Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma”

Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” – An extraordinary tarantula from the mountains of Vietnam

Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” is native to Bach Ma National Park in central Vietnam. Its range lies about 40 kilometers from the city of Hue and extends from the coastal plain into the mountains. This tarantula lives there about 18 kilometers from the sea in an area of approximately At an altitude of 1,400 meters. As a result, temperatures here are significantly cooler than in many other tropical regions.

That is exactly why the terrarium should not get too warm for extended periods. Temperatures above 28 °C do not correspond to the natural conditions of this species and should be avoided.

A typical tube-dweller

In its natural habitat, it lives Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” under pieces of bark or in burrows it has dug itself. At the same time, it lines its burrow with silk, thereby stabilizing the walls.

This species exhibits the same behavior in a terrarium as well. Therefore, sufficient substrate suitable for burrowing should be provided so that the spider can build its own burrow.

Particularly suitable:

• Burrowing tarantula substrate
• thick pieces of cork bark
• Leaves as a mulch layer
• Moss for damp areas

This allows the spider to fully express its natural behavior.

The Ideal Terrarium

For an adult animal, a terrarium with the following dimensions is sufficient: 30 × 30 × 30 cm completely. However, the right furnishings are more important than size.

A setup with two different humidity zones has proven effective. While one side is kept slightly moist, the other remains somewhat drier. At the same time, a large piece of cork bark should be placed across the substrate to create a sheltered area underneath it.

This allows the spider to decide for itself which area it prefers.

Temperature and Humidity

Since this species is native to higher elevations, it prefers slightly more moderate temperatures than many other Asian tarantulas.

Ideal are:

• Temperature: 21 to 24 °C
• briefly up to 28 °C
• Humidity: 70 to 80%

Spray the terrarium two to three times a week with soft water. At the same time, the substrate should not be constantly wet, because this species prefers varying levels of humidity.

Good ventilation also helps maintain a stable climate.

Nutrition

Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” has a strong hunting instinct and reacts quickly to passing prey.

Suitable feed animals include:

• Cricket
• Cockroaches
• Locusts
• Crickets
• Oven fish

While young animals should be fed more frequently, adult animals usually only need to be fed once every one to two weeks.

Behavior

This species often appears confident. When disturbed, it frequently adopts a typical defensive posture, raising its front body. At the same time, it remains surprisingly calm and flees much less often than many other Asian tarantulas.

With a little experience, it’s easy to gauge its behavior. Nevertheless, it should not be disturbed unnecessarily, because, like many species from Asia, it possesses a highly potent venom.

Despite her confident demeanor, it is true that Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” It is a relatively hardy species. It is tolerant of minor care mistakes and thrives reliably under the right conditions.

Important points on posture

• Asian cave-dweller
• Terrarium starting at 30 × 30 × 30 cm
• Temperatures between 22 and 26 °C
• Humidity of 70 to 80%
• Diggable substrate important
• Offer two humidity zones
• Large cork bark as a hiding place
• Pronounced spun structure

Suitable accessories for your setup

We recommend that you keep them successfully:

• Insektenliebe Terrarium – provides ample space for a living tube and substrate.
• Tarantula Substrate – allows them to dig sturdy burrows.
• Pieces of cork bark – serve as natural hiding spots and encourage tunnel-building.
• Insektenliebe Terraleaf Brick – provides additional cover and enhances the natural look.
• Insektenliebe: Tropical Rain – provides lime-free water for regular misting.
• Termite-eaten wood – provides additional structures and hiding spots in the terrarium.

This creates a natural-looking terrarium while providing the spider with optimal conditions for building tubes, molting, and hunting.

Conclusion

Haplopelma spec. “Bach Ma” It captivates with its natural way of life, its distinctive burrow-building habits, and its calm yet confident demeanor. At the same time, its habitat in the cooler mountainous regions of Vietnam sets it apart from many other Asian tarantulas.

If you provide her with a substrate suitable for burrowing, varying levels of moisture, and a relatively temperate climate, you’ll enjoy this fascinating burrower for many years to come.