Rio Grande Golden Huntsman Spider (scientific name: Aphonopelma moderatum) is native to the United States and is a classic pet bird-catching spider species, which can be considered a legend among enthusiasts in the United States. They are only found in a small area in southern Texas, United States, and their colors are enchanting. However, in recent years, they are rarely seen in the pet bird-catching spider market.
Chinese Name: 里奥格兰金毛
Scientific Name: Aphonopelma moderatum
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
In terms of anatomy, the female reproductive system of the bird-catching spider develops completely in the adult stage, which means that the seminal vesicles have hardened and can be used for reproduction. The bird-catching spider, belonging to the suborder Orthognatha, as well as other families within the suborder, is a very primitive group with a simple reproductive structure. On the contrary, some newer spiders have complex reproductive organs that need to develop gradually as they grow, which means they cannot mate when they are too small. However, the bird-catching spider does not have this problem. Even if the individual is very small, a healthy sexually mature bird-catching spider will have egg cells. After mating, some stimulation will induce partial absorption of nutrients and development of the eggs. However, the number of eggs produced at this time may not be large. If they are not used for reproduction throughout the spider's growth, the number of eggs produced will increase relatively because the egg cells are constantly being produced. However, this does not mean that the offspring quality will be poor if a young individual is used for reproduction. Some scholars in the United States even believe that the breeding performance of female individuals will improve with age (not confirmed by the author). Some people like to compare humans and spiders, thinking that a "large" individual represents mature females, and they use the theory of small individuals being equivalent to underage girls to morally pressure players who engage in normal breeding. This analogy is very laughable because female bird-catching spiders can molt throughout their lives, and their final body size is mainly influenced by genes, nutrition, and even their health status (for example, some very large individuals may have problems with hydraulic pressure after molting and their skin doesn't expand accordingly). However, almost all sexually mature female bird-catching spiders still have a lot of room for growth.
It is recommended to keep Rio Grande Golden Huntsman Spiders to pet lovers. They have a low level of aggression and are not easily startled to kick hairs. As a pet bird-catching spider species originating from arid areas, they also have strong adaptability. Therefore, they are always recommended as a beginner species.
1. Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull, the surface becomes dry and yellow, it is likely that emaciation has occurred. This condition is generally due to poor eating habits, leading to malnutrition.
2. Intestinal inflammation
On the contrary, this is caused by overeating. Constantly feeding the spider or feeding it with low-temperature food can cause bloating and abdominal pain, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not have high environmental requirements, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer with high temperature and humidity, if the spider's cage is far from the ventilation port, the spider may experience heatstroke-like symptoms, with its legs paralyzed and unable to move, causing hemiplegia.
4. Constipation
Constipation is mostly caused by a lack of water intake. In addition to eating, spiders also need water. If the owner only feeds the spider but does not provide water, the moisture from the food cannot meet the spider's hydration needs.
5. Black rot disease
Refusing to eat or move, decreased mental state, and the appearance of black ulcerative lesions on the abdomen are signs of black rot disease. The reason for this condition is that the water and food are not fresh. If the spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it may develop black rot disease, which can be fatal.
6. Mold disease
Especially in the southern regions, the hot and humid weather in summer makes the spider's body prone to bacterial invasion. The spider's joints become stiffer, and its body becomes more moist, creating an environment where bacteria thrive and causing mold spots to appear on the spider's body.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be considered the most disgusting condition for spiders. If it is a small insect, it may not be too serious, but if it is a rampant parasite, it will crawl on the spider, which is extremely disgusting. Besides disrupting the spider's rest, it may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
1, Temperature
The temperature is best controlled between 25~30, with small temperature differences between day and night. Pay attention to cooling in summer to prevent heat stroke, and pay attention to heating and keeping warm in winter to ensure the healthy living of the spiderlings.
2, Humidity
The humidity should be maintained at around 65. Low humidity can easily cause dehydration in spiderlings, resulting in emaciation and death. If the humidity is too high, spiderlings are prone to edema and deaths. If the humidity is too high, spiderlings are also prone to edema, as well as bacterial and fungal infections.
3, Ventilation
Good ventilation can make spiderlings strong and reduce the risk of diseases and safely go through molting. Air pollution, humidity, and stuffiness are the main causes of spiderling deaths.
4, Food
The main food for feeding spiders is small animals such as mealworms and small earthworms. Blood of animals can also be fed (do not add salt to the blood). If conditions permit, artificial feed can also be used. The formula can be made from 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin additives, and 3% brewer's yeast, mixed and fed on a plate or sponge.
5, Light
First of all, the lighting should be sufficient. If conditions are met, they can be taken outside to receive sunlight (spiders do not like light, so there should be a place to avoid direct sunlight to ensure the safety of the spiders). Windows should be opened frequently, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
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