Harpactira Species Husbandry Notes (ft. H. pulchripes)

I currently keep four species of Harpactira (baviana, pulchripes, hamiltoni, and cafreriana), so rather than do a video for each, I thought it would make more sense to tackle the genus. The care between the four species is identical, and so far I haven't seen too many behavioral differences.

[@ExoticsLair]

Just what I needed! Planning on getting a H.pulchripes but they’re so expensive here, so gotta make sure everything’s right. Good info!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! They're still pretty pricey here, but the prices are finally falling a bit. I hope they keep going down, because these are amazing spiders. Thanks!!!

[@WhiteLightning777]

If you go with an unsexed sling, they can be found for $75 to $100 which isn't too bad. I'd suggest keeping the sling in a Jamie's juvenile terrestrial enclosure, which is 4x4x5 with an air vent on top. You can fill the waterdish with a dropper without opening the lid. Her cage comes with all the accessories in a kit, great deal on that and she also has feeders and usually has slings as well.

[@boxingboa]

Yes this is a video I been hoping you would make just a wealth of knowledge. I have fallen in love with harpactira

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I absolutely love these guys! It was just difficult getting footage of them all. Thanks so much, bud!

[@tansiwolf8281]

Gosh, I miss keeping!

[@damforeman3683]

Hey Tom, this is a great way to tackle the T's; doing it by the genus and breaking them down a bit. Awesome video man!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Dam! And sorry for the late reply!

[@damforeman3683]

Tom Moran it’s all good boss! I know how it can be

[@clnfreakone8486]

Again I come to Tom to hear about the next one on my list H pulchripes … 5 year old video and still my go to person for husbandry videos

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha, that's awesome! Thank you so much!

[@ianstubberfield3824]

1 of those H. Pulchripes are top of the list to get...absolutely love the colours (who doesn't right?!) Started a new job for the first time in 20yrs this month...been crazy busy. Glad to check in and see a few new videos Tom!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, first time in 20 years? WOW! Congrats on the new job! I hope you ease right into it. :) And I agree completely. Thanks so much, Ian...and best of luck with new job! :)

[@KFInvertebrates]

Tom I must have watched your H pulchripes videos 10x I’ve recently bred the species and I’ll be posting the update after the egg sack is opened in another 6-7 days. These videos are what got me through the eaten males and the doubts ahaha very informative and entertaining content man.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Kelly! That's awesome...thank you! And congrats on the sac! I'm hoping my female is gravid...fingers crossed.

[@torpedoesntarantulas5758]

Another awesome vid! This one will definitely help me with my new h. pulchripes. Thanks Tom!

[@spokanesurvivaltrainingand5797]

Love the videos! I love seeing updates and husbandry videos!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! I'm really having fun with those, and people seem to dig them. It's a win win for me! haha

[@FartBox_BeatBox]

Thanks for putting my mind at ease! I've had my H. pulchripes for nearly a week now and was concerned that she wasnt burrowing at all. Shes eating and webbing well but is staying out in the open and hasnt seemed to use her burrow since I first put her in her enclosure. I've been slowly adding water to her substrate thinking that maybe I didnt have the moisture level right. I'll lay off and let it dry out a bit going forward. Once again thank you for the incredible content.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, FarBox (love the name, btw haha). If she's eating and webbing, she's doing just fine. I have several Harpactira species, and only a couple have been burrowers. As for moisture, it DOES rain where they are from, so I will now moisten a corner of the sub and let it dry out a bit in between. Hope that helps!

