Help deciding on a species

[Kajo]

Hi!

My first actual post here and the question is simple but complicated: I can't decide on my first spider! There are just so many good options and the decision is just complicated by what species are available where I live and the sizes of the specimens. There aren't many independent breeders in Finland (at least that I know of) and most spider babies get sold by the word of mouth or through small pet stores.

Luckily the small herp&invert store local to me has a pretty good spread of species! Buuut most of the specimens they sell are super tiny slings. I think that I'd be able to manage caring for a sling even as my first spider, at least one of the hardiest species, and even if most tarantulas grow up real slow I honestly wouldn't mind that. I think raising a spider from a tiny sling to adulthood is a very appealing idea for me. Mostly what's keeping me from going and getting one of the slings right away is that I'm still worried I'd kill it... Or that I just wouldn't be seeing it for years if it was as hidey as slings seem to be.

Here is a list of the species and sizes of the tarantulas available to me right now:
(Striked-through ones are currently outsold)

A. geniculata 3-4th molt 23 e

Avicularia metallica L2/L3 26 e

Avicularia laeta L2/L3 31 e

Bumba horrida 1,5 cm 25 e

C. versicolor slings 1 cm 32 e

(D. pentaloris 4cm female 46 e)

Grammostola rosea L4 55 e

(Grammostola pulchra 3rd molt 2,5 cm 55 e)

G. pulchripes 1 cm 29 e

(P. metalica 3 molt 47 e)

(P. auratus 3 cm 25 e)

(Psalmopoeus irminia 2.-3. molt 25 e)

Pamphobeteus machala L6 26 e

Psalmopoeus pulcher 1st molt 20 e

(P. sazimai 2 cm 20 e)

Pseudohapalopus sp. Blue 3-4th molt 26 e

Orphnaecus philippinus 3-4th molt 18 e

(L. parachybana 4-5th molt 18 e)

(Ch. fimbriatus 2nd molt 13 e)

(Ch. cyanopubensens 4th molt 40 e)

M.balfouri 3rd molt 31 e

(N. incei 12 e)

N. incei gold 2nd molt 16 e

N. tripepii 2,5 cm 25 e

(Dolichothele diamantiensis 8 cm 45 e)

(Tliltocatl vagans female 6 cm 76 e)

Nhandu chromatus 4th molt 22 e

(Nhandu chromatus female 6 cm 76 e)

L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 e

L. parahybama male 23 e

(Brachyphelma albiceps female 14 cm 80 e)

(Brachyphelma emilia female 4 cm 75 e)

(Brachypelma boehmei female 7 cm 76 e)

(Brachypelma hamorii female 7cm 76 e)


Out of these the ones I feel drawn towards to after researching are Avics, C. versicolor, A. geniculata, N. incei and G. pulchiripes. I understand that out of these only the G. pulchiripes is really considered a beginner T. It's also said to be out on the open a lot which I would really appreaciate from my first spider especially (individuals of course differ). Again the only problem there is the size of the slings on sale and without that my first choice would definetly be either the G. pulchireps or C. versicolor. Or A. avic. Or pretty much any of them xD See my problem?

There are also these species available at a different shop a couple cities away:

Brachypelma emilia LS 4 cm 38 e

Davus pentaloris LS 4 cm 27 e

Tliltocatl vagans LS 3-4 cm 23 e

Lasiodora parahybana 3 cm 15 e

The T. vagans is definetly something that interests me here, but I'd prefer to get my first spider from my local shop just because I really like the owner there, she's been super helpful and nice with other pet business before, and I would like to support her small shop.

Okay, I think that's quite enough rambling from me. I think I'd just like to hear other peoples thoughts and experiences on these species and the sizes they're offered at. Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[Kajo]

Oh, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

 

[Enn49]

If you're concerned about starting with a tiny sling I would grab the L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 eu. They are relatively easy to care for, fast growing, spend a lot of time in the open and females live much longer than males.

 

[siege]

Oh, I know they're not tarantulas, but I've also been looking into P. regius jumping spiders! I love them and definetly want some at some point but the thing keeping me from getting one as my first is their relatively short lifespan compared to Ts..

I would favor the brachi or the bumba as the first. They are moderate growers and stay out more than the others. The bumba tends to be more active but I’ve been taken by the brachys colors!

 

[m0lsx]

If you're concerned about starting with a tiny sling I would grab the L. parahybana female 5 cm 43 eu. They are relatively easy to care for, fast growing, spend a lot of time in the open and females live much longer than males.

I'll second that. One of my largest T's is a female LP, at her last molt she was over 8.5 inches. She is incredibly laid back, always on show & simplicity to care for.

 

[Kajo]

Hey, thanks for the replies! This is kind of interesting as when I asked this same question on another forum I was overhelmingly recommended the G. pulcripies! I think I'm gravitating more and more towards that even though the available slings are so tiny. I'd propably go with the bigger LP female if they weren't such notorius hairers. And even the hairs wouldn't be that big of an issue if not for my teeny tiny apartment. Everything I've read about them warns about the hairs getting blown around while rehousing and I'm worried that I'd manage to get the hairs everywhere including my bed since I live in an 11 m2 bedroom in student housing with other areas in shared use... Of course that's still a possibility with any T with uricitating hairs but I'd prefer to minimize that possibility I'm also not yet counting brachys out completely. And Bumba does seem interesting too!

Thanks again, the replies have been helpful! I'll continue my research and will propably pop back here for some more questions if need be!

