MY TOP 13 FAVORITE OLD WORLD TARANTULAS

[@Scheltokeeper]

6:40 Could it be that you mixed it up? As far as I know, the light colored variants come from Cyprus. Many years ago, I was in contact with a breeder here in Germany who imported some wild caughts directly from his vacation on Cyprus and also bred with them later. All animals, both males and females, were light (golden) colored. I visited him at the time and bought four slings. As far as I know, there are almost black animals of this species in Israel. In addition, freshly molted animals are darker in colour for a while. Especially juveniles. I hope for you that you get another adult female. I had to raise four spiderlings to finally get an adult female! One spiderling died prematurely and two became males and both died before the female became sexually mature. The Female is still alive and is one of my favorite T's in my small collection.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! It's definitely possible, as I've heard mixed reports. Thank you so much for that information, as it sounds like you have more experience with the color variants! And thanks for the well wishes on getting a female...I'm still holding out for a girl. They are such awesome spiders. Thank you again!

[@WrightlyDivided]

Wow great story thanks for sharing !

[@GarFieldSnakes]

My female is from cyprus as well and lighter gold/green isch colour.

[@ScottsInverts]

Obt what a honest number 1 ! Great video

[@TomsBigSpiders]

LOVE my OBTs, bud! :) Thanks, Scott!

[@ScottsInverts]

@@TomsBigSpiders I have a few atm internet bods defo give them the wrong impression

[@Superwaffle-ez9ct]

newer tarantula keeper here - i got bored with my avic avic and my pamphobetus to the point that i got myself an OBT and a pterinochilus lugardi, and their energy has been great. old worlds are so fun to keep!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! It's funny, because my Avic Avic and Pamphos are much more visible than most of my OBTs or my P. lugardi!

[@MarcLace209]

The Obt in true colour form, is my first Tarantula, despite all the hype of them being sooooo bad. I grabbed a sling and have loved all the growth I’ve seen in little under a year. Over the year I’ve obtained more T’s in different size stages, and still get so fascinated. My sling P. Metallica is another one of my favorites. It’s always out on its cork bark

[@TomsBigSpiders]

By true color form, do you mean the tan ones? If so, I was supposed to have four of them, but it looks like the guy sent me RCF. Still, I loive them. Thanks, Marc!

[@knoetzel8818]

I love that they have so much color forms I think they had 5 …

[@Milkingtarantulas]

Great video as always. This is my top 10: 1 Heteroscodra maculata 2 Haploclastus devamatha 3 Monocentropus balfouri 4 Pterinochilus murinus 5 Orphnaecus philippinus 6 Poecilotheria subfusca Lowland 7 Harpactira pulchripes 8 Ceratogyrus brachycephalus 9 Idiothele mira 10 Pelinobius muticus

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great list, bud! I can't argue with any of those!

[@WrightlyDivided]

All so pretty! I don’t have any OW yet while my babies still young but I have heard of most on your list and agree with the 8 that I recognize ! Thanks for sharing

[@stevem8131]

Obt was my first tarantula approximately 20yrs ago. I had no idea what I was in for because there was no KZbin then and very little information about them. As an introduction to the hobby, I got the most laid back obt I have ever kept. I bought it at my favorite pet store. Looking back on it, I was clueless about medically significant venom and I think that actually helped with keeping this species at the time. I got the old talk that "their bite isn't much worse than a bee sting" which made me unafraid of my obt. He eventually grew from a 1 1/2" sling to a mature male and ended up passing away. I just got more Ts after that, and still keep Ts.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I think a lot of folks found themselves with old worlds back in the day and didn't know that the venom was worse. It almost happened to me, as I thought that all tarantula bites were "no worse than a bee sting." Glad to hear that it went well!

[@zulemazahir666]

I'm curious and excited about this one. My H. Macs have been more shy as well and I love them so much! Great list. ♡ Edit: Had to mention how much I love my Gigas's as well. I'm like you and call all my babies favorites, but genuinely one of my top three in my collection.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Zulema! Thank you so much! I love my gigas girls. They are just so big and beefy, and they are always quite calm when I catch them out in the open. :)

[@gab3963]

My OBT was easily one of my most docile spiders. Sadly, it stopped eating and passed away earlier this year, but once I pick up a few new species I am definitely going to be picking up another!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Gab! I lost the girl in this video recently due to old age. She was always such a sweetheart. Yours sounds amazing as well!

[@archetype9018]

1.Halpopelma longipes (check profile picture) my very first old world i bought 15 years ago, she will never be replaced. 2.Chilobrachys kaeng krachan 3.Heteroscodra maculata 4.Haplopelma albostriatus(ratchaburi) 5.Poecilotheria rufilata 6.Chilobrachys sp. electric blue 7.Ornithoctonus aureotibialis 8.Haplopelma minax 9.Hysterocrates gigas 10.Thrigmopoeus truculentus(very underastimated species) I like the ones that hide a lot in their amazing burrows, just a you said, it doubles the fun when u see those crazy front legs hanging out. Awesome video's cheers from the Netherlands!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Greetings from the US! Great list...I can't argue against any of those. :)

[@TheThunderer1701]

Love the "cheat". As I read the title, I immediately thought, "Pokies!!!" I was right, but wrong at the same time. Lol. My wife (who really dislikes my T's, was watching me feed them one night. As I opened my OBT's enclosure and I told her that, previously, it had snagged the cricket just as it barely touched the webbing... I was talking at the time and, BAM, the same thing happened and we both jumped as the little one wrestled the cricket right in front and top of the enclosure. Lightning!! It gave us the giggles a bit - which is "good" as it is better than her just shaking her head. Love the list. As always, it gives me lots to think about. You and Billie - have a great week.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha I had to do it! Bahaha. Nothing like when they jump scare you! And I'm glad that she got the giggles and didn't get mad. haha Thanks so much, Fred!