[@FartBox_BeatBox]

@@TomsBigSpiders it absolutely does, I was adding water to a corner and letting the moisture build up in the lower levels of the substrate, hoping to make her feel more comfortable. I'll just overflow the water bowl a bit once a week now to keep humidity up. I am very new to the hobby, psychically, but I've been reading up on Tarantulas for years so I'm putting theory to practice now and your videos have been great at helping me take that step. Also thanks about the username

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

You do such a great job of explaining clearly. I love the T's thru you. Have a great week Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Joyce! I think I'm FINALLY starting to feel a bit more natural doing these. :) Hope you had a great weekend! :)

[@Lisssssard]

Got a 3/4" H pulchripes sling for $40 at a reptile show yesterday. So excited to have one! Thank you for your videos on this species. Very helpful! ❤

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a fantastic deal! Wow! When I first bought mine, slings were going for $175! Congrats...and thank you! :)

[@WhiteLightning777]

My male H pulchripes just hooked out Sunday 7-29-18. He's now maybe 3.5" to 4". He was a 1" sling when I got him, which was on 1-4-18. The mature male loses a lot of his bright coloration, but until they hook out they are just as goodlooking as their female counterparts. I have several videos in a playlist for him on my channel. The lid on his enclosure was 81 degrees and the surface substrate was 78 degrees in his original cage. In his adult cage one side is 83 degrees and the other side is 74 degrees. My condo is kept at 68 degrees because my roommate has health issues. Sadly enough, I'm sending him out to a breeder but I got 2 interesting ones back in the trade. If the breeding is successful, all I asked for back was 3 slings with the breeder keeping the rest. They are a good second terrestrial, especially if your first one was something like a GBB or Lasiodora or something else a bit quick and pouncy on food. Mine can run like the wind but never once has thrown a threat posture at me, only at feeders that catch him by surprise. I always kept him on bone dry substrate with a water dish checked twice daily. Due to wicking from the web, I did get some mold and got him into a catch cup and disinfected the enclosure immediately. Fortunately enough, it was in just one area. You just GOTTA get one, worth every penny. Rehouse within a large tote within a bathtub with blocked drains at all times. Make sure they go down into the burrow before opening the cage!! They will if you tap the cage or shine a flashlight upon them. Feed them whenever they emerge to attack the water dish when you fill it or stick their feet out of the burrow in an ambush position.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great stuff, White Light. Well said!

[@6Ravenous6Hunger6]

I just picked up an H.pulchripes sling at my local expo last weekend! Needless to say, I'm already in love with it. I know I will often be coming back to this video for tips, Lol.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats, bud! Easily one of my favorite species!

[@leemillard6504]

Another excellent video tom, very informative, thank you 👍🏽

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Lee! :)

[@diesalot1837]

All of those colors, beautiful. Africa has a lot gorgeous spiders

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It really does! I can't wait until these guys start showing their adult colors. Thanks!

[@yonitdayal9955]

I agree with all of this very good vid tom enjoyed it as per usual !!! My h Pulchripes is all sealed away and should be molting very soon !! Also just got a molt from my p. SP rufus very excited !!

[@ministrychannelsa4216]

Hey Tom, Riaan from South Africa here. unfortunately, those are illigal to keep here, but they most certainly are fascinating spiders. I am not sure about all species, but Hamiltoni is actually a dedicated borrower in nature.

[@MadHatterMaddys]

Hey Tom!! You read my mind again on the video lol. I got a h. Cafreriana, h. Pulchripes, 4 a. Purpureas, p sp Rufus and 2 p smithis for my bday and xmas. So excited when I got them. Only pokie left is the p tigrinawesseli. So excited for these slings to grow!!! Great video again. Hope all is well with your family looking forward to next time

[@TomsBigSpiders]

WOW! Now THAT is a birthday present! Happy Birthday and congratulations on the new acquisitions! :) I'm totally jealous. hahaha Great to hear from you! :)

[@sandynix5268]

Just subscribed!😏 Hey Tom Thank you for the great videos! I do not have a tarantula, and right now I honestly do not even think about entering the hobby, ‘cause I'm struggling with my arachnophobia. But watching your videos really helps me a lot, because they are very educational and informative. You're definitely one of my favorites, along with "Exotic Liar" and "The Darl Den"!However, I do not understand why you only have 6745 subscribers! By the way, very nice to hear or see your family in between.☺️ Many KZbinrs would cut out such scenes, or even make their videos in an "isolated" location. I'm looking forward to many more nice videos. PS: Maybe a bit late, but I wish you and your family all the best for 2018!😊

