Ecuadorian Red Bloom (Pamphobeteus vespertinus)
Ecuadorian Red Bloom is one of the rarest species of tarantulas. They are shy, semi-aggressive, and widely found in the Ecuadorian regions. This species usually thrives in dry and humid climates with little or relatively less rainfall. However, their most striking feature is the spectacular coloration on their blackish brown carapace. With a purplish hue on their black legs and red urticating hairs on the abdomen- this tarantula is truly a treat for your eyes!
Like many other tarantulas from the Ecuadorian region, the Red Bloom too tends to grow very fast. Typically, the males mature up to 16 cm, while the females reach a size of 18 cm. While the Ecuadorian Red Bloom is usually nervous by nature, they can get irritated quite easily. Their bite, albeit non-venomous, might lead to mild cramps, fever and severe swelling.
Scientific Name
Pamphobeteus vespertinus
Geographical distribution
The Red Bloom is usually found in warm, arid areas of the Ecuadorian regions. Some of the best looking Red Blooms are found in Brazilian regions and in Peru.
Preferred natural habitat
These tarantulas prefer living in areas with temperatures ranging between 18 and 25 degree Celsius. They also tend to prefer high humidity between 60 to 80%. Since they are terrestrial creatures, you’d mostly find them in grasslands, deserts and deciduous forests.
Preferred food in the wild
The Red Bloom usually gorges on baby crickets and fruit flies when they are still young. As they start maturing, they develop a taste for crickets, worms and roaches. Since they are usually nervous in their disposition, Red Blooms take some time to catch their prey. They usually burrow deep in their hiding spots and slowly pounce on their prey as soon as they spot one.
Personality
Unlike the other Ecuadorian spiders, the Red Bloom is demure and shy. In most cases they also tend to be pretty slow. Although they do try to exhibit a sense of defense, in most cases, they would prefer retreating than aggressively fighting with other bigger prey. Owing to their shy and calm nature, Red Blooms turn out to be a perfect pet for beginners.
Feeding as a pet
If you’ve have a Red Bloom spider-ling, try feeding them fruit flies. Eventually, when they reach half inches, start introducing baby crickets. For adults, roaches and crickets tend to be a better option. Ideally, you can feed around 8-10 adult crickets to your Red Bloom Spider. Although they are pretty nervous, they will eat quite voraciously.
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Life span both male and female
For Red Blooms, the lifespan of the females is relatively higher than that of the males. While the females usually live for 15+ years, the males tend to last for only 3-4 years. In certain special cases, they might live for yet another year right after their maturity.
Pet enclosure type
Although Red Blooms aren’t really opportunistic or aggressive, it is absolutely necessary to keep them in a fully enclosed vial. Try using a vial that allows around three inches of substrate for their burrowing. Once they start reaching the sub-adult stage, add a terrarium that accommodates around 4 inches of your substrate.
If you need help buying an enclosure why not check out our enclosure review. Click here for the article.
Pet enclosure habitat layout
Since they are terrestrial spiders, try adding a lot of barks in your vial. You can also add a substrate by mixing peat moss, coconut fiber, sand and dirt. Additionally, try adding a 3-5 inch plastic bowl that contains their water.
Mating / reproducing
For mating, you’ll have to keep the female and the male tarantulas in different enclosures. Make sure, the enclosure of the male is relatively smaller than that of the female. Let the female settle down for a while. After a week, introduce the vial of the male tarantula in the female’s enclosure. Feed the female well. Finally, eviscerate the male tarantula from the vial and introduce it after two weeks. In most cases, your Red Blooms will mate at this point. That being said; always remember that breeding red blooms can be pretty difficult. So if you’re looking to breed a pair for the first time, try to be patient.
Development rate
Red Blooms have a medium to fast growth rate. While the females reach a maximum growth rate of 18 cm, the males tend to grow up to 16 cm.
