Baby (Brachypelma tarantula) got a brand new coat

Ecooper · Feb 16, 2013

I bought this spider specifically to photograph, but it is also an interesting critter. I chose this species because they are easy to keep in captivity; they are very pretty; and they are docile. I do a lot of my photography on the kitchen table and didn’t want something that would take off and disappear under the fridge the moment I picked-up my camera! Besides, since buying this spider we added two young cats to the household—they would love a young tarantula to play with. Mind you, the cats may have solved the other problem: they keep chasing their toys under the fridge. There might not be room for a tarantula under there anymore.

The spider is about three inches across. When I first got it its colours were drab and some of the urticating hairs on its abdomen were rubbed-off. I didn’t want to photograph the little beast until it moulted and had a nice bright new and complete skin.

Cheers,

EC

www.macrocritters.wordpress.com

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/creepy-crawlers/8478707573/'>brachypelma w skin copyright ernie cooper 2012_filtered by http://www.flickr.com/people/creepy-crawlers/'>ernie.cooper, on Flickr

AxolotlsAreCoolToo · Feb 16, 2013

very pretty i love brachypelmas!

agent A · Feb 16, 2013

AxolotlsAreCoolToo said:
very pretty i love brachypelmas!

is that the type i held today??

Ecooper · Feb 17, 2013

AxolotlsAreCoolToo said:
very pretty i love brachypelmas!

I've had quite a few taratntulas over the years, but this is the first Brachypelma I have owned. Its a great little spider, and amazingly calm.

Cheers,

EC

www.macrocritters.wordpress.com

Bug Trader · Feb 17, 2013

B. smithi is a great species to have, yours looks a molt away from beginning to put on some size and weight, At that point its hair will thicken up and its a real treasure to watch and handle.