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Sandy! Thank YOU for watching them. :) I actually got my first tarantula to get over my arachnophobia, so I completely understand. I was terrified of them but always had a respect for them. It takes time, but you start to find the fear washed away by fascination. At least that's what happened with me. haha I think my videos tend to be more on the educational than just plain "fun" side, so I get more folks getting into the hobby are ones who have already been in it for a while. I think the average Joe who doesn't know anything about them probably isn't as interested in all the facts. That's just my guess as to why I'm not burning it up with subscribers compared to some of the other. Petko from Dark Den and Exotic Lair are VERY entertaining! :) Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and for the very kind words. I totally appreciate it! And, yeah...can't cut my family and dogs out. That's my reality here! haha

[@theoschannel7114]

Awesome video I've missed a few of your recent videos going to go back and watch them :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Antonio. Thanks so much, bud. How are you holding up?

[@theoschannel7114]

Tom Moran not to good bro just taking everyday as it comes. Finalizing the funeral plans tomorrow.

[@SomethingFishy707]

another great video! and right when I get a H. cafreriana not much on them, good to know you keep them the same as the rest of the Harpactira genus

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I'm not seeing too many differences so far. The H. cafreriana seems to burrow a bit more than the others, but it's still out in the open quite a bit. I'll be curious to see if the different species take on different quirks as they get older.

[@thespidercollector2748]

Great content buddy always like your videos !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! :)

[@invertevision4757]

Well, as always, amazing video and information Tom! The fact that you are preferably one who would rather make informative videos says a lot and honestly, one need not look further than here. That being said, I do have a question...the M. balfouri, I see they do great being kept communally but how are they with single individuals kept seperate? I do want a communal eventually but not just yet but still would absolutely love this (M. balfouri) sp. Thanks again and look forward to another video.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! Yeah, the informative videos will remain my thing. When I started doing the blog (before shifting over to KZbin) it was to help folks getting started in the hobby. Entertainment really wasn't meant to be my focus (although I DO hope I'm not being too boring. haha) The first three M. balfouri I raised (two males and a female) were a totally different experience. They were MUCH more secretive, not venturing out of their burrows very often, and they did NOT eat as well. All three would only take dead prey until they were about 2" or so. Even though they were about 1.5" when I got them, they took over 2 years to reach the same size my communal balfouri (starting at .75") hit in a year. Again, I wouldn't call them problematic if kept alone, but they are MUCH more shy and grow at a slower rate.

[@TarantulaRookie]

got my first Harpactira the other day, a dictator (part of a mystery box, so a nice surprise). Such a nice abdomen pattern. Want to add a pulchripes to the collection next.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They are wonderful spiders. I'm raising up an H. dictator right now as well.

[@CreepyCorners]

Great information, Tom! I think I say this every time, but I love the webs! :~)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! :) Thanks so much. I love the webs, too! :)

[@spiderchick447]

Beautiful Ts! I am definitely putting these on my wish list! I suppose since I jumped into owning an H. Lividum I should be able to do well with these I think lol 😍😍😍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

OH, man...if you can handle a bratty lividum, you should do fine with any of these guys! :) Thank so much!!!

[@bighashgang1990]

All my adult H. Pulchripes are burrowers including the adult female, they dig a burrow tunnel then usually sit at the mouth of the burrow as well as webbing everything outside of their burrows

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I have one that burrows and one that doesn't. My big female gave up her burrow a couple years ago and just sits camly on the surface. I love that old girl.

[@ZahaMage]

great vid again mate. I got 2 H pulchripes slings and both seem to be doing great, though mine do hide quite a but or well 1 does the other has done quite some webbeing already (only have that one 3 days)

[@KANE8225]

love the Motionless in White love!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Kane!

