Ornithoctoninae spec. “Hon-Sej”

Ornithoctoninae spec. “Hon-Sej” is a very rare, stunning and not yet fully described tarantula species from the lush forests of Vietnam. This jewel among exotic pets is characterised by a captivating blaze of colour that can vary from vivid orange and yellow on the legs to deep blue and purple on the prosoma and opisthosoma, depending on the light conditions.

The Ornithoctoninae are a subfamily of tarantulas that is widespread in Southeast Asia and was described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1895. This subfamily includes various genera such as Citharognathus, Cyriopagopus, Haplopelma, Lampropelma, Ornithoctonus and Phormingochilus, which are mainly found in Myanmar, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. The spiders of this subfamily mostly live underground in burrows they have dug themselves, but some species also live in trees.

The Ornithoctoninae spec. “Hon-Sej” originates from the dense and humid forests of Vietnam, where it leads a reclusive and fossorial life. They dig complex tunnel systems with multiple entrances to provide shelter and access to food. It prefers a terrestrial life in a well-structured terrarium that mimics its natural habitat. Ornithoctoninae spec. “Hon-Sej” like to use branches, foliage and moss to line their entrance and build them upwards until they resemble small chimneys. A temperature of 23-25°C and a humidity of over 80% create optimum conditions for their well-being.

The Ornithoctoninae spec. “Hon-Sej” finds an ideal home in a customised terrarium measuring 20 x 20 x 30 cm and equipped with a substrate height of 10-15 cm. This special accommodation allows it to experience a natural and comfortable habitat that is closely modelled on its habitat in the wild.

This 4 to 5 cm large beauty has a fast and defensive nature, which makes it a species for experienced keepers. If kept correctly, they can be observed in full splendour at the entrance to their cave in the evenings and mornings, sometimes even during the day.