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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sabeth" data-source="post: 12403" data-attributes="member: 545">I just got a Paraphysa parvula female. I am not sure how big they get, but I'd take mid-sized to mean about 5" or so. Yes, these are supposedly good beginner tarantulas. They are also touted as a docile species. However, mine is an absolute maverick! If I touch just one hair on her legs with a paintbrush, she flies into a rage. She has charged at my hand once and today she attacked the paintbrush with a full-on grab and bite. I was told she was sweet and was fully intending to handle her as I do my B. smithi, but there is no way I'm getting near her with my bare hands; her fangs are 1/4" long and I do not want to be on the receiving end of those things! I'm a little disappointed with her fiery attitude, but on the other hand I did want an aggressive T just for the novelty of having a "look-but-don't-touch" pet! Plus it's incredible to watch her eat...she is fast as lightening and grabs multiple crickets at once, quite a spectacle. So she's a keeper I think! I would say my P. parvula's mean temperament is probably an exception to the rule since this is a docile species. Grammastola rosea (Chilean rose) is also overall docile but maybe one in a thousand are intractable, it may be the same with P. parvula. They do look unique...silver-gray legs, a gold carapace and a purple abdomen with cowlicks to top it all off make this a very pretty tarantula!  As for webs, my girl does spin a little bit, but nothing major. At night she casts a few thick, sticky strands here and there but I have yet to see any actual webs.  Overall, just because of my experience with this species, if you want a docile individual, I would try to get somewhat acquainted with the T in person before you bring it home, if possible. Otherwise try to get as much info from the seller as you can regarding her attitude. If worse comes to worse and she turns out not to be what you wanted, you might be able to return her, or possibly sell/trade.</blockquote>

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