Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma also known as the Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula

Meet the Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula, scientifically known as Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma, a New World terrestrial spider that can be found in Ecuador and Brazil. Also referred to as the Pink Bloom Tarantula, this species belongs to the bird spider family, known for its opportunistic feeding behavior.

Info Overview

Genus: Pamphobeteus
Species: sp. platyomma
Common Name: Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula
Living Height: Terrestrial / Opportunistic Burrower
Urticating Hairs: Yes
World Type: New World
World Location: Ecuador
Leg Span (DLS): 8” (20cm)
Life Span: F: up to 20 years M: up to 4 years
Growth Rate: Medium
Keeper Level: Intermediate

About

The hobby of keeping tarantulas is booming, and Pamphobeteus is a popular genus with several species, including P. sp. Ecuador, Ecuador II, Tigris, antinous, machala, and Solaris. These spiders are found throughout the northwestern parts of South America, and some species are still undescribed, known only by the location they’re endemic to.

This medium-fast growing tarantula can reach up to a 7-8 inch leg span, with noticeable size differences after each molt. Female Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantulas can live for over 20 years, but males usually live no more than five years. Sexual dimorphism is present in this species, with males producing bright pink and purple colors during their ultimate molt, while females are mostly dark grey, brown, or black.

As with any tarantula, it’s best to not handle as much as possible. But if you choose to, it’s crucial to handle them with care. Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantulas can be nervous and may show a threat posture if disturbed. They tend to kick hairs when entering their burrow, which can be irritating, so wearing gloves when rehousing or spot cleaning is recommended.

Despite their bolt behavior and propensity for kicking hairs, Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma makes for a fantastic display tarantula. They are powerful and excited eaters, and their feeding response is a sight to behold. Although more of an intermediate species due to their size, humidity preferences, and bolty behavior, they are worth the effort. Pamphobeteus of many types are widely available, and prices range from $40-$100 for slings, with rarer species like the Solaris commanding a higher price tag.

Enclosure

If you are interested in keeping Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantulas, it’s essential to provide them with the right enclosure. As a spiderling, a basic enclosure with more width than the height is ideal, but it’s crucial to give them plenty of depth for burrowing. For juveniles, a standard acrylic enclosure with a hide and plenty of substrate for burrowing is recommended. Adults require a 5-10 gallon size enclosure with at least 4 inches of substrate, providing them with the option of retreating into a deep burrow. A two-level system of substrate is recommended, with the bottom layer consisting of a 50/50 mix of coco fiber and organic topsoil, with a small amount of sand and vermiculite to aid in drainage and discourage mold growth. The top layer can be straight coco fiber or mixed with topsoil and vermiculite.

Feeding

Feeding Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma is relatively straightforward. Spiderlings can be fed confused flour beetle larvae until they are over 0.5”, then switched to small crickets twice a week. For juveniles, 1-2 medium crickets at least once a week, depending on the size of their abdomen. Adults can be fed 3-5 large crickets once a week, depending on their appetite and abdomen size. It’s essential to remove any uneaten prey or boluses within 24 hours to prevent mold or mites.

Conclusion

All in all, the Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula is a beautiful and exciting species to keep. While they may not be the best for beginners, they make up for it with their amazing feeding response and captivating movement. Watching these spiders move around their enclosure is a treat, but it’s crucial never to handle them, especially adult specimens.