[@flying_hussar3034]

I'm not a T keeper yet but if there was a spider that got me into the hobby it would definitely be H. Pulchripes. there is something magical about that species. Maybe one day...I'll start with GBB first I think when i convince my wife that we are not gonna get our house infested with Dubia roaches...as usual GREAT educational video Tom! thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, we've got to get you into the hobby, huh? :) They are an amazing species. I picked up my first do to their stunning appearance, and they quickly became a favorite do their hardiness, feeding response, and temperament. A GBB would be a good lead up to one. Heck, my GBBs are much more skittish. haha. You can tell her that the dubia can't infest (the lateralis roaches, on the other hand, can). Billie is in pest control, some I'm covered anyway. haha. Thanks again!

[@flying_hussar3034]

yeah definitely! haha the other problem is that she wants C. Versicolor which I love. However they are not that easily available ( last time i spotted some in spidershop uk which i check regularly they were gone in just over a day! i was going away for couple days and couldn't order then) but im worried as a beginner its not a good pick for their fragility as slings... so there you go married life:)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ahhhhhh...amazing species! My female has an eggsac right now, but you're in the UK. Crap. haha I had good luck with mine as a sling (and I'm about to have a whole lot more), but I am a bit reluctant to recommend them as first slings. I think sometimes that their reputation makes folks try too hard to keep things "perfect" and that leads to mistakes.

[@flying_hussar3034]

thanks for advice! I'll just have to stick to my guns and get GBB:) I'm also planning to go to BTS expo with the family in May and get more (at least 1T then) i can't wait!

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Flying_Hussar 303 I started with Avics brought from the spider shop and yes can be tricky! Make sure you do research. Will be going to 2 shows this year and selling at BTS. Maybe see you there! (I might be selling a female A Variegata soon. I have another female and think my C versi is a girl 2!) Atm I'd say it a bit risky re buying slings due to weather but Def ok from a show. (First one is in a few weeks).

[@MaximiliansMom]

Perfect timing on this vid!! I'm getting my first H. pulchripes sling this week!!! What do we have for substrate here?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Christine. Congrats! Crap, I forgot about the substrate! hahaha. The slings are on a mixture of topsoil with a bit of vermiculite. My females are on straight topsoil. :)

[@62millwood]

Again, thanks Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank YOU for always commenting, bud! :)

[@glennsolva1567]

Great video especially since you introduced me to H. pulchripes. Also really cool that you included 3 other Harpactira sp. I will if space & money allow, get more sp in the future. On our latest local expo, i got some baboon slings from a breeder friend of mine. I got 3 marshalli, 2 sanderi, 2 darlingi & 1 Idiothele mira small juvenile. Although they're not Harpactira I'm over the top happy with these small ones. Take good care of yourself buddy. ❤🤗🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Glenn! How's it going, bud? :) Thanks so much. I absolutely love this genus. It started with the H. pulchripes, but I'm loving the others as well. Man, those are great grabs! I need to get more C. darlingi. I had bought three years ago, and all three were male. It was the first time that ever happened to me. Perhaps I'll pick up some when the weather warms up a bit. And I would be happy, too! Congratulations! :)

[@glennsolva1567]

Tom Moran Thanx, Tom. I'm not in a couple of weeks looking forward to a adult female Monocentropus balfouri. Found it on our last expo for the season 12-26-17 bit the price were too high. It wasn't sold so i got the asking price down to a acceptabel level. Gonna get het in 2 weeks. 🤗🤗🤗 Take good care of yourself buddy. ❤🤗🕷🕸

[@saccrac]

Sorry if this question has been answered before, but when you talk about the sizes of the tarantulas, do you go by bodysize or diagonal legspan? As always, great job on the video. Got an H.pulchripes sling today and your video has been (as always) a great source of information! Can´t wait for my little dude to grow and hopefuly turn out to be a dudette. So far it´s doing great! (The pre-killed mealworm I left in front of his corkbark is already gone :D). Thx and keep up the awesome work Tom! Cheers

[@TomsBigSpiders]