[@graceoguthrie6218]

I love these types of videos you make , C.Darlingi is my favorite. When my own comes out of hiding I’m just completely blown away by how pretty she is and her little party hat

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Grace! The C. darlingi really are adorable! Love the party hats. haha

[@mikewinings4120]

Actual barking spider,did not know,love it,would like to acquire one,thanks for the great list!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! Yeah, they are cool spiders!

[@jasongonzales5563]

Its been 5 months since ive got on youtube and seen a tom video. How refreshing. And my favorite subject. Lets goooo.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Welcome back, Jason! Hahaha That's awesome...I hope that you enjoy it!

[@jasongonzales5563]

@@TomsBigSpiders you bet

[@thelizarddude]

Can’t wait to get my P. Regalis in two days at the expo! I’m in love with old worlds, I just got an H Maculata last week.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on grabbing both species! They don't get any better when it comes to those striking grays, blacks, and whites.

[@georgehill3338]

Love these updates Tom, it's funny how our lists/favorites change over time in our collections! Here's my top 10, in no particular order (it's too difficult 😂): 1. Harpactira pulchripes 2. Poecilotheria vittata 3. Phormingochilus sp. rufus 4. Chilobrachys sp. electric blue 5. Ceratogyrus darlingi 6. Lyrognathus giannisposatoi 7. Orphnaecus philippinus 8. Ornithoctoninae sp. South Catobato 9. Plesiophrictus sp. kerala 10. Psednocnemis brachyramosa

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great list, George!

[@riomaxsvideos1657]

You have great collection of T .....awsome 🎉👌👌👌

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@pruebj3553]

I love my OBTs. I have them set up as semi arboreal and they are so laid back when I have to rehouse them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yup, mine have always been very well behaved!

[@Ghostoad]

Thanks Tom. No old world yet.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

No worries, Michael!

[@floranfauna3090]

Great Tom, all I need is more spiders😍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha You're most welcome. ;)

[@1968tmb]

I loved this video!! When I looked and saw the video length......it made my day!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Toni! I can do more of the longer ones in the summer. I know these aren't the flashiest and best produced videos out there, but they take a heck of a long time to put together! haha

[@1968tmb]

@@TomsBigSpiders They are just right!

[@kurtanp]

Fascinating. You're the best. OBT is on the list!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Kurt!

[@sara.3042]

Great video. This is the first I'm seeing or hearing of that tangerine species. Quite lovely.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm glad that I could show her off to you, Sara!

[@Joe-rm8rs]

Hey Tom I love your channel you have an awesome collection my friend!! My favorite quick list of old worlds are, all the Pokies, O. Violocipes, M. Balfouri, C. Minax. These are just a few, oh and of course the infamous OBT! I bought 2 of these back in ‘89 labeled the “ Usambura golden starburst baboon” same feisty attitude but beautiful spiders a lovely golden yellow, very quick almost teleport speed but I really dig them! Thanks Tom for your work in the hobby!!🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Joe! And I can't argue with any of those. haha I honestly love them all. And those goldens sound amazing!

[@fangguitar2423]

Very nice video dude! I love all of your tarantulas 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much!

[@clovedoper7223]

Had C. Marshalli, C. Darlingi, L.P, P. Regalis, H. Maculata as my first 5 T's and been falling in love with keeping T's ever since!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I definitely can't argue with any of those! haha I honestly love them all, so lists like this one are so difficult for me.

[@pamelatenn2890]

Hi Tom, I'm a newbie and getting over my fear of T's, and Spiders. My favorite tho are the JUMPING SPIDERS, AND TRAP DOOR SPIDERS..I Must admit, I had to learn the difference between OLD WORLDS AND NEW WORLDS..I do see the Beauty in the Tarantulas..I have a long way to go. I think all your Tarantulas are beautiful.. As I continue to learn, I really enjoy your videos, which is helping me. Thank you Tom for helping me in my new curiosity of these animals. Love your Channel

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Pamela! We'll be there when you are ready. :) And thank you so very much! I truly appreciate it!

[@pamelatenn2890]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thank you so much. I appreciate your support!!!

[@abowen4951]

H giggis is a truly very underrated spider mine literally comes out to see me it also eats like a dust bin I love mine and definitely a must in anyones collection

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I totally agree.

[@groton5376]

Simply beautiful creatures

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I agree, Groton!

[@williamneill5441]

Great list! Just picked up a juvi female OBT red this weekend after not keeping the species for years. Glad I did!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats on grabbing another, William!

[@321cynth]

I love hearing of your passion for these animals. And I like hearing about Billies favorite as well!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Cynthia!

[@kennethmassa6682]

I'm always curious to see what other people are into. I agree, the black and white spiders always catch my eye- I've been getting into OW species largely because I want to work up to the H. maculata.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

The H. mac is such a beauty!

[@robertknight3737]

OBT is my favorite too Tom and that yellow one you showed was stunning ! i had never seen one like that ! H mac is my second fav ! Do a favorite new worlds video sometime !

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Isn't she a beauty, Robert? And I will definitely revisit new worlds at some point!

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

Hello great video information Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Moon!

[@thesteelbutterfly]

I have yet to own Old Worlds, since I just joined the hobby around 2020. But I would like to name a few of my top 10 favorites, even though I'm constantly learning about the different kinds of species I'm recently studying about and ones not talked about as much. I really love this list Tom, plus I eagerly await the day I will add a Eucratoscelus pachypus to my collection. Not in particular order: - Xenesthis intermedia - P. regalis - Hapalopus sp Colombia - Tliltocatl verdezi (sadly a very underrated one, but I love this species even though I only had it for about 2 months) - Cyriopagopus albostriatus - H. maculata - H. pulchripes - B. auratum - C. jonitriantisvansicklei (I think this tarantula is considered endangered and illegal to own, but it was discovered around 2019, so its fairly new) - Davus sp. Panama

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Some awesome species there...I can't argue with any of them. :) And hopefully you will one day find the E. pachypus.

