Juvenile Salmon Pink Bird Eating Tarantula, Lasiodora Parahybana

The juvenile Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantula, Lasiodora parahybana, is an arachnid species that has already begun to exhibit the characteristics that make its adult counterpart a favourite among enthusiasts. Even at this young stage, these tarantulas are noticeably larger than other juvenile tarantulas, hinting at their eventual impressive size. While they haven’t yet reached their full potential of 8 to 10 inches in leg span for females and 5 to 6 inches for males, they already show promising growth rates. Juvenile salmon pink bird eating tarantulas display a more muted version of the pinkish hue that they will eventually mature into. At this stage, their urticating hairs are not as vibrant but lean more towards a subdued reddish-brown. These hairs serve a dual purpose: camouflage on the forest floor and a defence mechanism against potential threats. When irritated, they can flick these hairs, causing discomfort to predators. Even as juveniles, these are generally docile and less prone to aggression compared to some other tarantula species. This makes them relatively low-maintenance and good for beginners who are learning the ropes of arachnid care. Being a New World species, their venom is milder in comparison to Old World tarantulas. Yet, their fangs are already quite strong and capable of immobilising prey. They have a varied diet that mostly consists of smaller insects at this stage, though as they grow, they’ll be able to tackle larger prey. These juvies prefer a terrestrial lifestyle, spending most of their time close to the ground rather than climbing. While they do indulge in some burrowing behaviours, they are not extensively fossorial. However, providing a good depth of substrate allows them to create burrows, which serve as a secure space for them to retreat to.