In the states, we measure from tip of the front leg to the tip of the apposite back leg. In Europe, some folks measure by body length. I'm in the US, so when I talk about length, I use DLS, or diagonal leg span. I'm so glad to hear yours is doing well...that's great!!! :) And thanks so much! :)

[@janpkehl]

Great video!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Jan! :)

[@debbiemcclure2874]

Great video as always. I love the H. Pulchripes. It's by far my favorite T. So beautiful 😁🤗. Have you made a husbandry video on the P. Irminia Tom?? I couldn't find one. Tyfs, God bless you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They really are an amazing species! They have become one of my all time favorites. You know, I don't think I have! My girl is about to molt, so I'll try to get some video of her to make one. :)

[@debbiemcclure2874]

Tom Moran Ok, thanks. Looking forward to it. They sure are beautiful

[@spikeyG]

Thanks alot Tom!! Got 1 comming in next week, do you have any tips on keeping Selenocosmia crassipes?

[@MrTomkat030]

So cool, I have 2 H.Pulchripes now, my smallest 3-4th Instar molted maybe a week ago, I’m not sure I rarely see him/her But I saw him/her earlier today although small she hopefully is now Gold ( not that transparent looking brownish gold ) with the blue legs. He/She is only maybe 1” slightly bigger. The smaller has a burrow with 3 entrances/exits, stays in its burrow all the time, coming up with just the legs at the entrance waiting for food. The slightest movement of the container and then I won’t see it again for days to weeks. Super skittish and a pet hole as of now, hopefully (s)he will be less in its burrow when the T is bigger.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Both of mine are out quite a bit (my big female is always sitting out in the open). They WERE quite shy and skittish as slings. Hopefully, yours will settle down as it puts on size. Thanks for commenting! :)

[@MrTomkat030]

Tom Moran oh man me too, no thank you for making great videos 👍🏻

[@TarantulaswithShanti]

Thank you for this info.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

You're most welcome! :)

[@CarlySquires]

wow your T's are all so pretty loved your video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Carly!

[@pyrox9944]

Nice Video can you make how to care video to the Brahipelma smithi?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I sure can, Pyro! I'll get on one. :)

[@danieledwards4274]

Next time I have a sling in its vial in my hand, I won't put it back! Always next time... Great vid! Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha! Good! Thanks so much, bud. :)

[@Drew85myster]

Great video buddy

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you!

[@x0Goti0x]

Thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

:)

[@karolinastarantulas6244]

Great informative video as usual :) Gorgeous T´s and a big thumbs up for the Avatar shirt as well :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Karolina! And thanks! Billie and I just saw them in Boston on Friday (third time seeing them in 9 months).

[@karolinastarantulas6244]

That´s awesome! :)

[@numajoff]

Awesome video bro

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Joffy!

[@loris-bismar]

Dude, Avatar shirt! Fuck yeah man, Tim & Jonas are my friends. We are all from Gothenburg here in Sweden. Ehh, you dont need my whole story, just loved seeing them on your shirt. Anyway, great videos mate.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My favorite band! We saw them four times in about 16 months. haha. Awesome live show...and everyone in the family loves them (as apposed to some of the other bands that I listen to! haha). Thanks so much!

[@anxietti]

Great video, wish I, a first time tarantula owner, had seen this before I was sold an H. pulchripes at the pet store. :/

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! Oh, dear...that's jumping right into the deep end. :) What size is she?

[@TheHolyMrH]

Thanks for your videos will get my pulchripes soon. One thing I wish fore are the sizes of your enclosures not only mesured in gallons. Inches would work or better cm but gallons are strange to translate for most of the world.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on your H. pulchripes. I started using the metric system more in newer videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poK1qaFodtKFa5Y

[@Knight-RaveN-Rollers]

A few more weeks, and I'll be ordering my Brazilian Black and Mexican RedKnee, Just cant wait till i get both slings From TC

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome, Bruce! You must be totally dying to get them. haha

[@Yuki-rj5qr]

I need a Brazilian Black in my life too 😢

[@3wadesanrv498]

Any updates on all your Harpactira species? Specifically other than the Pulchripes. I’m interested in the other species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I can try to do an update on them soon! :)

[@josephh957]

Tom have you run across the T. Seladonia(sp?) at all? Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I've read it's the unicorn of new world T's. The adults are stunningly beautiful

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I have my eyes on them, but they are quite rare at the moment and RIDICULOUSLY expensive. Soooooo pretty, though! I know Tarantula Dan has one.

