Tiger-hunting bird spider (scientific name: Haplopelma schmidti), also known as the Vietnamese bird spider, is native to Guangxi, China and Vietnam. The tiger-hunting bird spider from Guangxi, China used to have another name called "Haplopelma huwenum", but in 2005 it was confirmed to be the same species as the one from Vietnam. Therefore, the so-called "Vietnamese bird spider" is only found in Vietnam and is the same species as the tiger-hunting bird spider from China.
The adult tiger-hunting bird spider has a body length of 17-18 centimeters and a leg span. Its name comes from the tiger-like patterns on its abdomen, and it is also yellow-brown in color. With its fierce temperament, deep burrows, and the ability to catch large prey, it truly lives up to its nickname "Yellow Ground Tiger". The young spider of the tiger-hunting bird spider is almost identical to the Hainan bird spider, except that the Hainan bird spider turns black when it reaches 5-6 centimeters in size, while the tiger-hunting bird spider remains yellow-brown. They are not afraid to attack larger prey and have a relatively fast growth rate among bird spiders.
The tiger-hunting bird spider is a newly discovered spider species in Yunnan and Guangxi, China in the 1990s. It is known as the "world poison king" among the spider family due to its large size and high venom production. The venom of the tiger-hunting bird spider from Guangxi, China has been found to contain a highly active tiger-stripe analgesic peptide HWAP I, which is expected to be developed into a new type of analgesic drug. Since the 21st century, research on spider toxins has been very active both domestically and internationally, especially the research on the venom of the tiger-hunting bird spider with large body size and high venom production (1ml per time), but the scarcity of spider sources has greatly affected the research progress. Therefore, the key to solving this problem is the research on artificial breeding technology for introduction and domestication, which is also an important way to earn foreign exchange from spider venom exports. Therefore, with the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, our institute has conducted a systematic research on its biology, ecology, as well as artificial feeding and breeding techniques since 1994.
Spider lovers who enjoy climbing recommend keeping tiger-hunting bird spiders as pets. The ideal temperature for the tiger-hunting bird spider is 26-28℃, with a humidity of 85%. It is recommended to use damp peat, coconut bricks, or clay as substrates. Like the Hainan bird spider, the mainland market is flooded with wild individuals of this species. After long-distance transportation and incorrect breeding practices by merchants, the surviving individuals are sold to some beginners. Most individuals have problems such as refusal to eat or parasitic infections, and they will soon die. As a relatively dangerous species, it is only recommended for enthusiasts with rich breeding experience to acquire them.
1. Wasting Disease
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and its skin starts to become dry and yellow, it is likely that it has contracted wasting disease. This condition is generally caused by poor eating habits and long-term malnutrition.
2. Intestinal Inflammation
On the contrary to wasting disease, this condition occurs when the spider is overfed. Constantly feeding the spider or feeding it with food at a low temperature can cause bloating and abdominal pain, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3. Paralysis
Spiders do not have high environmental requirements, but high temperatures, especially in summer, can cause heat stroke when the spider's cage is far from the ventilation opening. Paralysis of the legs occurs due to nerve paralysis, resulting in inability to move.
4. Constipation
The main cause of constipation is usually dehydration. Besides eating, spiders also need water. If the owner only feeds the spider but does not provide water, the spider cannot obtain the necessary water from its food.
5. Gangrene
Lack of eating and inactivity, decreased vitality, and the appearance of black necrotic ulcerative lesions on the abdomen indicate spider gangrene. The cause of this condition is eating and drinking stale food and water, which can infect the spider with gangrene. Severe cases can lead to death.
6. Mold Disease
Especially in the south, spiders are easily attacked by bacteria due to the hot and humid weather in summer. Their joints become stiff, and their bodies become damp, providing a favorable environment for bacterial growth and causing mold spots on the spider's body.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be described as the most disgusting disease for spiders. If it is a small insect, it's not too bad, but those aggressive parasites wriggling on the spider's body look very disgusting. Besides affecting the spider's rest, they may carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
Patio breeding method
In the field, a net shed with a size of 6×10m is built using steel pipes and plastic window screens. The lower edge of the window screen is buried 20cm into the soil. If the conditions are good, a base of 50cm high made of cement or tiles can be built, and the lower edge of the window screen is fixed to prevent spiders from escaping. The topography and vegetation in the shed simulate the habitat of the spider's place of origin. Specifically, shrubs and vegetation-rich slopes of about 30° are selected, and several caves are built according to the size of the spiders. One side of the caves is covered with a wooden board facing outward for easy observation by opening the cover. The juvenile spiders and adult spiders are put into the caves separately, and several water feeders and feeding dishes are provided. Feeding and watering are carried out twice a week to observe whether the tiger-hunting bird spider can survive under the natural conditions in Changsha area.
Cage breeding method
Ten steel frame window screen cages with a size of 120×70×80cm are placed outdoors. The cages are filled with 30cm thick red clay and built at a slope of 30° to simulate the original habitat. Two caves are set up in each cage, and a pair of female and male adult spiders are introduced to observe their feeding and reproductive behaviors.
Tank breeding method
Thirty breeding tanks with a size of 78×52×46cm are built indoors. One cave is set up in each tank using red clay according to the above-mentioned method. To maintain soil and air humidity, fresh moss plants are transplanted into the tanks. This method is used to observe the relationship between the growth and development, behavior, and environment of the spiders.
Barrel or bucket breeding method
Glass jars with a size of 28×17×25cm, or household plastic buckets, are used. A layer of 5cm thick red clay is laid on the bottom of each jar or bucket, and a slope of about 30° with a height of about 10cm is built. A circular cave is constructed along the wall of the jar or bucket. Only one spider is kept in each jar or bucket. Fresh moss plants are also transplanted into the jar or bucket, and a water feeder and a feeding dish are provided for observation of the growth and development and behavior of the juvenile spiders.
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