Linothele sp. Agua Fria

Linothele sp. Agua Fria is a funnel-web mygalomorph from the family Dipluridae, a relative of tarantulas within Mygalomorphae but a distinct lineage. The genus Linothele ranges across South America and neighbouring Panama, with a remarkable number of species described from the Ecuadorian Andes. The species still awaits formal description, and "Agua Fria" is the working name used in the hobby. Keepers prize it for its looks: the specimen pictured has a chocolate-brown carapace, glossy near-black legs and an abdomen marked with pale rusty-beige chevrons. Add the very long spinnerets typical of the family and it is an unmistakable spider.

It is one of the most industrious weavers kept in captivity. Linothele grows quickly and claims its space just as fast, gradually filling the enclosure with a maze of tunnels and sheets that it keeps extending and repairing. It usually waits at the mouth of the funnel and answers any vibration with a lightning-fast strike. The observer gets two shows at once: slow, patient architecture and a split second of hunting. Dipluridae have no urticating hairs and, when disturbed, usually withdraw deeper into the web.

We offer L1 spiderlings. A small, well-ventilated container is fine to begin with, followed later by an enclosure that is wider than it is tall. Use a layer of coconut fibre kept lightly moist, never wet and never fully dry, with cork bark, twigs or artificial plants as anchor points for silk. This species appreciates higher humidity, so regular misting of part of the enclosure matters. Spiderlings drink droplets from the walls; a water dish only makes sense for larger specimens. Room temperature is perfectly adequate. Offer appropriately sized prey close to the mouth of the tunnel.

Linothele sp. Agua Fria suits keepers who already know tarantulas and want something entirely different. Its speed and poorly studied venom make it a display animal, best kept by intermediate hobbyists. Give it space and peace, and you will watch an empty container turn into a silk labyrinth with a striped, orange owner waiting at the entrance. Just plan your maintenance so you are not tearing through the web every time you open the lid.