[@josephh957]

Well hopefully they become more common eventually. That would be an amazing showcase T for sure! Its like the Solaire of tarantulas, grossly incandescent :) (Eventually I will run out of DS references I promise)

[@edwinkwok70]

Very useful and informative video. I just got my 3 H.Pulripes slings that turned L3 like one and a half week ago. I tried offering cricket legs but none of them seem to be interested. I keep one corner moist and offered cork bark for hide. Do you know when do they start eating after turning L3? Thanks a lot

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Edwin! That last slings I raised from a sack took a couple weeks to eat after 3. It was freaking me out a bit at first. hahaha I would guess that they should start eating any time now. Have you been offering prekilled?

[@edwinkwok70]

I tried pre-killed mealworm, not interested either. Guess will wait for a bit and try again

[@Digita1Noob]

My sling filled the entrance to it's cork bark hide up 3 days ago. Waiting on it to open it back up. It was 1/2 inch sling

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sounds like premolt to me. It could be a couple weeks or more before it reemerges.

[@Digita1Noob]

@@TomsBigSpiders sounds good. It's one of my first slings so I'm a bit nervous lol

[@cassalamon]

Hey tom, I want to know if I should get one of these. I have never had a turantula, however I am experienced with other animals and am fine with a non handle able species. I am not so much worried about the care as I am about the venom and speed. I do have some alternatives like the C. cyaneopubescens, C. versicolor, and the P. irminia. I can email you if you want me to so we can go into a more detailed conversation.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sure, shoot me an email if you want! :) Its: [e-mail] .

[@zqspider]

Great video Tom.. I just rescued a avicularia metallic from Petsmart they weren't housing he/she right they shouldn't be selling T's at all!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

No, they definitely shouldn't be. They don't know how to care for the. Good grab...congrats! :) And thanks!

[@josephh957]

Zq Spider I've seen that at the PetsMart in my town as well, they don't house them arborally. Why sell it if you can't give people the correct info on how to care for it? Gives me conniptions

[@cassalamon]

It's great that people save them, but if you buy them, that shows petsmart/petco that there is a demand for the product and then they will get more to sell

[@zqspider]

Derp Gaming that's very true i wasn't thinking of that angle

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Thank God we don't have these in the UK I'd be a lot more out of pocket👍

[@HVACOG]

Slings -juvies bolted on me big time haha🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Oleg! This is the only species to ever get away from me and to end up on my back. I made the mistake of startling one when it was a sling. haha

[@EdwardTyndall]

awesome video bro

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Edward! Thanks so much, bud! :)

[@EdwardTyndall]

thank you i cant stop watching your videos they are great i even watch some of them twice

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Man, thank you so much! When I first started doing these, I really worried that folks would find all the information boring. Still, I teach for a living, and this is what I like to do. That means a ton! :)

[@EdwardTyndall]

well all i can say is you are a great teacher i learn something every time i watch your channel and i rang the bell so i wont miss anything oh yeah if you sell any slings pm me on fb i would love to get some ten packs if price is right in the near future thanks again keep up the great greatness bro

[@cylersanderson196]

My h. Pulchripes sling hasn’t burrowed or webbed up much. It just sits at the top of the enclosure. Had her about 3 weeks. Is this behavior normal for this species?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Cyler. It might still be settling in. Does it have a hide, starter burrow, and cover?

