Scientific Name: Pamphobeteus antinous (Pocock, 1903)

Common Names: Bolivian Blue-Leg Birdeater, Steely Blue-Leg, Big Black Birdeater

Type: Terrestrial, giant-bodied tarantula

Origin/Native Locale: Rainforests of Bolivia and Peru

Size (Leg Span):

• Females: ~8–9 inches

• Males: ~6–7 inches

Color & Sexual Dimorphism:

• Females: Uniformly black, deep, and velvety.

• Males: Striking vivid blue-violet iridescence on the leg segments (coxa, trochanter, femur), pedipalps, and chelicerae.

Temperament & Defense: Fast-moving, defensive/nervous when startled, and equipped with urticating hairs (can kick hairs when stressed).

Appetite & Growth Rate: Fast-growing, voracious eaters that feed heavily (e.g., large crickets or dubia roaches weekly).

Lifespan:

• Females: 15+ years

• Males: ~3–5 years after reaching maturity

Ideal Care Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–78°F

• Humidity: 75–80% with deep, moist substrate (peat moss/coco fiber mix) and good ventilation

• Housing: Terrestrial setup with a starter burrow/hide and a large water dish