can be used for the Euathlus sling's first year or so. Once the sling reaches 3/4", it may be moved into a larger deli cup or a custom enclosure. Adults may be housed in medium or large Kritter Keeper or Faunarium plastic enclosures or in similarly-sized glass or acrylic enclosures. Though this is a small species, their activity levels necessitate more space than some other dwarf tarantula species. They do not require special heating so long as room temperatures remain between 60˚ and 80˚ F. A regular day/night cycle will help to regulate feeding and molt cycles and is essential for successful breeding. This may be accomplished with a light on a timer or simply by keeping the tarantula in a room that receives natural indirect sunlight.
Feeding
This species prefers small, easily-overpowered prey. Adults may be offered crickets, any species of feeder cockroaches, or silk or hornworms, as long as the food is smaller than the tarantula's abdomen. Slings may take pinhead crickets, fruit flies, appropriately-sized springtails or isopods, or even bean beetles. Food should be offered weekly for adults and twice weekly for slings, though it it worth noting that food will often go untouched and should be removed after 48 hours. Adults and juveniles over 1" should be given access to a water dish at all times on the humid side of their enclosure, but slings will drink water from the substrate as long as the damp side of their enclosure is carefully maintained.
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| Showing off her reddish patches and her vertical climbing abilities |
