The genus Pamphobeteus Pocock, 1901 contains some of the largest terrestrial tarantulas available in the hobby (up to 16 cms legspan). Most are stocky in appearance and colours range from pale brown through to stunning jet black with pink and even blue markings to the carapace (especially found in juvenile specimens). Not overly defensive, they are more nervous and will readily kick urticating hair at the slightest disturbance. For this reason, a retreat is beneficial, allowing the spider the security this will provide. Most are voracious feeders and grow relatively fast, their appearance changing quite a lot as they grow. Certain species have a beautiful 'Christmas tree' pattern on their abdomens but this will eventually fade as the spider grows but unfortunately most reach maturity as various shades of brown. Proper identification of Pamphobeteus spp. is difficult due to this general colouration so care should be taken to prevent hybridisation (there are many unidentified species in the hobby labelled such as Pamphobeteus sp. 'Ecuador' etc. but all can be kept under similar conditions). Males possess tibial apophysis and mating is usually a calm affair, using vibrations and loud stridulation in their courtship. A cricket-based diet is sufficient but they will accept the occasional defrosted pinkie mouse or piece of lean, raw beef. Typical terrestrial set-up is ideal. Cork bark/flower pot hide with a deep substrate of moist compost vermiculite mix. Due to their large size, Pamphobeteus spp. Will benefit from a slightly larger than normal cage. Cage height should not be too high as this genera are poor climbers and a fall from even a small height may cause problems. More on housing can be found here. Wide ranging throughout the rainforest regions of South America, average temperatures and humidity are sufficient (75oF / 70%). Breeding can be unpredictable and infertile eggsacs are common. If successful, eggsacs contain several hundred spiderlings.

Common species in captivity:

P. antinous - Pocock, 1903 Peru, Bolivia
A very large and robust species from the rainforest areas of Bolivia. The femora of the legs have a bright blue colouration, especially apparent in mature males. Not that common in collections.

P. fortis - (Ausserer, 1875) Colombia
A large brown species from Colombia that has the distinctive 'Christmas tree' markings on the abdomen as spiderlings and juveniles. This fades as the spider grows.

P. nigricolor - (Ausserer, 1875) Colombia to Bolivia
Another dark brown to black large species that has the distinctive 'Christmas tree' markings on the abdomen as spiderlings and juveniles.

P. ornatus - Pocock, 1903 Colombia
Mature males are particularly striking being coloured with purple/pink to the legs and a starburst of colour to the carapace. Females remain dark brown to black.

P. ultramarinus - Schmidt, 1995 Ecuador
Another brightly coloured species, females retaining some colour to the femora of the legs and the carapace as they grow, especially around the ocular tubercle.

Pamphobeteus sp 'platyomma' - (un-described) Ecuador
Although still un-described, this species has been in collections for years. Females are large and range in colour from light brown through to black depending on the proximity of a moult. Females have a pinkish area around the ocular tubercle and males are distinctive with their pink leg markings and vivid pink colouration to their carapace.

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