[@The-Spider-King]

Another great video Tom. I xant fault any of your choices, some great species there!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much! It's SO difficult to do one of these lists when you honestly love them all. haha

[@georgecardiff1946]

Very enjoyable Tom, always love those type of videos, one of my favourites is the Thai black tarantula but it's a difficult choice at any time Tom.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, George! And I still have to get a Thai Black. I saw one YEARS ago at a reptile show back in the 90s and almost bought it. I was a good think that I didn't, as I would not have been prepared for the temperament and husbandry requirements. I've always wanted to keep one since then.

[@bighashgang1990]

@@TomsBigSpiders bro instead of the C. Minax "Thai black" get the C. Albostriatum "Ratchaburi" locale, I have both adult females of each and the "ratchaburi" locale is the better of the two imo so much better looking but same exact husbandry and attitude

[@LadyKakizaki]

Great video Tom! Really enjoying going back through these! Oh man this is going to be fun.... 1. Phormingochilus arboricola/Lampropelma nigerrimum/Lampropelma carpenteri: Lumping these together cause they're all functionally the same thing (big black arboreal spider from Malaysia and that general area)- I identified all 3 of these as soon as I began research in 2017 as spiders I wanted to keep. I got a P. arboricola sling as I think my 4th spider and she has become this big beautiful lovely jet black velvety lady and is one of the most gentle spiders in my collection. I absolutely adore her. I'm hoping to bred her after her next moult! My L. nigerrimum moulted out male last year, and I pick up my L. carpenteri in 2 days! Love all these guys and I guess I'm cheating by putting 3 here but who cares this is for fun 2. Harpactira cafreriana: absolutely gorgeous, super great beginner OWs in my experience, pretty docile and visible. 3. B. simoroxigorum: I absolutely love these guys, they are super unique looking with the long pill-shaped abdomen and the wide carapace and spindly legs. One thing people should know about these guys is that the blue does turn more of a black in adults. I adore these guys though, they are super pretty and super visible. Good eaters, but I never actually see them hunting but when I come back later they're up on their toes eating. 4. Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue: I adore my girl she is beautiful and visible and extremely calm. The blue stays a powder-electric blue for quite some time after a moult in my experience, which is fantastic. I love the heavy webbing and every night I come out she's on the webbing and when I disturb her she just slowly calmly walks back into her web den. I love that girl so much, my dealer pushed her on me as a freebie so hard even though I didn't really want one but I am SO glad I let him talk me into it, lol! 5. H. villosella: I absolutely adore this species, they are so cute and petite and really much more shy than defensive. The heavy webbing is beautiful and they are good hunters as well. I think this is a great starter OW since they are so small and really in my experience unlikely to use their venom. 6. Ornithoctonus aureotibialis: I love Ornithoctonus and Ornithoctoninae, my O. aureotibialis is super sweet super calm, a little fast but not unmanageable. Unless she’s in premoult she'll be out on her webbing at night. Definitely recommend picking up something in this genus! 7. Poecilotheria subfusca Lowland: After 8 male pokies, I finally got a female, my beautiful subfusca lowland. I love the darker colouration, my girl is so sweet and laid back, and they are just beautiful spiders all around! I was so excited when I sexed that moult as female, I had pretty much given up on ever getting a female Pokie! 8. E. olivacea: Top of my wishlist right now, they are just absolutely stunning and I really like the thought of an arboreal baboon! Definitely need to grab one of these soon. 9. Omothymus schiodtei- Gorgeous t, I love Omothymus as previously mentioned and these guys are just stunning. My goal is to keep as many species as possible from the Malay Archipelago/Malaysia/Borneo that area, so this definitely had to be on the list! 10. Selenocosmia javanensis sumatra- Dude this spider is amazing, I need to own it! Love this genus and this spider. 11. Chaetopelma olivaceum- definitely needing to pick one of these up, love the smaller spiders with the cute fiery little attitudes, plus I would love to have a tarantula from Europe to round out my collection! 12. Phormingochilus sp. Rufus- picking one of these up this week for my birthday and already so excited, these guys are just so beautiful, plus I'm obsessed with Phormingochilus, even the name sounds cool! 13. Phlogiellus moniqueverdezae- just discovered this on Tom Patterson's site. Apparently they are tiny little dwarf species that get like 1.5-2 inches, and that is just perfect since I have to consider my space! Please tell me where you got the M. balfouri cage? I am needing something like that for my C. Electric Blue... Keep up the awesome work! - Charlotte

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Charlotte! That's an AWESOME list with some great descriptions! Someday, I'll have to get some more Arboricola/Lampropelma/Phormingochilus species. I've kept quite a few, but I always seem to end up with males. :( Thanks again!

[@chrisobt]

I total agree with you. The OBT is such a wonderful spider and my fav old world! And there are so many more... But I also love all my Spiders, is very hard to select!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

LOVE the OBT, Chris! :) And, yes...I love them all too! haha

[@melmicsim]

The OBT is my absolute favorite OW tarantula as well. Probably my favorite period. I am a pretty new-ish keeper, only having had the occasional T throughout the years, but the OBT's beauty far outweighed its reputation, and was actually my first OW. Mine seem to be quite calm & I have never had any issues. They're also great eaters. Heck, my T. albo is far crazier. :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I feel the same way; mine have all been shy, calm, and predictable. It's a shame its bad rep keeps so many people from keeping them.

