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Pamphobeteus sp. Cascada — Cascada Birdeater
Pamphobeteus sp. Cascada is a big, impressive Ecuadorian Pampho that can develop a striking dark appearance, long legs, and the substantial presence this genus is known for. It is a fantastic species for keepers who enjoy large New World tarantulas with plenty of personality and attitude.
| ⚠️ Special Notices | |
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Large, defensive Pampho: Cascada can be fast, defensive, and high-strung, especially as it grows. Give it a secure enclosure, plenty of room to move, and avoid unnecessary handling. This is a tarantula I prefer to respect rather than routinely handle.
Setup: Provide a terrestrial enclosure with deep substrate and enough room for the tarantula to establish a secure retreat. Good ventilation is important, and the enclosure should never be swampy. Care & setup 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. Watch Urban Tarantulas on YouTube |
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| 🕷️ Care Details | |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 75–78°F (24–26°C). Pamphobeteus generally do well without excessive heat. Warmer temperatures can encourage faster growth because the tarantula molts more often. |
| 💧 Humidity | Around 75–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. Keep the substrate appropriately moist without creating swampy conditions or allowing it to become bone-dry. |
| 🏠 Housing | |
| Babies | A 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation works well. Provide enough substrate for a small retreat and keep the setup secure. A FREE container is available at checkout IF requested; it is not included otherwise. |
| Juveniles | Use a terrestrial enclosure approximately 2–3x the tarantula’s body size, with enough substrate for burrowing or a secure retreat. Adjust the enclosure as the specimen grows. |
| Adults | A large terrestrial enclosure around 2–3x the tarantula’s body size is appropriate, with deep enough substrate for a secure retreat and plenty of floor space. Larger individuals deserve a sturdy, escape-proof setup. |
| 🍽️ General Diet | |
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Crickets + roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster) make an excellent staple diet. Babies should receive baby crickets or appropriately sized baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill it by crushing the head, leave it in the enclosure, then remove leftovers or the bolus.
We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. For super large specimens, an occasional pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard can be offered very sparingly; excess calcium can cause constipation and pooping issues. |
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| 📚 In-depth Facts | |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name | Pamphobeteus sp. "Cascada" |
| 📛 Common name(s) | Cascada Birdeater |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 75–78°F (24–26°C) |
| 💧 Humidity | 75–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. |
| 📍 Locale | Ecuador |
| 🏷️ Category | New World terrestrial; large-growing, heavy-bodied tarantula that may use burrows or secure retreats. |
| 📏 Size | Female: approximately 7–8+ inch DLS; Male: approximately 6–8 inch DLS. Individual maximum size can vary. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs | Yes. As a New World tarantula, Cascada can use urticating hairs defensively and may kick them when disturbed. |
| ⏳ Growth rate | Fast. This is a large-growing Pamphobeteus, and warmer conditions generally encourage faster growth through more frequent molts. |
| 🧭 Life span | Female: potentially 15+ years with proper care. Male: commonly around 3–5 years. Individual longevity varies. |
| 🍽️ Feeding | Crickets and roaches, including Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies take appropriately sized baby crickets and roaches. Large adults can handle substantial prey, but oversized meals should be avoided. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels | Ideal for keepers who love large, fast, defensive New World tarantulas and want a dramatic Pamphobeteus with serious presence. Cascada is especially rewarding for keepers who appreciate observing natural defensive behavior rather than expecting a docile display animal. |
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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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