- Messages
- 2,364
- Location
- Arizona USA
I find myself increasingly frustrated with people in this hobby lately, and I recently viewed a website that infuriated me so much that I feel the need to open a discussion here.
The website in question promotes Hybridizing Tarantulas for Scientific research. If the owner of the site new anything at all about the implications of hybridization in tarantulas in our hobby, he would no doubt understand why "Hybridization for Science" is such an insult.
so... Why is Hybridization so bad ? Simple. Taxonomy.
Tarantulas are not snakes, or lizards, you're not going to achieve color morphs, but what's worse is what you will achieve. A taxonomical Nightmare. Taxonomy on Tarantulas is muddled as it is, hybridizing just further complicates the gene pool and therefore taxonomy. There are so many Tarantulas that are in question for being potential natural hybrids, and Tarantulas (like the common rose hair) that have been given so many sub species that it's increasingly difficult to accurately know what you have. Hybridizing Tarantulas, in many ways forces future hybridization, and may essentially eliminate many common true species.
Hybridizing is not only irresponsible, but it is a complete detriment to the hobby, but also a slap in the face to responsible breeders.
End Rant.
The website in question promotes Hybridizing Tarantulas for Scientific research. If the owner of the site new anything at all about the implications of hybridization in tarantulas in our hobby, he would no doubt understand why "Hybridization for Science" is such an insult.
so... Why is Hybridization so bad ? Simple. Taxonomy.
Tarantulas are not snakes, or lizards, you're not going to achieve color morphs, but what's worse is what you will achieve. A taxonomical Nightmare. Taxonomy on Tarantulas is muddled as it is, hybridizing just further complicates the gene pool and therefore taxonomy. There are so many Tarantulas that are in question for being potential natural hybrids, and Tarantulas (like the common rose hair) that have been given so many sub species that it's increasingly difficult to accurately know what you have. Hybridizing Tarantulas, in many ways forces future hybridization, and may essentially eliminate many common true species.
Hybridizing is not only irresponsible, but it is a complete detriment to the hobby, but also a slap in the face to responsible breeders.
End Rant.