[@Dusty_Tarantula]

LOL! My T. albo male is so chill. The only time he moves fast is his feeding response. Never kicked hairs, never filled the water bowl with dirt, and has never really refused food. Sadly he only has about a year or so left, maybe 2 years if I am lucky. He hooked out in a year. He is now over 2 years old. Fingers crossed he makes it to be 5 years old.

[@Filthyanimalyeh]

@@TomsBigSpiders that just leaves more obt's for us obt lovers lol 😂

[@powerserg8]

Totally the same way, 1 week the A geniculata is my favorite and then the next week it’s the regalis lol Always like your insight and description of your favorites though, almost poetic in your dialogue and it shows how much you like these species!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

It always changes, Sergio! The list will be different in a couple of months. haha Thank you so much!

[@arachnodose]

Hey Tom! Great video! I'm surprised you didn't include any Chilobrachys in your list. Chilobrachys sp. kaeng krachan is on my top 10 for sure! I have a question that could be good for a podcast. What do you think about live plants in enclosures? What's the best way to keep them growing? What tarantula species best benefit from them? What plants can and can't you use in an enclosure?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So am I, Braulio! Chilobrachys guanxiensis was supposed to be on the list, and somehow I left it off. haha UGH. That's why I hate these things. I thought I might have discussed that before, but let me double check. I can certainly revisit the topic, because I do have some thoughts!

[@MrRMB1]

Someday Tom, someday.. For now, thanks for keeping us entertained and informed! I have a few new worlds and aren't quite ready to take the plunge!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Completely understand...there is never a rush!

[@jeremy-psychonautlsdmtdr-k5140]

Awesome picks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Jeremy! I hope that all is well!

[@jeremy-psychonautlsdmtdr-k5140]

@@TomsBigSpiders everything is awesome thanks

[@seansspoods9521]

Great video Tom, think I'd have to agree with most of your choices, except the ones I don't have obviously lol, think the number 1 spot was....spot on sir 1👍🏻

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha Thanks, Sean!

[@thomasbazin1529]

Hey, first off, thanks for this great video! I would only add one to this list, Phormingochilus sp Sabah blue, which to me is one of the most gorgeous OW Ts, if not the most beautiful T altogether. I couldn't lay my hands on one yet, but it's definitely on my list once I'm very comfortable with my current slings/juvies. And then, who knows what other beautiful, fascinating Ts the depths of the jungle conceal (Amazonia, Borneo, etc)... We're probably only scratching the surface!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's the fun part about doing these videos - hearing what others think are the coolest ones. :) Thank you, Thomas!

[@aquasian21]

H mac is my fav 😍 I have 2 and adore them. I’ve raised them from slings and they’ve both been shy and occasionally bolt to their den. But I do get to see them out quite a lot. P vittata is my fav pokie too! I got a sling and spent years raising it up, only for it to mature as a male Regalis 😢 (that’s why responsible keeping/breeding and correct labels are important) still yet to get my dream vittata. Fab list Tom! Wow that C olivaceum is a new one for me! What an interesting species and such lovely rich dark colours 😍 I always learn something new from you Tom so thank you!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Sian! I love my H. macs as well. There is just something about the monochormatic spiders that makes them so beautiful. And I'm so sorry to hear about your P. vittata! Hopefully, you get a real one soon. Thank you so much!

[@aquasian21]

@@TomsBigSpiders aw thank you hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to find one at the next Scottish invert show in a couple weeks 🤞

[@Filthyanimalyeh]

@@aquasian21 im going to the scottish show as well, im hoping to get a few new T's there as well 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Janice-Australia]

Your T's are beautiful Tom, love all the different species you have.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Janice!

[@PsyDexOfficial]

Fantastic video highlighting some amazing species 😁😁

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud...thank you so much!

[@codyhinkle9499]

Hey tom, I was listening to your podcast on ventilation. I like the idea of having a fan to create air circulation through the room. I was thinking and I could be wrong but if you have more air holes on the top of the enclosure and fewer on the sides I think that would cause a "pressure gradient" in a sense. the pressure through the sides would be higher and the pressure on the top would be lower creating a current that way too. Just a physics thought, I don't think it would cause a big current but maybe enough for the size of the enclosure.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's a very good point, Cody...that might work great!

[@N7Tigger]

I remember making a case for the OBT in your Best Beginner Old Worlds video because they don't bolt. There is nothing inherently dangerous about a threat pose. You should be much more worried about bolting.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I think that the problem is that people hear so many horrible things about them, that the go into the situation afraid of them. And, when scared, people do stupid and careless things.

[@mikkozamora9726]

My obts are growing fast. I purchased them just this year back in April. They were so around 4cm then but now they're at their 3.5 inches

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My first one grew rather slowly, but my new ones have been growing much more quickly.

[@bobbibuttons8730]

You have such gorgeous acts. I adore the black and white of your pokie. I think I love that more than any of the brightly coloured ones. I wonder what I’ll come home with at 5he Scottish Invert show. Mr Buttons can have a jumping spider and I’ll go for a mono pokie 🤣😇

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Bobbi! I LOVE that the pokie almost seemed to glow with all of her white. I agree that there is just something about the black and white ones. :) Let me know what you come home with! :)

[@paulglover7767]

Great vid Tom, I don't care what your favourites are, I just love seeing your beautiful spiders, I know you find it difficult doing these lists but I love them ♥️ps I'm same as you, all Ts are worthy, and often the underrated ones are fantastic animals to keep and observe

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Paul! Yeah, I honestly love them all!

[@Christinas_creatures]

OBT is my favorite also but I did get Ornithoctoninae sp. Mindanao Oriental and I really adore it -it's around 1 1/2 inches now and has given me no problems at all. I'd never heard of it and had a hard time finding any info on them but I keep it just like my P Cambridgei and it's doubled in size in the 2 months since I got it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Christine! Sounds like an awesome spider!

