The Golden Spider of Panama (Latin name: Psalmopoeus pulcher), also known as the Golden Tarantula of Panama, is one of the popular species among pet bird spider enthusiasts. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Panama. The adult individual has a gold-colored carapace and is covered with a layer of red hair, making it exceptionally noble and beautiful. The young individuals are also quite beautiful, with a black carapace, pink-colored legs, and a metallic green abdomen.
The adult Golden Spider of Panama has a body length of 15-16 centimeters and a leg span of 10 centimeters. They grow very quickly, with small juveniles of 2-3 centimeters reaching a leg span of around 10 centimeters in just one year, displaying the mesmerizing colors of the adult individuals. Therefore, the anticipation for their growth is high. Although they are arboreal species from the New World, they are not as docile as the pink-toed tarantulas of the Avicularia genus. Instead, they are more similar to the stunning rainforest tarantulas of the Poecilotheria genus from the Old World, with their fast speed and certain level of aggression. They also have relatively high venom toxicity among pet bird spiders.
The Golden Spider of Panama requires a temperature of 26-28 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 85%. It is recommended to use moist peat, coconut brick, or clay as the substrate. Whether raising small juveniles or large individuals, it is strongly recommended to provide them with a piece of bark or a hiding spot, as they are easily frightened and prone to running away, causing headaches for keepers. Therefore, they are not a suitable species for first-time keepers.
Originating from the tropical rainforests of the Amazon Basin in Panama, South America. It is a tree-dwelling bird spider species found in the New World, known for its great speed and certain aggression. It is relatively venomous compared to other pet bird spiders. It grows rapidly and displays captivating colors as an adult, making it highly anticipated during its growth period.
Lovers of pet spiders are advised to keep experienced personnel. The adult individual of the Golden Spider of Panama is overall golden yellow, very charming, so it is also loved by players. Like many bird-eating spiders, the Golden Spider of Panama grows quickly as a juvenile and becomes somewhat aggressive as it grows larger. Although it is not prone to flicking hairs, it is still not recommended for beginner players to keep.
1. Emaciation
When you find that the spider's body surface becomes dull and the skin starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely to be suffering from emaciation. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well, leading to malnutrition.
2. Enteritis
On the contrary, this condition is caused by overeating. If the owner keeps feeding the spider or feeds it with food at a low temperature, it can cause bloating and abdominal pain, eventually leading to enteritis.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not require a high environmental temperature, but when the temperature is too high, especially in summer when it is hot and humid, and the spider's cage is too far from the ventilation opening, the spider can experience heatstroke-like symptoms, causing paralysis in its legs and inability to move on one side of its body.
4. Constipation
Constipation is mostly caused by not drinking water. In addition to eating, spiders also need water. If the owner continues to feed the spider but does not provide water, the moisture in the food is not enough to meet the spider's hydration needs.
5. Black Rot Disease
Not eating or moving, decreased vitality, and the appearance of black ulcerative lesions on the abdomen are signs of black rot disease in spiders. The cause of this condition is stale water and food. If a spider eats food contaminated with bacteria, it can contract black rot disease, which can lead to death in severe cases.
6. Mold Spot Disease
Especially in the south, the hot and humid weather in summer makes it easy for bacteria to invade the surface of spiders. The spider's joints become increasingly stiff, and its body becomes increasingly humid, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and causing mold spots to appear on the spider's body.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be said to be the most disgusting disease for spiders. If it is a small insect, it is not a big problem, but when those aggressive parasites crawl on the spider's body, it looks very disgusting. Besides affecting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
Temperature: 26-28°C, Humidity: 85%. Substrate: Moist peat, coconut bricks, clay. Whether raising small juveniles or large individuals, it is recommended to provide climbing bark and hiding caves. When feeding, it is important to pay attention to the diversity of food, regularly changing the menu to ensure balanced nutrition.