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Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula (Lasiodora parahybana)

The Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula might sound rather intimidating by name but it’s an amazing spider to consider having as a pet.

It is a stunning species of pet tarantula suitable for beginners and experienced keepers alike.

With the proper care and maintenance, these fascinating creatures can bring years of joy and companionship.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete care guide for Lasiodora parahybana, including information about enclosures, substrates, feeding, and health concerns.

Characteristics:
Common Name Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula
Family Name Theraphosidae
Scientific Name Lasiodora parahybana
Use Pets
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Lifespan Males: 3-5 years / Females: Up to 20 years
Diet Carnivore
Adult Size 9-11 inches
Breeding Type Egg Layer
Care Level Moderate
Minimum Tank Size 15-20 Gallons
pH 6.4-7.2
Hardness Moderate
Temperature 72-80° F

What Are Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas?

Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas are a species of arachnids belonging to the family Theraphosidae.

They are widely popular for their beautiful, salmon pink coloring and large size, growing up to several inches in leg span.

The common name comes from the fact that this species has a reputation for being able to capture and eat small birds.

These tarantulas are found in the subtropical regions of South America.

With proper care, they can make interesting and long-lived pets.

What Do Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas Look Like?

Lasiodora parahybana is a colorful and fascinating species of tarantula.

They have a stunning pinkish-orange color that fades to a bright red on the legs.

They also have thick, robust legs that are covered in black hairs.

Adult females tend to be larger than males, measuring up to 6 inches in size with a leg span of around 8 to 12 inches.

They are quite stocky, with thick abdomens and powerful legs.

Its large fangs can deliver a powerful bite, so it is important to exercise caution when handling them.

Benefits Of Using Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas

Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas can make a great addition to many types of vivariums, bringing both an interesting aesthetic and a peaceful, captivating presence.

While they may not be as interactive as other pet species, they are a great conversation starter and a pleasure to watch as they move around their environment, searching for food.

Additionally, they offer a great opportunity to observe and learn more about arachnids and their behavior.

Lasiodora parahybana also makes an impressive display piece due to its large, brightly colored body.

With the proper habitat and care, it can be a low-maintenance, long-lasting pet to enjoy.

Lasiodora parahybana: Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula Care

Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula Facts

Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas are venomous terrestrial spiders native to various parts of South America.

They feature a vibrant salmon pink body coloration and have a lifespan of many years, with proper care.

Although their venom is mild, Lasiodora parahybana are defensive and maintain an aggressive posture when threatened.

In captivity, they may be bred but require a dedicated breeding tank with specific environmental parameters.

Habitat

Lasiodora parahybana is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It is found in areas such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of Peru.

It is an arboreal tarantula and prefers to live in high humidity, high heat locations.

In the wild, these tarantulas can build large, complex webs to capture prey and protect themselves from predators.

They are well adapted to life in the trees and can be found living in the highest branches of the canopy.

These impressive spiders are very impressive climbers.

Their strong, thick legs are designed to provide excellent grip, allowing them to make daring leaps from tree to tree.

They have also been known to occasionally venture down to the forest floor to find food and water.

Diet

In their natural habitat, these spiders make a meal out of pinhead crickets, small moths, grasshoppers, cockroaches, and other small to medium-sized insects.

They also feed on small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, small mice, and occasionally birds. 

Though they are carnivores, Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas have also been known to supplement their diet with plant matter such as fruit, leaves, and sugar.

This is thought to provide essential minerals and moisture for survival without having to depend on access to still water. 

Temperament

Lasiodora parahybana is a calm and gentle species of tarantula with a mild temperament.

Generally, these tarantulas do not exhibit aggressive behavior and do not pose a threat to humans or other animals.

However, as with any wild creature, it is always best to practice caution when handling them.

If disturbed or threatened in any way, Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas can become agitated and may bite in self-defense. 

These tarantulas are also very sociable creatures and can sometimes be seen interacting with each other in the wild.

When kept as pets, they are not known to be territorial and can usually co-exist peacefully with other tarantulas.

They are, however, solitary by nature and should be kept in separate enclosures.

In addition, these spiders are good climbers, so it is a good habit to ensure that your enclosure is sealed securely to prevent escape attempts.

Lifespan

The Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula generally has an average lifespan of several years depending on their sex.

Females will outlive the males with an average lifespan of up to 20 years, while males on the other end live for 3 to 5 years.

This longevity is much longer than the average lifespan of other types of tarantulas, so if you choose to keep one as a pet you will be able to enjoy your new friend for many years to come.

The Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula will go through several stages of life during its lifetime.

As a young tarantula, it will molt several times while growing, and then eventually reach adulthood and stop growing when it becomes a fully mature adult. 

Once Lasiodora parahybana is an adult it will become sexually mature and begin the breeding process.