[@jamesprice7470]

Hey Tom nice list and I agree my fav is poecilotheria as well they so easy to rehouse are generally shy,my fav is the rufalata stunning colours,I do have a h mac female,dont see her to often but when I do its amazing.and I have to mention one amazing old world aboreal which was not on your list and that is my omothymus violaceopes I see her out often either on the floor or on her cork bark and that's in the day time.so I'm blessed that I do see her.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! I could easily fill a top ten list with pokies...I just love them. And after I had this all edited together, I realized that I didn't include my O. violaceopes...I don't see her much either, but I love her.

[@Lisa-eu9fy]

Awesome vid as usual Tom. They're all so beautiful!🕷❤❤🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Lisa!

[@pauljones8054]

Some great choices Tom my top 13 would be quite different though

[@pauljones8054]

Fabulous top spot got to love the obt

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Paul!

[@briancuprisin4571]

Yet another great video! Tom, I just ordered an H. pulchripes as my first old world. When I'm not soiling m'self in fear I'm soiling m'self in excitement. Going to cut this comment short; gotta go cleanse.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Bahahaha You'll do just fine...congrats! The slings can be super fast, so just make sure that you have a secure place to rehouse. They are really easy to care for.

[@ronelvehpaguia5303]

good to hear you loved philippine tarantula sir. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

One of my favorites, Ron!

[@garynorton6853]

Hi Tom, greetings to you and Billie from across the pond. Thanks for the upload, my kind of content, I'm grateful. OW's I have a balfouri communal, H Pulchripes, and yes a lovely, gorgeous Rcf OBT, I call spicy, she's not really, because I keep her semi-arboreal, and she has her safe places at the bottom. My absolute favourite t, is my G, sp Maule, I love her, she's and old girl now, and I've mentioned my Xenethis ladies to you before. I've not Pokies yet, nor a H. Mac but my I feel my will power to avoid them ebbing😬. Can't sign off without mentioning my B Emilia and G Pulchra, it would be remiss of me not to mention them, thanks again, Gary

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Gary...hello from the US! Thank you so much. I will definitely have to get a sp. Maule someday...they look amazing. Awesome species...all of them!

[@garynorton6853]

@@TomsBigSpiders Oh no, nearly forgot my I. Mira slings, thanks to you and my Phormictopus Auratus, also thanks to you! Enjoy your week, look forward to your next vid😁

[@mandyluna]

Nice video Tom.💓

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Mandy!

[@cynthialbell9023]

Hi Tom I am new to your channel, but really liked your list. They were all so pretty. I do not own a tarantula, but find them fascinating. 🕷🕸❤Cindy

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Welcome to the channel, Cynthia! And thank you so much!

[@fullonsociopath]

Yay, list time! I'll do a non pokie list like you. 10. OBT 9. Ceratogyrus darlingi 8. Chilobrachys fimbriatus 7.Ornithoctonus aureotibialis 6.Phormingochilus sp. rufus 5. Cyriopagopus sp hati hati 4.Haplocosmia himalayana 3. Orpnaceus philipinus 2.Harpactira pulchripes 1. Chilobrachys sp elecric blue

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great list, bud!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great list.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Chantal!

[@juandimas8813]

Hey Tom... once again love the choices of old worlds.... are the Birupes Simoroxigorum a dwarf?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Juan! They are a smaller species, but I wouldn't quite call them a dwarf. My male matured at around 3.5" or so.

[@juandimas8813]

Check out the pterinochilus murinus kigoma 😍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@juandimas8813 I've seen it, Juan...and I WANT it. haha

[@juandimas8813]

@@TomsBigSpiders i have 2🤣🤣🤣 now definitely get the tete

[@gerardo5047]

P. murinus is a gorgeous spider I have two of them and a C. darlingi they're shy and reclusive no threat posture at all. On the other hand my P. regalis and my Chilobrachys sp Prachuap Khiri Khan will no hesitate to give a threat posture or even slap the ground when I open their enclosure. BTW as alwasy excellent video!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Gerardo! Sounds like you have quite the spicy P. regalis! Yikes! Thank you!

[@Leoriic]

Hey Tom not sure if you have one but the number 1 on my list is an old world i think everyone should have in their collection. 1. Haplocosmia himalayana ( Himalayan Earth Tiger) its always out on top of its burrow until its disturbed and then hides but will instantly come back out to grab a cricket (its speed is amazing) and it's colouration is just so unique. 2. Harpactira pulchripes should also be number 1 cause it's just awsome. 3. Idothele mira cause it's a Trapdoor T and fun to watch eat. 4. Poecilotheria vittata the colouration and probably my calmest and only old world that will gently take prey from my tongs (also only old world I will tong feed) 5. Heteroscoda maculata like P vittata just that whitish colour 6. Pholgius enuice always need to have an Australia barking spider 7. Phormingochilus sp rufus definitely one of my calmer old worlds and usually always out on display to see. 8. Poecilotheria tigrinawesseli doesn't get alot of attention as other pokies but it's just those purplish tinges. 9. Pterinochilus murinus both my NCF and mikumi can't decide between them. 10. Encyocratella olivacea only on this list cause it looks awsome but that is it. This is the only thing in my collection that scares the crap out of me and will come racing to entrance and then show its fangs with venom dripping from them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I don't have one...yet. :) And great list!

[@gredarthd5292]

I got my first order of T's from "fear not" and got some pumpkin patches and some C versacolors but today I was at the pet store and they had a GBB that was about 2 inches and only cost 35 bucks she (I hope LOL) has become the jewel of my collection put her in a 12 x 12 x 12 enclosure with lots of webbing points and she's started to web already lol But I wanted to say thank you for all the help and advice you've given me with your video's and answering the questions that I had, it's been a great help :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Wow, if that GBB is a girl, that's a GREAT deal. Congrats! And you're most welcome!