 

[Enn49]

Hey, thanks for the replies! This is kind of interesting as when I asked this same question on another forum I was overhelmingly recommended the G. pulcripies! I think I'm gravitating more and more towards that even though the available slings are so tiny. I'd propably go with the bigger LP female if they weren't such notorius hairers. And even the hairs wouldn't be that big of an issue if not for my teeny tiny apartment. Everything I've read about them warns about the hairs getting blown around while rehousing and I'm worried that I'd manage to get the hairs everywhere including my bed since I live in an 11 m2 bedroom in student housing with other areas in shared use... Of course that's still a possibility with any T with uricitating hairs but I'd prefer to minimize that possibility I'm also not yet counting brachys out completely. And Bumba does seem interesting too!

Thanks again, the replies have been helpful! I'll continue my research and will propably pop back here for some more questions if need be!

I've had my LP 10 years from 2cm to 20+cm and she has never yet haired me.

 

[Tarantula Trooper]

Almost can't beat the LP for first. Nearly indestructible and hit like the proverbial Mack Truck!!

 

[Kajo]

Oh nooo, it seems the LP has sneaked it's way into my considerations again xD I'll have to look into how people manage the hairs just in case tho >w<

 

[Enn49]

Oh nooo, it seems the LP has sneaked it's way into my considerations again xD I'll have to look into how people manage the hairs just in case tho >w<

Will this help you make your mind up and choose the LP (my girl. Pip)

 

[m0lsx]

And this is wife holding a molt from our largest LP. This photo was taken a couple of molts ago, back in 2020.

LP's are one of the largest T's & do grow to impressive sizes.

 

[Kajo]

Will this help you make your mind up and choose the LP (my girl. Pip)
View attachment 74045

You know what, it just might! I mean that face is just precious <3

 

[Kajo]

And this is wife holding a molt from our largest LP. This photo was taken a couple of molts ago, back in 2020.

LP's are one of the largest T's & do grow to impressive sizes.

Oooh, impressive! Tarantula sheds are so cool looking, I'll probably end up saving each and every one once I get my own

 

[Lawrence b]

I go with G.pulchripes their laid back can grow am impress size but not as big as an L.P. The only draw back is they grow bit slow in my opinion .But do your own research also weigh up the pros and cons.

 

[WolfieKate]

Hey, thanks for the replies! This is kind of interesting as when I asked this same question on another forum I was overhelmingly recommended the G. pulcripies! I think I'm gravitating more and more towards that even though the available slings are so tiny. I'd propably go with the bigger LP female if they weren't such notorius hairers. And even the hairs wouldn't be that big of an issue if not for my teeny tiny apartment. Everything I've read about them warns about the hairs getting blown around while rehousing and I'm worried that I'd manage to get the hairs everywhere including my bed since I live in an 11 m2 bedroom in student housing with other areas in shared use... Of course that's still a possibility with any T with uricitating hairs but I'd prefer to minimize that possibility I'm also not yet counting brachys out completely. And Bumba does seem interesting too!

Thanks again, the replies have been helpful! I'll continue my research and will propably pop back here for some more questions if need be!

I saw the other replies and it’s hard for me to reply as I don’t have a LP! They look lush.
But I did definitely go for a larger female for my first because I wanted the knowledge that it wouldn’t be male, I wanted a long relationship and a robust size. I think also slings burrow, I have a couple that are totally sealed. Even if I drop food they wait till I am gone to get it. The hairs worried me but now they don’t as I am super careful. No handling at all, tongs, and my biggest kicker (A Geniculata) I always wear gloves and long sleeves. Never experienced any itching even when I rehoused her. My Bumba Horrida is adorable.

 

[Kajo]

I got my first T on tuesday! But it didn't quite go as planned as what I ended up getting was not my first choice to get as my first. Still, this species is one I was considering and is not a bad choice for a beginner keeper. I've read that they might be a bit faster and flightier than other NW terrestials but I believe if I stay aware of their nature while doing maintenance etc. I won't be having any problems. I've also seen them being described as having a "bad attitude" and being pretty feisty when fully grown! Obviously I can't really know how I'll end up liking this species until keeping this little one for a while but from what I've researched this sounds like an amazing species to keep

Here's my new baby:

They're a T. vagans! About 3-4cm or 1.5 inches I'd say and already showing a bit of color. This little guy popped up for sale close to me from a keeper who couldn't have them anymore and since the timing was perfect and the species one I believed I could handle it seemed like it was meant to be. So this T pretty much me

I also got a mealworm colony from the previous owner (along with the spiders papers) and the T ate one the same night I got them when I offered it carefully. Pounced right on it! Last night they were busy at work digging a burrow and it was almost surreal watching this little spider move the dirt around.

I'm still thinking up a name for them, one idea I have is picking something asteroid/space related since the species is from the Yucatan. Or maybe something from the mayan cultures. But I've really enjoyed having this spider already, even though it's only been like two days

Would love to hear if someone wants to share any insight on this species or anything in general! Or name ideas!

Also thank you again for anyone who originally replied, even though I didn't end getting what you guys reccomended your messages were of great help and I loved looking into all the species mentioned! I'll make sure to remember each and every one for the future... >


P.S. My mom took the news pretty well:

We'll see if she'll visit me ever again... My little sister's excited though!

 

[Lawrence b]

Tliltocatl vagans it use to be in the Brachypelma species . I would say a good beginners tarantula , might bit skittish when younger but less skittish with age . Generally good feeders mine hardly every refuse a feed .Grow more pleasing to the eye with age I think anyway .

 

[WolfieKate]

I have a T Verdezi and it’s the cutest little guy. He is skittish but quite small. I rehoused him recently and he was so excited he dug every tiny bit of substrate and moved it. He eats pretty well but when he/she is full he absolutely will not eat until he is hungry again. So I sometimes have to remove unwanted food but he makes it pretty clear.