Lasiodora klugi

Lasiodora klugi is another species of this genus which contains some of the largest tarantulas in the world with leg spans of 8-10in. It occurs in coastal rainforest rainforest, inhabiting large burrows on the ground level of the forest. The overall colouration is black, with grey hairs, yellow banding on the segments of the legs and vibrant red hairs on the abdomen. This species often produces 1000+ spiderlings in an egg sac. They are neither ontogenetic nor sexually dimorphic but males have prominent palps and tibial apophyses.

Whether the hobby Lasiodora klugi is the real species is not known, and there are reports that males and females are not always compatible and will kill each other, possibly indicating two species or more.

These tarantulas can be housed in a 30x30cm enclosure or larger with at least 8in of moist coir and a large hide. A waterbowl can be added but they tend to just throw dirt in them. They eat a lot and must be kept from being overfed. A great starter tarantula if purchased as spiderlings and a wonderful display species as adults. Skittish but not defensive, and very long lived with some specimens living over 20 years.