Pamphobeteus spec. “Machala”

Pamphobeteus spec. “Machala“ is a great example of how changeable a tarantula can be. As a young spider it presents an orange and black abdomen with a diamond pattern. It then changes its appearance depending on its sex. The females are brown and bulky, while the males are an unusual purple color.

The terrarium for an adult animal should measure at least 30 × 40 × 30 cm. Young spiders are best kept in escape-proof boxes. From FH5 you can place the young spiders in their final terrarium and check the terrarium carefully for cable slits and general opportunities to escape.

With this species you should pay more attention to the base area and not so much to the height, as Pamphobeteus spec. “Machala“ do not climb. In fact, the opposite is the case. They like to dig burrows and therefore this species should be offered a substrate height of at least 10 cm. They like to dig their burrow under a cork bark or root, which can be offered as decoration. The substrate should be moist in one half of the terrarium and dry in the other. In other words, only moisten one side at a time to achieve a humidity of 60-70%. Plants also provide a good climate and help to avoid waterlogging.

This species should also have a water bowl. They not only drink water from the bowl, but also like to use it as a toilet. This is incomprehensible to many, but who does their business in their drinking bowl? And this is not only the case with Pamphobeteus spec. “Machala“, but with many ground-dwelling tarantulas in general. For tarantulas, water also means disposal, as they start out from a flowing body of water. It is not uncommon for them to transport their skin into the water bowl after a moult.

Pamphobeteus spec. “Machala“ sits in its cave during the day and comes out in the evening to look for food or water. This behavior can be regarded as a normal way of life as soon as the animal has settled in. As soon as it is almost restless during the day, something is wrong with your husbandry and you should check all the parameters again.
This species is uncomplicated to keep and greedily goes for any food animal. This species therefore grows quickly and you will soon have an interesting and large tarantula in your terrarium.