[@oskytango]

Hi tom .. I have a question about xenesthis sp blue, when I bought her obviously she kicking alot of hairs, her abdomen is half bald . Anyway I notice already 2 times that is some fluid on the bald part of her abdomen .. she have no injures btw .. is posible that is from her cleaning ? Today she was digging her borrow and I notice that she was having substrate on top abdomen ..i have the feeling that she cleans it out is posible that she is making her abdomen like weat? Hugs

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Osky! It definitely could be from cleaning herself. When you look closely at her, you can see any wounds, right? Was the fluid clear?

[@oskytango]

@@TomsBigSpiders it defenetly looks like water.. now she don't have anymore .. she behaves normal .. many times I found her on the glass .. I am concern if she is happy..

[@oskytango]

She have no wounds or any "milky liquid"

[@webbrowser6454]

Hmm must have gotten a wierd one. My girl's definitely more of a burrower than a webber

[@TomsBigSpiders]

One of my G. pulchripes females did a bit of burrowing early on, but abandoned her burrow after a molt or two. I gave them all quite a bit of substrate to dig in, and although they've done a bit of digging, they're mostly out on the surface. That said, before getting my pulchripes, I had been told they were fossorial. I'm assuming then that some may burrow. .

[@kittyestes3656]

Do you happen to have a mature female H.baviana? I just had a male mature and there is not a chance someone local has one.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Kitty! Unfortunately, mine are both still rather small! :(

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Super vid and def a species will try soon! No-one has tried communal of these? (Any of the genus..saw a vid of largish slings hanging about the female H Pulchripes)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It's funny, as someone told me that they heard that they could be communal. I think the problem is that they are so expensive, no one wants to try it. I'm about to breed my female, so maybe I'll try a little experiment... :) Thanks, bud! :)

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Tom Moran Yep would only try it with my own slings from a sack...be interesting if some of the other Harpactiras were similar. Def on the look out for some slings..

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Can you imagine a communal of these? Wow.... :) Hope you find some, bud!

[@MauriceTarantulas]

Tom Moran Kinda expensive still but will see at Seas next Sunday. Been an expensive start to the new year and am just about to buy enough acrylic for 20 enclosures. What was the website you used? Like to see how mine stand up and pricing (don't worry won't copy anything). I do remember they opened top and bottom? Mine are top only but then that's something I could change. I personally prefer top opening for Arboreals..

[@6Ravenous6Hunger6]

Great video as always, and love the Avatar shirt! I'll be seeing them on Thursday.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Just saw them in Boston on Friday (third time in a year). AWESOME show.

[@6Ravenous6Hunger6]

This will be my third time seeing them, second time in a year, but the first time I'm seeing them as a headliner. Every other time they were opening for Sevendust, and In This Moment, respectively. I'm greatly looking forward to what they can do with a full set, rather than just 30 minutes.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm telling you, the 16 song set instead of the 7 they do when they are an opener was AMAZING. They even broke out songs from the albums "Avatar" and "Thoughts of No Tomorrow". It was a fantastic set and, and now I'm totally spoiled. hahaha The place they played at was small, and Billie and I were about 10 ft from the stage. Best experience I've had at a concert in a long time. Have you heard the song off the new album yet?

[@6Ravenous6Hunger6]

I actually just bought the album last night, and plan on listening to it in full today at work. I'm glad to hear that they're pulling some old cuts out. I'm seeing them at the House of Blues here in New Orleans, so with any luck I'll be about 3 feet from the stage.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My son found it leaked on Tuesday, so we listened to it quite a bit before we went. I got the CD in the mail on Friday, so Billie and I listened to it the whole way up. We did our homework so we could sing along. hahaha Oh, man...that will be AWESOME! Hopefully, you'll get nice and close. :) I uploaded a couple of the videos I took but they're unlisted. hahaha

[@marloconstantino5352]

Hey tom, does this husbandry also applies to harpactira namaquensis?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Marlo! Yes, it does. I raised mine the exact same way. :)

[@marloconstantino5352]

@@TomsBigSpiders thank you!

