Pamphobeteus sp. ‘Mascara’ – The Dark Beauty
A rare and striking member of the Pamphobeteus genus, the Pamphobeteus sp. ‘Mascara’ is known for its deep, velvety black body with bold, contrasting leg markings that give it a unique and elegant look. The name “Mascara” likely refers to the dramatic darkening on the legs rather than any facial markings. Like other Pamphobeteus species, males mature with a striking purplish sheen, while females retain their large, dark, and imposing appearance. This is a must-have for anyone who appreciates massive tarantulas with bold coloration and a strong feeding response.
Care Details:
- Temperature: 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). Tarantulas in warmer environments eat more, grow faster, and molt quicker. This care flexibility makes tarantulas easy to maintain.
- Humidity: 70-80%. Water dishes are not necessary, but if used, they pose no harm. I personally do not use them.
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Housing (Terrestrial):
- Babies: A 1 oz to 4 oz deli container with needle-made ventilation. Free containers available at checkout. If you want one, you MUST request it during checkout; otherwise, it will not be included.
- Juveniles & Adults: An enclosure 2 to 3 times their size, with some flexibility.
Diet:
I personally give them a variety of crickets and cockroaches, including Dubia, Red-runner, Lobster, and Madagascar hissing roaches. For the baby tarantulas, baby crickets and baby roaches are ideal. If you have access to only one type of prey, that is also perfectly fine.
If you cannot find a small enough cricket or cockroach, just crush its head and leave it in the enclosure; your tarantula should handle the rest.
Remember to remove any uneaten food to prevent any mold growth.
And for an occasional treat, a pinky or hopper mouse adds a nice variety to their diet. Make sure to not overfeed rodents and feeder lizards to your tarantulas, these should be done every once in a while as a treat. Too much calcium is not good for the tarantula as it can cause constipation and the tarantula might have a hard time pooping.
In-depth Facts:
- Latin name: Pamphobeteus sp. ‘Mascara’
- Common name: Mascara Giant Birdeater
- Locale: Ecuador, eastern
- Category: Terrestrial, moderate webbing, opportunistic burrower
- Size: Females reach up to 9 inches, with males slightly smaller
- Urticating hairs: Yes
- Growth rate: Fast, especially with frequent feeding
- Life span: Females can live 15+ years, males 3-4 years
- Recommended levels: Best for keepers who appreciate large, bold tarantulas with stunning contrast and impressive size
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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 11 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.