| 📢 Special Notices & Resources |
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Setup Tip: Xenesthis need moisture to thrive, particularly during molts, but they also require ventilation. I recommend keeping the lower layers of the substrate damp while keeping the surface relatively dry to prevent mold.
Visit my YouTube channel to see how I set up my large terrestrial enclosures and watch these monsters eat.
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| 💡 Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
Preferably ~75–78°F. Xenesthis generally prefer it slightly milder than some other tropical species. Warmer temps will increase metabolism and growth speed, but don't overheat them. |
| 💧 Humidity |
75–80% inside the enclosure. They do not tolerate bone-dry conditions well. I keep the substrate moist (not swampy) and provide a water dish for drinking and ambient humidity. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| Babies (Slings) |
1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation. (FREE container available at checkout IF requested).
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| Juveniles |
Enclosure 2–3× body size. They grow fast, so plan ahead. A plastic shoebox style setup works great at this stage. |
| Adults |
Large terrestrial enclosure (e.g., 10–20 gallon equivalent). Floor space is more important than height. Provide a hide (cork bark), though they often sit out in the open. |
| 🍽️ General Diet |
| Crickets + roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster, Madagascar Hissing). For babies, I use baby crickets or baby roaches. If the prey is too big, I pre-kill it (crush the head) and leave it; I always remove leftovers or the bolus the next day. Occasional treats for super large specimens can include a pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard, but very sparingly (excess calcium can cause constipation). We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| 🔍 In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin Name |
Xenesthis sp. “Bright” |
| 📛 Common Name |
None specific (Part of the Lesser Black/Earth Tiger group) |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–80°F (Keep under 85°F) |
| 💧 Humidity |
75–80% (Moist substrate essential) |
| 📍 Locale |
Northern South America (Colombia/Venezuela) |
| 🏷️ Category |
Terrestrial / Display Species |
| 📏 Size |
Massive. 9+ inches diagonal leg span (DLS). |
| 🪶 Urticating Hairs |
Yes. They will kick hairs if disturbed. |
| ⏳ Growth Rate |
Very Fast |
| 🧭 Life Span |
Females 18+ years | Males 3–4 years |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Aggressive eaters; rarely refuse a meal. |
| 🎯 Recommended Levels |
Lovers of this genus.. Everyone. |
| 🎁 Social & Freebies |
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🎁 Follow me on social media and receive an additional freebie* *Email me after you follow to let me know you’re a follower so I can include it.
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer |
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Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.
It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.
Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.
Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula.
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