Brazilian Salmon Pink Tarantula

Lasiodora parahybana

The Brazilian salmon pink tarantula (Lasiodora parahybana) is a very large terrestrial tarantula from northeastern Brazil. It is known in the hobby for a bulky body, dark legs with pinkish or salmon-colored hairs, fast growth, and a strong feeding response. This is a New World tarantula, so its first line of defense is often kicking irritating hairs from the abdomen rather than delivering a serious bite, though it can still bite if restrained. Adults spend much of their time on or just below the ground rather than climbing.

Keepers value this tarantula because captive-bred spiderlings are available and the species is hardy when basic conditions are met. A suitable enclosure is secure, mostly floor-based, and furnished with deep enough substrate, a hide, and a water dish. Overly damp or poorly ventilated setups can cause problems, while high falls can injure heavy adults. Feeding uses appropriately sized insects and occasional other invertebrate prey. Handling is discouraged because the spider is quick, defensive hairs irritate skin and eyes, and dropping the animal can be fatal.