Salmon Pink Birdeater
Lasiodora parahybana
The Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana, 'LP') is the fourth-largest tarantula on Earth and the giant most keepers can actually get — 9–10" of dense, salmon-bristled spider from the forests of Paraíba, Brazil. It grows fast (near-adult in about two years), eats like a machine, and stays out on display commanding real presence. Despite the size and a dramatic feeding response it's famously tolerant, which makes it a doable first giant for a keeper ready to respect the scale, the fangs, and the potent urticating hairs.
- Temperature75–80°F (24–27°C) — room temperature suits it; no heat lamp in most homes. A warm-forest species that grows and feeds hard in this band.
- HumidityModerate, around 65–75%, with a lightly damp substrate and a water dish. Keep the lower layer slightly moist (drip the sides rather than soaking) and the surface drier, with good ventilation to avoid mold. It's from humid forest but does fine kept moderate; don't waterlog it.
- Adult sizeA giant: adults reach 9–10 inches across the legs (diagonal leg span). A relatively fast grower — expect visible progress between molts when well fed.
- LifespanFemales roughly 10–15+ years; mature males 3–6 years. Long-lived for a fast-growing giant.
Enclosure
A large terrestrial footprint — a 20+ gallon or equivalent, floor space over height, substrate filled to keep any fall short (a heavy giant can rupture its abdomen). Big cork hide, a substantial water dish, cross-ventilation. It makes shallow burrows for security. Adults need real room.
Substrate & water
4–6 inches of coco fibre, peat or chemical-free potting soil, lightly damp below and drier on top, with a large water dish. It digs shallow retreats. Ventilate the damper base; drip the sides to moisten rather than flooding.
Feeding
A legendary feeding response — few things in the hobby hit prey like a hungry LP. Prey to abdomen size (it can take large crickets, roaches, the occasional pinkie for adults, though a varied insect diet is plenty). Slings/juveniles twice weekly to fuel fast growth; adults one large item weekly. Remove uneaten prey in 24 hours.
Temperament & defenses
Beginner-to-intermediate by temperament but advanced by scale — generally tolerant and bold rather than defensive, though a big spider with large fangs and copious Type I/III urticating hairs that it will flick when irritated. The hairs are genuinely irritating at this size. Wash up and keep them from your face after enclosure work. A hands-off display giant.
Keeper’s notes
Our pick for a first giant — everything impressive about the huge birdeaters (size, growth, that jaw-dropping feeding strike) in a hardy, tolerant, affordable package. Respect the scale: big fangs, potent hairs, real room required. Give it space, a moderate-moist floor, and a big water dish, and you've got a genuine centrepiece that grows from tiny sling to monster in a couple of years.
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