[@BLHomestead]

I am very new to the T world. I have only had T's for about 4 months. Got an Avic, a curly for my first T's. Well I guess I'm hard headed and for my third I got a P. Metallica. I absolutely looove pokies. It was about an 1.5" when recieved. It has grown faster than I had expected. The funny part is I got 4 freebies along with it. 2 Tapinauchenius cupreus and 2 Psalmopoeus Cambridgei. All 4 were very small slings. After a few months of having them the Metallica has been the most chill one of them all. All the others have been all out skittish. Am I bad for getting a P. Metallica so early on?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Nope, not if you're doing okay with it. :)

[@Lostcity178_b]

I started in January I hold all 7 of mine. The bird eater and GUATEMALAN TIGER RUMP were the most skittish and kick hair and now they all lad back now

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Just be careful after they molt. I've had many species go from tame to defensive after one of their molt.

[@benjaminrichards2396]

Loved the video . Got some great ideas for next spiders to keep 👌. Just a pity can't keep some in my country 😕.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Benjamin! And that's a shame. The way things are going in the states, it won't be long until we can't keep lots of these species.

[@benjaminrichards2396]

@@TomsBigSpiders Yeah I see things are getting quite hectic that side , I can't keep some as they are local or close by . From south africa so so many but we can't keep local spiders 😫. But hope everything goes well that side with the new laws with exotic animals

[@lenseymour9078]

P. Penellhewletorum P. Murinis O. Violociopes C. Darlingi H. Caferiana C.sp electric blue P. Subfusca LL T. Bambus B. Simoroxigorum O.sp Laos My attempt at a list. Can't believe you didn't have O. Violociopes on your list Tom! As you are getting into true spiders have you considered Deinopis species? (Net casting or ogre faced spiders) Got 2 slings recently and they are fascinating to watch and grow fast.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great list! I was telling someone else that I can't believe that I forgot O. violaceopes either. haha There is always one. And I've been checking them out. Love to hear that they grow fast!

[@JayTee95]

Wow, I gotta say, I did not expect the OBT as number 1! I'd like to keep one myself at some point but probably not very soon. I share a lot of yours for top 5. 5. Rear/straight horned (makes me want to poke the horn) 4. Stout legged (looks like a cowboy with chaps on) 3. Lasiodora parahybana (not old world but I've always loved it) 2. H. Maculata (just got one 2 weeks ago and it's awesome) 1. P Metallica (sadly, mine died stuck in its molt and i got the h mac to replace it)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Jay! The OBT has really become a favorite of the past couple years. Just such a beautiful tarantula and not nearly as difficult as many make it out to be. And great list! I'm so sorry to hear about your P. metallica! :(

[@JayTee95]

@@TomsBigSpiders I always figured it didn't deserve all the bad publicity. And yea, that really sucked when I found it stuck. The only thing about my H maculata is that I didnt realize how extremely skittish they are. I didnt appreciate how outgoing and fearless my Metallica was until getting this one!

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Wow Tom u sould sell tickets ,for people to walk through an look at ur collection,because I think that would be awesome,I have 10 an to show non T fans how beautiful an amazing an different they are ,between I boreal for sorrel and terrestrial spiders all the different color patterns and different behaviors they all have just so awesome ,thanks Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! There are a LOT of awesome species up here. haha Thanks so much!

[@Setsunadiava149]

I don’t have enough to compile more than a top five lol. But this is how it is for me: 1. Acanthoscurria geniculata. The most beautiful spider I have ever seen. So sweet and active. At least mine is, never thrown up a threat pose, doesn’t really kick hairs, has a full bum of hair except when I see her casually sprinkling hair on her enclosure floor lol. 2. Grammostola pulchra, I have a tiny one inch sling, it’s adorable, a great eater and always bulldozing it’s little enclosure! So cute. 3. Cyriocosmus elegans. Also a sling I think, it’s tiny. But super skittish so it was a bit of a weird experience after owning the boldest girl, the A. geniculata for the longest time. 4 Tliltocatl kahlenbergi: she’s just there, she’s fast, but pretty skittish too. So I just leave her alone as much as I can lol. 5. Dolichothele diamantinensis: I have her but she closed herself off the very day I got her and I haven’t seen anything but a few legs poking out of the skull for a week now😅 It’s a very personal list. Just how I feel about the five I own. The true spider just glares at me from her messsy web😅 I usually just see her black and grey speckled butt😅

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Great list, Mausami! Can't argue with any of those! :) Love the descriptions, too!

[@whitneygagnon8010]

Love these lists! Thanks for sharing:) I’m currently limited to new world tarantulas as part of the giant spider treaty negotiated with my partner effective 2017, but I’ll be pushing for a balfouri communal when the terms come up for renewal in a couple of years haha. (Really, I’d dare say I’ll be using this video as a shopping list as soon as I get a green light!) I have been getting into the Tapinauchenius genus recently as zippier new worlds go - have you kept many, or would you ever do a video on the genus?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Whitney! I LOVE the giant spider treaty. Bahahaha The only Tapinauchenius species I kept was changed to another genus. haha I will definitely try to pick some up in the future.

