Panama Blonde Tarantula
Summary/Introduction
Panama Blonde tarantulas are gorgeous spiders covered in mesmerizing blonde hairs which give them a fluffy outlook. They have a creamy golden carapace with a black patch on the abdomen. When they grow nearly 4inches they like to stay out in the open which makes them wonderful for the showcase. They are perfect for beginner tarantula enthusiasts.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for Panama Blonde is Psalmopoeus pulcher. Typically tarantulas from the Psalmopoeus genus are considered classic pet tarantulas.
Geographical distribution
Panama Blonde Tarantula is endemic to Panama, Central America.
Preferred natural habitat
Panama Blonde tarantulas are the inhabitants of Panama and live in a humid and tropical environment. As slings, they like to hang out on the ground and even create burrow of tubes webbing. When adult, they tend to stay out in open.
Preferred food in the wild
Panama Blonde Tarantulas are ravenous eaters and can easily take down larger preys. They usually hunt insects and devour them.
Panama Blonde Personality
There are mixed views about the temperament of Panama Blonde Tarantula. Some keepers handle them their hands while others are quite careful and call these spiders defensive. So we conclude they are known to be both docile and defensive, therefore you need to be careful whether your spider is docile or defensive. Typically among another Psalmopoeus tarantula, Panama Blonde is the most laid back and calm spider that rarely poses any threat. This species lack urticating hair for defence mechanism and they make up for this by being lightning fast and agile.
Feeding as a pet
You can give them any live insect such as cricket, moths, beetles, worm and cockroaches. Any insect that you feed them should not be bigger than the tarantula’s abdomen. Adult tarantulas can be fed weekly while juveniles and spiderlings can be fed every 4-7 days. Remember to remove uneaten prey to avoid mites and other problems. Extra care should be taken when the spider is moulting and shouldn’t be fed at least for a week after moulting.
Life span both male and female
The life span of male Panama Blonde is up to 4 years whereas female spider has a greater life expectancy of up to 15 years.
Pet enclosure type
Since Panama Blonde is an arboreal species of tarantulas so they require a vertical enclosure with good ventilation. The enclosure should be at least is 4 times the size of a spider or up to 5 gallons for an adult tarantula. The temperature in the pet enclosure should be maintained between 78° – 82°F and the humidity level should be kept between 65%-75%. You might need heat lamps, thermostats and heat mats to provide an adequate hot temperature.
Pet enclosure habitat layout
The enclosure should be equipped with a branch to climb upon and hollow cork bark to hide under. The cork or bark should be buried about 5-6cm under the substrate as these tarantulas will create a burrow at foot of this shelter and will web further away. Over time, it will make a large webbed fortress around the cork or bark.
The slings of this species like to hide and burrow so a 2-inch substrate is required. You can add vermiculite, coconut fibre, peat moss and dirt as 5-6 inches deep substrate for adults. Make sure the branches are fixed properly so they don’t fall when the tarantula climbs onto them. You can even keep the live plants in the enclosure to make them feel secure. You need to place a customary dish with water inside but it shouldn’t be too deep to avoid drowning. The substrate usually needs to be watered every 1-2 week to maintain the moisture. But don’t overdo it to avoid mould.
Mating / reproducing
Mating and reproducing Panama Blonde Tarantula is difficult but rewarding. Generally, males get mature earlier than female Panama Blonde Tarantula. The male should be introduced in the female enclosure. If the mating is successful, up to 2000 eggs can be produced which is quite rewarding.
The eggs can be separated from the female as they don’t require rotation or massage.
Panama Blonde Development rate
The Panama Blonde tarantulas have a fast development rate especially when mature. Females of this species are larger than males up to 6 inches whereas male grows up to 5 inches.
The Panama Blonde is the classic pet and a wonderful display.
View more Tarantula Species from Central America
