Recently, a fashion has appeared instead of the usual kitties and dogs to have exotic pets. Spiders attract special attention of wildlife lovers. Brachypelma Smithy is one of the most common representatives of tarantulas grown at home. Before starting such a pet, you need to study the rules and conditions of its maintenance, get acquainted with safety precautions, since these spiders are poisonous.
Some people consider arachnids (arachnids) to be the most ideal pet option, especially for bachelors. They do not require such careful care as other pets, thereby not creating inconvenience to their owner.
Spider description
The tarantula living in deserts and semi-deserts of Mexico - Brachipelma Smithy. Keeping this spider in home terrariums has become very popular. This species of tarantulas has a bright attractive color. The spider grows to an impressive size, does not have an aggressive disposition. The body length is about 7 cm, and in the range of the limbs - 16 cm.
This tarantula spider is considered one of the centenarians. A case was recorded when a pet lived in captivity for about 30 years.
The spider has an attractive color. His back and belly are black. The cephalothorax is outlined by a strip of yellow-pink color. Legs are black with bright marks. The body of the spider is covered with small hairs.
Under what conditions should a tarantula be kept?
Brochipelma Smithy, like other tarantulas, is found in a horizontal terrarium. It is important to monitor the humidity and temperature in the spider's home. The optimal conditions are:
- The temperature is 27 degrees.
- Humidity - 65-70%.
In the terrarium you need to put a substrate, about 5-6 cm thick, as spiders like to dig into it and build their nests. Crickets, cockroaches and other insects are used as food. Adults can plant newborn mice, but not more than 1 time in 7 days.
What you need to know when buying a tarantula spider?
Before deciding to purchase a Brachipelm Smith spider, you need to weigh the pros and cons. There is an opinion that you can pick up a pet in your hands to tame it. However, this is an erroneous judgment. In fact, the spider does not distinguish between the owner, since it lacks a sense of affection. Therefore, it can be easily exchanged for another arachnid, which many collectors do. A man thinks that if he takes a spider in his hands, shows him his affection, he will appreciate it. In fact, such a manifestation of tenderness causes a huge stress in the pet, because of which it becomes aggressive and is able to bite the owner.
Not always a spider bite is accompanied by the injection of a toxic substance, since the process of developing the poison is very complex and requires a large energy cost from the tarantula. Brachypelma Smithy decides on a poisonous bite in order to protect herself if she feels a serious danger.
Dropping poisonous hairs is another defense. With the hind limbs, the spider begins to comb the hair growing on its back, which is also dangerous if it gets on the skin of a person.
It is not recommended to keep such animals at home if a small child lives in the family. Depending on the species, the aggressiveness of the spider is also determined. Some arachnids can be very peaceful, thereby harmless to humans. If you do not have experience in maintaining such exotic pets, getting yourself the first tarantula spider, make sure that your chosen species is not aggressive and not prone to attack.
What manifestations can occur after a spider bite?
The Brachipelma Smithy spider is poisonous, but still, like most tarantulas, it does not carry a mortal threat to humans. His bite often resembles a hornet. After the attack of a spider, the affected area of the skin becomes swollen, and an increase in temperature is also likely. If a pet has managed to inject poison, a person may experience such manifestations:
- hallucinations;
- cramps
- mental disorders;
- disorientation.
The greatest danger is a spider bite to people with allergic diseases, since a reaction to toxins can even lead to death. Despite this, scientists have not recorded any such cases.