[@ChaniLB520]

I’ve only got 3 old world species so far but I love them all. My C. olivaceum sling has mostly been a pet hole so far, but I did see their legs yesterday so that was a win lol! My P. lugardi sling from the Fear Not mystery event has been fun to keep so far and is often visible and a good eater. But I have absolutely fallen in love with Heterothele villosella! I keep six in the lab where I work and have been raising them up since early May. They are fast growers and one male (molt sexed under the microscope) has already doubled in size to 1.5-2 inches with its adult colors and is always hanging out looking for food. All of the individuals have been excellent eaters, super spunky always tackling prey that looks like it might be too large for them. They are fast but have never given me any threat poses. Almost always visible, although they will burrow sometimes. But all are also prolific webbers. I seem to be having good success keeping them “semi-arboreally” or “terrestrial-plus” as I believe you referred to it in a podcast. When it’s feeding time these guys never disappoint. I’m having a blast with them. Kind of sad that the males have such a short lifespan because that big one, whom I have named “Scampers”, is such a joy to keep. Honestly I enjoy these guys so much I would probably put them near the top of my list of favorite tarantula species overall. Which has been a pleasant surprise since I’d never really even heard of them before I put that order in a few months ago. Cannot recommend the species enough!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Chani! They are such awesome spiders; it's just a shame some folks will avoid them because of the bad rep. I love my P. lugardis...they are strange little boogers. I do catch them out quite a bit now (the largest is about 1/5"). I need to get another H. villosella. My first died from impaction and the second was a male. Thanks for chiming in!

[@roxystarlite4106]

My OBT is one of my favorite Ts that I own. The H.pulchripes is right behind it....but my P. Arboricola just molted 3 weeks ago and man oh man is that a beautiful spider! I still have M. Balfouri and H.gigas on my wishlist though. And now my daughter wants that Tangerine one now 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Roxy! There are just so many awesome old worlds available that it's hard to choose! haha And that's great about the Tangerine!

[@geoffreyparlby4546]

Love the channel Tom! I'm Curious on what you think of the Phormingochilus genus? I have several spiders from the genius and they are my favorite spiders in my collection. Here is a list of me faves in my collection in no particular order: C. Lividus C. Hati Hati M. Balfouri H. Pulchripes P. Sabah Blue/Everetti/Rufus P. Miranda O. Violaceopes S. Calceatum

[@bighashgang1990]

The Ornithoctininae sub family is my absolute favorite, Phormingochilus, Cyriopagopus, Omothymus, Citharognathus, Ornithoctonus, Haplopelma, and Lampropelma, all the best under one sub family, I have adult females from each species like Phormingochilus Rufus, Phormingochilus Arboricola, Omothymus Violaceopes, Omothymus Schiodtei, Cyriopagopus Lividus, Cyriopagopus sp. Hati Hati, Cyriopagopus sp. Sumatran Tiger, Ornithoctonus Aureotibialis, Citharognathus Hosei, Phormingochilus Pennellhewlettorum, Phormingochilus Sp. Akcaya, and many more lol ima sucker for Ornithoctininae

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I love them all! Honestly, I just comes down to what I currently have. I've had several Phormingochilus species, but I've been getting all males. I'll definitely get more in the future.

[@stuartSteele-tarantulaman]

Thanks for a great video. What about adding AUGACEPHALUS JUNODI on the list. A bit similar to the OBT, but the Junodi has far nicer legs. Check their fluffy front legs! They are stunning man. I love your list posted here, but because there are so many fantastic species, perhaps you should have done a top 20 list 😊🤣

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I will definitely check that species out, Stuart! Thank you for the recommendation! And thank you so much for chiming in!

[@briancuprisin4571]

Tom, how do you feel about ultrasonic foggers in moisture-dependent enclosures? Given how tarantulas sense the world around them, I'm concerned that the ultrasonic vibrations would disturb the spider. Have you tried them or know anyone who has? I understand they're not necessary but you gotta admit that an adult T blondi lunging from the fog to take down prey would be pretty freaking cool. :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Brian! I've been asked about them before, and Repti Zoo contacted me about trying one out, but I've never used one for spiders. I would be worried about the vibration as well, and I think that in most cases, it would be over kill.

[@rfraser5094]

Nice vid 👍

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you!

[@rfraser5094]

Your welcome, enjoyed the vid, got a Ornithoctoninae sp. Haplopelma robustum which molted 2 weeks ago, looking absolutely stunning

[@captainog6201]

Hey I’m planning on getting a couple emperor scorpions to possibly breed in the future would you be able to update us on the ones you breed in the past as well as what a good way to sex then aswell as breed them

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That's awesome! I have heard of folks dropping slings in with adult females without issue, so that wouldn't shock me. Thank you for taking the time to comment!

[@AdsArachnids]

Poecilotheria are the main reason for my one per genus rule because I'd keep them all if I could...yet still I was hovering over buying a Subfusca Highland today. So yeah, can totally get why you're Poecilotheria obsessed.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Yeah, I had to figure out something with Poecilotheria, so I cheated a bit. haha They are just in a league of thier own.

[@AdsArachnids]

@@TomsBigSpiders who knows, one day when I've got the space and time to give appropriate care, I might treat myself to the Poecilotheria set!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@AdsArachnids Doooo ittttt.... Bahaha

[@AdsArachnids]

@@TomsBigSpiders Tom, you've been a huge help to me over the years but damn, you're an awful influence 🤣

[@DnASnakes]

Some beautiful Ts. Not sure i will ever keep old worlds.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Don!

[@tsukichan9780]

I’m from Sarawak, although I’m upset that the Sarawak blue got poached in masses from my state by some random guy, I’m happy to see that they’re getting so much appreciation from hobbyists. Hopefully they’re bred in captivity long enough for the demand and prices to go down so that the ones here can repopulated and not be poached again

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Tsukichan! For the record, I think that it is terrible that people are pulling these out of the wild. Even the first breeding pairs were apparently illegally collected. I've heard from a couple other folks from Sarawak (this was a couple years ago), who said that they still see foreigners out there trying to collect specimens for the pet trade. It's situations like this that illustrate how damaging this hobby can be. They have proven easy to breed in the hobby, so there is NO reason for people to pull them out of the wild anymore. That's just disgusting. Now that I know this, I honestly regret showcasing this species. :( Thank you so much for chiming in.

