| Special Notices |
| Setup notes |
This is a large, fast-growing terrestrial species that does best with floor space, a secure hide, and slightly moisture-retentive substrate. I like a simple, sturdy setup with enough depth for light digging, but not so much height that a heavy spider can fall far. |
| Taxonomy note |
This tarantula is commonly sold in the hobby as Pamphobeteus machala, Purple Bloom Tarantula, or Ecuador Bloom. You may also see it written as Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” depending on the seller or collection line. |
| Care videos |
Check out the Urban Tarantulas YouTube channel for care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos to see how we keep and feed our tarantulas: Urban Tarantulas on YouTube. |
| 🧰 Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
Keep around 72–78°F (22–26°C). Pamphobeteus generally do better with stable, moderate warmth instead of being pushed too hot. Warmer temperatures usually mean faster growth because they molt more often, but I avoid overheating this genus. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Aim for about 75–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. Keep the substrate slightly moisture-retentive, especially for babies and juveniles, but never swampy or stale. Water dishes are optional; I usually skip them except for larger species. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| 🏠 Babies |
Use a 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation and enough substrate for security. Add a tiny hide or starter burrow, and keep one area lightly moist without soaking the cup. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| 🏠 Juveniles |
Larger specimens should be kept in an enclosure around 2–3x body size, flexible by the individual. Give juveniles floor space, a hide, moderate substrate depth, and good ventilation. They can grow quickly, so be ready to size them up as they molt. |
| 🏠 Adults |
Adults need a secure terrestrial enclosure with generous floor space, a sturdy hide, and enough substrate to cushion the spider and support light burrowing. Keep the height conservative because large Pamphobeteus are heavy-bodied and can be injured by falls. |
| General Diet |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Crickets + roaches work great, especially Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies should get baby crickets or baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill by crushing the head, leave it, then remove leftovers or bolus. Occasional treat for super large specimens: pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard very sparingly; excess calcium can cause constipation/pooping issues. We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name |
Pamphobeteus machala; also commonly seen as Pamphobeteus sp. “Machala” in the hobby. |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
Purple Bloom Tarantula, Ecuador Bloom Tarantula, Machala Purple Bloom. |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
72–78°F (22–26°C), with stable, moderate warmth and no excessive heat. |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 75–80% inside the enclosure. Keep it lightly humid with airflow, avoiding both swampy substrate and bone-dry conditions. |
| 📍 Locale |
Ecuador, commonly associated in the hobby with the Machala area. Exact locality can vary by lineage, so I treat care conservatively like a humid South American terrestrial. |
| 🏷️ Category |
New World terrestrial; large, fast-growing, moisture-loving, opportunistic burrower with a strong feeding response and impressive display size. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 7–8 inches DLS; males are usually smaller and leggier, around 6–7 inches DLS. Max size is typically around 8 inches DLS, with females becoming thick and powerful. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
Yes. This New World terrestrial can kick urticating hairs when stressed, and larger specimens can be surprisingly quick. I recommend using tools during maintenance and keeping handling to a minimum. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Fast for a large terrestrial. Babies and juveniles can put on size quickly with regular feeding, steady moisture, and stable temperatures because they molt more often. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females commonly live around 12–18+ years with good care; males usually live about 4–6 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Usually a strong, bold eater. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches, and remove uneaten prey or bolus. Pamphobeteus often grow quickly when fed consistently, but I still avoid overfeeding heavy-bodied specimens. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Great for lovers of large, colorful New World terrestrials who want size, appetite, speed, and dramatic growth. |
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer |
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Safety Disclaimer: Tarantula bites are extremely rare, and there are no recorded human fatalities. Venom strength varies by species; Old World tarantulas are usually more potent than New World tarantulas, with Poecilotheria known for especially strong venom. Larger tarantulas may also deliver more venom.
If bitten, stay calm. Most symptoms fade within minutes to hours, though potent species may cause discomfort for up to a week. In 13 years, I’ve only been bitten once, and symptoms were gone after one week.
Handling is at your own risk. I’m not responsible for bites or injuries. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being.
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