Breeding

Reproduction in Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas is a complex but fascinating process.

To begin, males will use pheromones to attract potential mates.

During mating, the male will wrap his abdomen with the female’s in an embrace called a spermatophore transfer.

He releases spermatophores into the female’s genital opening which will then fertilize her eggs. 

The female will then lay her eggs in an egg sac, also known as an ootheca, which can contain hundreds of eggs.

The egg sac is typically hidden away in a crevice, buried, or hidden in the substrate.

After the eggs are laid, the female will guard the egg sac for several weeks before hatching.

Finally, once out of the sac, the baby spiderlings will be able to feed and take care of themselves, although it may take several months or even years for them to reach full maturity.

Where To Find Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas

The Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula is native to the northeastern parts of Brazil but can now be found around the world due to extensive trade.

They are typically found living in the cracks and crevices of burrows in tropical and semi-tropical climates.

To find these tarantulas in the wild, you should focus your search during the summer months when they are most active — a flashlight can be helpful for night hunts. 

These tarantulas are also available for purchase through a variety of online vendors.

When choosing a Salmon Pink Birdeater, consider its size, sex, and temperament to ensure it is the right one for you.

The spider should have a healthy, glossy appearance, and the enclosure should be free from mites or other pests.

It is also helpful to determine where the spider came from and what kind of care it has had thus far.

With a bit of research, it is possible to find a healthy and docile tarantula for sale.

Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula Care

Caring for Lasiodora parahybana requires providing them with an appropriate enclosure, adequate terrarium substrate, and food and water.

The enclosure should be kept at a consistent temperature and relatively high humidity.

Handle your tarantula gently and provide a place for it to hide.

Monitor its health for any signs of disease, and give your pet regular shedding cycles.

Tank Requirements

The ideal tank requirements for Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas are a terrarium that is at least 15 gallons in size with a secure lid.

The ideal pH balance is 6.4 – 7.2 with a very low water hardness of 1-3 dKH.

The enclosure should be kept at a temperature of between 72 – 80 °F with humidity levels ranging between 60 – 80%.

The substrate should be a 3 – 4 inch layer of peat moss and coconut husks so that the tarantula can burrow into it.

A shallow water dish should also be included in the enclosure.

For terrarium lighting, natural light or a decent artificial light setup is ideal for the tarantula.

What Do Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas Eat?

One of the most essential aspects of caring for a Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula is providing it with the proper nutrition.

Your tarantula should be fed a variety of food items, including crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms.

It is best to feed your tarantula 1-2 times weekly and make sure not to overfeed.

You should only offer as much food as the arachnid can consume in 30 minutes. Feeding them around dusk is best.

Additionally, it is good practice to dust the food with calcium powder or multivitamin powder for added nutrition.

Be sure to remove any uneaten food items from the enclosure to prevent them from spoiling or otherwise attracting pests.

If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.

What Do Tarantulas Eat? | Best Pet Tarantula Food & Feeding!

Best Tankmates For Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas

Lasiodora parahybana are solitary animals, so they should not be kept with other tarantulas in the same enclosure.

However, there are some species of invertebrates that make good tankmates for Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantulas.

The most popular tankmates for the large spiders include pet isopods, springtails, snails, millipedes, and other tank-cleaning inhabitants.

All of these species have similar needs in terms of temperature, humidity, and dietary requirements, making them ideal tankmates.

Additionally, the presence of other animals in the enclosure may encourage L. parahybana to be more active and engaged.

When selecting tankmates, it is vital to remember that these animals should be of a smaller size and calmer temperament than the Salmon Pink Birdeater to avoid any potential aggression or predation.

Conclusion

The Salmon Pink Birdeater Tarantula is an attractive and rewarding pet that can live for decades with proper care and maintenance.

By following the advice in this guide, you can provide the best environment for your tarantula and ensure its health and happiness.

With proper care, the Lasiodora parahybana will make a fulfilling, low-maintenance companion for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salmon pink tarantulas (Lasiodora parahybana) are generally docile and not considered too aggressive, but their temperament can vary depending on individual specimens and environmental factors.

Salmon pink tarantulas (Lasiodora parahybana) can reach a leg span of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters), making them one of the largest tarantula species.

Salmon pink birdeaters (Lasiodora parahybana) are opportunistic predators that primarily feed on insects, but they can also consume small vertebrates such as mice, lizards, and even small birds if given the opportunity.

Salmon pink birdeaters (Lasiodora parahybana) thrive in temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 degrees Celsius) and require a humidity level of around 60% to 70% for optimal conditions.

Salmon pink birdeaters are primarily terrestrial tarantulas, although they may occasionally climb and create simple web structures.

Lasiodora parahybana, or the salmon pink birdeater, is often recommended as a suitable tarantula species for beginners due to its hardiness and relatively calm temperament.

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