[@vanessasmith5227]

Hey Tom, now that school's out for the summer, any chance of you going live on Scott's Invert Army again here in the UK?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Vanessa! I should be able to pull that off, yes!

[@billsmith1998]

price does not dictate how amazing a species is

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Indeed, Bill.

[@joshstarantulas]

I really do love obts currently keeping 6! I'd have to say the favorite out of the ones I have is my Chilobrachys dyscolus Vietnamese Blue!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I loved my C. dyscolus too. Awesome spiders. Thanks, Josh!

[@theshader3897]

Hey Tom!!! 👋 I just picked up a heterscondra maculata myself and was wondering how I would be able to tell the male and females apart colorwise

[@TomsBigSpiders]

When they get older, the males are generally a bit greener than the females.

[@mikepetersen7319]

I would've put H.pulchripes on Top and propably added C.fimbriatus. But I understand Your Choice for #1, as a Child I saw Pictures of the OBT and C.lividus ( wich I would also add😉 ) and that founded my Love for Tarantulas. The H.maculata is also banned in Germany, but I totally understand Billy's Choice. C. olivaceum can often be found in Stonewalls wich run along Farmlandborders or Paths they live there in Colonies and feed mostly on Milipeds. All in all I think Your List is good. It's always hard to make a Choice between all these awesome T's, right?😉

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Mike! Can't argue with any of those! And the footage I saw of the C. olivaceum in the wild is still some of my favorite ever. Thanks so much!

[@DevilDog00]

My top old world tarantulas ..Anything chilobrachys !!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Chilobrachys guangxiensis was supposed to be on the list, and I somehow left it off. haha

[@78moonie]

probably a dumb question, but i have a t albo who has burrowed to the bottom with probably 6 inches of substrate and apparently likes to just hang out on the glass itself at the bottom. i thought it would be a terrestrial, but she is seemly not that into that. should i redo the setup to make it fossorial, or just let her chill on the glass at the bottom/?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

If given the room to burrow, many T. albos will continue to do so right through adulthood. I would continue to give her room to burrow.

[@mully107]

Hey Tom. Awesome new vid, no nee podcast this week?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Nicholas! The podcast should have been up on Sunday afternoon. Is it still not there?

[@mully107]

@@TomsBigSpiders i listen on audible. It didnt pop up for me until Monday afternoon I think it was. Was going through podcast withdraw lol

[@darktarantula6778]

The obt and m balfouri are my first old worlds I have (I keep tarantulas since November 2017, never got bitten). I have them since the end of the last year (turned recently 17, so maybe I am a bit naive). But It took me at least half a year of research, to say: Yep, I think it works out, but with slings. Then I created a list, where the P Metallica was the first place, but marked with: unsure, probably a bad idea. The obt was actually with stromatopelma calceatum and h maculata the least one I wanted (was scared, marked them with danger). The m balfouri was just a must have at that point (still is, have a communal of three). I bought them together with other new worlds, but was honestly surprised, that the obt was one of the calmest (still is, thought I would regret it). The m balfouris are very skittish. If I could describe the obt from its behaviour is, it would be something like that: webs around like gbb, lays around like a g pulchra, but If disturbed, retreats like a fossorial t. I really love that t, never thought that they could be that calm. Love your list tho, it isn't all about the looks, it is sometimes the way they move and behave, sometimes even something indescribable about them.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! Sounds like you took a very calculated and measured approach to keeping Old World species. And I agree that the behavior can be a big part of what makes them cool.

[@darktarantula6778]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks for the reply.😄 I forgot to mention something. I choose the africans, because I think the Asians are way faster and bolty. I thought it would be easier to work with defensive ones, than bolty ones. Defensive ones seem to be less likely to run away, since they stand their ground, so it might be easier to put a cup over them, with a lower risk of hurting them trying bolt. And about the bolty ones, I just need more experience. But because I'm not a experienced keeper, I don't know if that what I think, fits it, or not. It's just the way I tried to approach that topic, to make a decision without any regrets, like buying random tarantulas and then getting hurt or seeing them die. I mean, it's easy to find beautiful ts, but it makes it harder, it they randomly die, since they come from different locations, i believe it would make it harder to recognise possible mistakes. But I would be interested to know, if defensive ones are easier to handle than bolty ones.😁

[@lauraclegg794]

I just adore my Obt Bunny. Luckily her last moult proved she was female, Bunny seems a girly name lol. She is RCF & just so sweet & shy. I rehoused her & she just calmly walked over edge into her new home. She has never been any bother xx

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Laura! LOVE the name! I have 7 at the moment, and they have all been rather well behaved for me! :)

[@rosalocalinda]

Sending love to you and the family Tom!! I only keep 4 old worlds, a darlingi, marshalli, p murinus and a hati hati that was sent to me by mistake. I still favor me nw terrestrials

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello from both Billie and I, Rosalinda! Well, that's a great list right there. :) Man, that hati hati must have been quite the surprise! ;) THanks again!

[@rosalocalinda]

@@TomsBigSpiders it was the freebie and I told the breeder I'm not into Asian arboreals but they must have forgotten and sent it anyway. I guess fate wanted me to have it. 😅

[@cornondanob6722]

the only Ts I have are a brachypelma hamorii which was my first t and an obt, and I can say that sometimes my hamorii is more defensive or skittish than my obt lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hahaha A LOT of folks report more defensive new worlds than old worlds. haha

[@KB-ql8cx]

The H pulchripes is my favorite and I also paid more for that spider than any of my others

[@TomsBigSpiders]

That was the first spider that I spent a couple hundred on. I justified it because I figured that I could do husbandry articles about it. Hahaha

[@ernestoalmeida5795]

I love blue tarantulas so my favorite ones are C. lividus and M. balfouri although I can deny P. ornata is on my wishlist.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Can't argue with those, Ernesto!