[@Codysmith96co]

I NEED one of these H pulchripes

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha. Keep a lookout for a good price. You can sometimes find a good deal on them. :)

[@invertevision4757]

Before I even watch this...you are wearing an Avatar shirt!? I would have never pegged you to listen to Avatar lol. I love that band! I have to ask if you have a fav song? But now I'm off to finish this vid lol. I'm only 32 secs into it atm 😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Heck, yeah I am! hahaha. Billie and I just saw them for the third time in 9 months in Boston. They were the headliner, and we were about 10 feet away from the stage. It's our favorite band. Oh, man...I don't think I could narrow it down to one. hahaha. I have all 7 of their albums, and my Avatar feeding mix has over 40 songs on it. "Paint Me Red" is playing right now (one of my favorites). haha.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Have you picked up the new album yet? :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/anSTpZhqd9Gpi8U See if this works. haha

[@HeyItsNest]

I'm getting a harpactira cafreriana soon and I was wondering if a 10 gallon tank about make a good home I have no problem buying a 5 gallon but I already have a 10 gallon

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They're a little on the small side (4-5" or so) so a 10 gallon would be large. You'd just want to fill it with lots of sub. I would probably lean more toward a 5 myself.

[@barrycartwright8400]

i have a Pterinochilus murinus i need to rehouse soon. but this week i bought my self Harpactira pulchripes 2cm sling for £25

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Barry! So sorry for the late reply. Man...two of my favorite species there! Congrats!

[@ChantalsCritters]

❤🕷👍🇨🇦

[@davidknep]

Harpactira hamiltoni is my dream Harpactira! Impossible to find

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, David! Yeah, I've been trying to find another with no luck.

[@ArachnobrosUT]

What Beautiful T's! Definitely need to get us some of these! Also Tom we finished the KZbin Rewind for Tarantula channels and we included a special shoutout and set of clips just for you! Please check it out! We're looking forward to our other collaboration very soon!!

[@PrincessSuicune]

Hi Tom, I sent you an email about my H cafreriana, not necessarily urgent but it’s taking an actual toll on my mental well-being I’m so stressed over it so if you could take a look asap that would mean a lot, the subject line includes h cafreriana so you should be able to search for it. Sorry to bother you.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'll search my email for it as soon as I'm done here!

[@PrincessSuicune]

@@TomsBigSpiders thank you!!!

[@witcher1973]

I am still a bit.. No seriously ticked of that we are not alowed to have H. Pulchripes in the hobby in South Africa as its illegal!! Even though its native to our country, its one beautiful spidy.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Shawn! Yeah, I was speaking to another keeper from South Africa a couple years ago, and he told me that. That's a true shame.

[@gardenlifelove9815]

My H.P. loves to dig and web like fossorial

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome!

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

got a confirmed female harpactira atra hehe happy to confirm her sex and species shes beautiful and dark black

[@adipuff8275]

How strong is their venom?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

This is an Old World species, so a bite would be very unpleasant.

[@archieopteryx3021]

Broo cool avatar shirt lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Fellow Avatar fan? :)

[@hallowstar4857]

Avatar are the best

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Heck yes, they are! Just saw them in Boston on Friday night. Third time in 9 months. :)

[@PrincessSuicune]

Hi Tom, I sent you an email about my h cafreriana, the subject is “impaction? H cafreriana” I’m losing sleep over this t, I know you are super busy and it’s close to Christmas but if you could find a few minutes to get back to me it would mean the world. I’ve reached out to plenty of my friends in the hobby and I’m really losing hope. Please get back to me if you can. Thanks!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I'll be checking my emails later today. What name is it under?

[@PrincessSuicune]

@@TomsBigSpiders it should be under Charlotte! And thank you so so much Tom I know how busy you are!

[@godwinsajientertainment9427]

Harpactira atra

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm on the lookout...

[@slimeyslug50]

My Pulchripes is a complete jerk with a terrible attitude, but luckily she’s pretty, so I don’t hold it against her. Also, nice use of the word behove, A+ 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahahaha. I've been VERY lucky with mine so far. I got one threat pose when I dropped a cricket on my female. :) And thanks! :)