Megaphobema sp. white

For most keepers the genus Megaphobema means Megaphobema robustum, the heavy-set terrestrial tarantula from Colombia. Megaphobema sp. white is a far rarer species, still awaiting formal description. Hobby sources place it in Colombia, although no exact locality has been published yet. The name "white" refers to the pale markings on the legs, which stand out sharply against the dark carapace and femora when the light catches them.

Megaphobema are spiders with some attitude, though not nervous ones. They spend most of their time in or at the mouth of their hide, and when disturbed they may adopt a defensive posture and flick urticating hairs. Megaphobema robustum is also known for vigorous kicking with its spiny hind legs, so it pays to learn your own spider rather than assume sp. white will behave identically. This is a display animal, and calm, predictable maintenance keeps things uneventful.

An L2/3 spiderling needs only a small container with a few centimetres of coconut fibre and a small hide. Keep the substrate slightly damp and never fully dry, misting one section regularly so there are droplets on the walls to drink from; a water dish can wait until it is larger. Good ventilation matters, as damp plus stagnant air invites mould. Room temperature is fine, ideally 24-27°C. Feed crickets or roaches sized to the spider.

Megaphobema sp. white suits a keeper with a few tarantulas behind them who is looking for something genuinely scarce. It is rarely available, and watching its appearance develop from moult to moult offers a satisfaction no common species can match. It is an investment in patience and in a collection that stands apart.