My first tarantula a Curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum) HF

[CosbyArt]

The last photo did get Georgena properly identified.

Turns out the ID confusion was because she is a "heavily" hybridized tarantula of at least two species, primarily a Curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum) though.

In her case she is labelled as a Brachypelma albopilosum HF tarantula. HF meaning "hobby form" where some keeper mixed together two species for breeding (at least once, if not multiple times through T generations). A Curlyhair (Brachypelma albopilosum) and a similar species like the Mexican Red Rump (Brachypelma vegans) parents to produce her. For details about T hybridization, and her common mix even, see this article.

While I'm glad she has been finally identified, I'm obviously not happy that she is a hybrid mix. Besides the ethical considerations, possible issues, and various things, it also means she should not be bred. Any possible mate even if a hybrid, would result in continued or even new hybrid species from her. Although most T keepers say the only pure Curlyhair is a wild captured T. The species is on the CITES list and protected, and all Curlyhair T's are strictly captive bred. I have to wonder what that means for the Curlyhair species in the hobby.

 

[Serle]

Beautiful little arachnid Thomas . I would love to have a few different species just my partner Sylvia wouldn't have it .  She even made me decide between her and my Senegal Parrot .   Living vicariously thru you .......... S

 

[CosbyArt]

Thanks @Serle hybrid or not she is great.   Sorry to hear about the loss of your parrot, and lack of pet choices. My wife Melinda is the same with some species and I get the dreaded no, but thankfully is rather rare. Heck, she said no to any arachnids but I won her over very slowly with keeping a few jumpers in the house to sell to another MF member.

Since that time I've had two local native species lay egg sacs that hatched. I released the spiderlings outdoors after they grew to the point I thought they would survive without problems (Phidippus audax and Herpyllus ecclesiasticus). There never has been a escape so she has really relaxed her fear of them. Anymore she checks in and asks how some of them are, and occasionally will come see them when I am doing some form of husbandry care. I can only imagine in time with the tarantulas long life's she will become attached to them even.

 

[Serle]

Actually I enjoy my mantids enough , deciding what species to propagate is plenty of variety . She is a caring person and says that if anything happened to me that she would have to get a puppy to fill the void . Cheers.......... S

 

[CosbyArt]

@Serle There is definitely plenty of mantid variety, and with some being difficult to get, keep, and/or breed makes it even more of a challenge to try them all. Well hopefully your be around for a long time that it isn't a concern.

 

[Serle]

I have a few species that I have and will keep raising ,( Tenoderas , Miomantis ) and a couple that have been eliminated .  The one that has me shut out so far that I will be successful with is Creobroters . Twice incubated and only had 1/4 nymph (that is right 1/4 of one ) tried and failed to hatch.  Have to wait for warmer weather to have an ooth shipped my way .......... S

 

[CosbyArt]

@Serle Great, it is always amazing to hear others keep specific mantid species too. I think it really adds to the personal experience and hobby when a keeper does that - not to mention giving much more insight into a species and their range of behavior.

That sounds like a difficult experience for sure. So far the Brunner's (Brunneria borealis) has been the species for me (started here). They hatched slowly but the nymphs did not survive for long no matter what. Best of luck when you try the Creobroters again.