Chicken Spider Pictures

[Craig Bellamy]

Meerkat Tarantula

I also think they we should establish a more relevant common name such as Meerkat tarantula, rather than chicken spider which really only applies to one spider in a farm of chickens, doesn't refer to them in the wild. To be frank, any tarantula or predator large enough would take a small chick literally handed to them on their doorstep. I am pretty sure due to the abundance, number of T.blondi's and sheer size they would have taken far more chicks in their territories. No tarantula has been named after its prey, but if named after an animal it is generally a predator with similar habits.

Likeness to a Meerkat

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/sci_nat_enl_1168607452/img/1.jpg

Sleep in a pile
Keep a watchful guard over each other
Maintain constant contact
Hunt together
Work together

[Rich.Harrington]

Well seems like all my questions have been asked, so I'll sit and wait to see if iI can some up with any others. But one things for sure, If you had any amount of breeding going on then you can be sure to have more potential customers than you can wave the proverbial stick at.

[Colin D Wilson]

Craig.

I agree with James, some valid points made there.

If you could spare the time to put together a few paragraphs on how many you have, size of enclosure, temp / humidty etc etc. that would be appreciated. You've had them for a few years now so you must have the living conditions as correct as possible.

Regards

Colin

[James Box]

i agree on all points about protecting them.
how many do you have and what size have they reached? have you had success in breeding them yourself?
i'm thinking based on your descriptions they may be the "perfect" T
quite attractive too.
i'm sure they'd be quite popular if breeding commensed on any scale, though of course one hopes and prays that keepers would be responsible and give them the space they need.

[Craig Bellamy]

I acquired these years ago unknowingly from an importer who knew very little other than Peru labelled Pamphobeteus sp, like Martin acquired, didn't know what they were until later when I happened to realise they are very unique indeed. Firstly they stick together like Meerkats, they sleep together, hunt together and are probably the most interesting tarantulas out there. Nothing comes close in terms of entertainment. Not to mention they are pretty, non aggressive and rather calm.

Unlike some enthusiasts out there, I do not wish for these to be framed or dissected to confirm the species. I would rather them pass away naturally someday first and do research on their behaviour meanwhile. I do believe there are many with these species but are careful about coming forward, which serves little point in the long term.

I do however think that they should be quickly drafted as an established species so that they can be protected under CITES and bring many over beforehand to breed so that importers don't eliminate them from the wild before it’s too late. Martin has been discussing this for many years but I am surprised it has not been done yet. The locals and indeed many arachnologists, especially from Peru, have known about these tarantulas for decades if not much longer so the species could be already described yet somehow not widely available information.

In my humble opinion, it is an obligation, especially in this day and age of rapid extinction to classify them so we can protect and breed them before they are wiped out. We need a certified arachnologist to undertake this mission to get it done once and for all, perhaps Paul Hilliard of the NHM would be so kind as to work with Andrew or Martin and do the work, which would be naturally fairly quick due to their confirm whereabouts.

These are not pets and require a lot more space than regular tarantulas as they need to be in a group to flourish and are pretty active like hamsters, always up to something together, little busy bodies. Very aware of presence. Would make an incredible exhibit at ZSL as it would attract and educate more effectively rather than the standard lethargic solitary type which serves little as an Ambassador other than to scare.

Craig

[James Box]

nice pictures! i'm as curious as the others, too...
i assume in that last picture they're "getting along" and not fighting or eating each other? how cool is that!

[Phil Rea]

The 'chicken spider' was a Pamphobeteus sp. if I recall. Is that what these are?

If so, then where were they collected?

[Larry Shone]

Is this the legendary chicken eating spider,supposedly bigger than a T.blondi? Its a handsome beast,and it does resemble a Theraphosa.

[lee smith]

yes, where did you get them from??

also are any of them male??

[tim waters]

How did you get these, if you dont mind me asking. I thought the place where they came from was a protected area, and isnt peru closed for export?

Also are you in the UK

[Colin D Wilson]

Hi Craig

I don't know Martin Nicholas goes off into the middle of nowhere looking for one and you've got them all in your living room

Nice pictures, thanks

Colin

[Craig Bellamy]

Thought this might be of interest as it seems to be somewhat of a mysterious species over the years

Craig