Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum)

Short answers

Amazon birdeater: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters).

Amazon birdeater: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Amazon birdeater: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Amazon birdeater: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 10–12 years, males 2–4 years.

Amazon birdeater: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 % (with good ventilation)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)

Substrate

A thin damp layer of coco plus a vertical cork tube; planting, good ventilation

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

10–13 cm leg span (body ~4–5 cm)

Life expectancy

females 10–12 years, males 2–4 years

Origin

Brazil (the Amazon region and the north-east)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

Colourful and densely haired. Fast and fond of jumping — when you open the enclosure it is quickly outside it. A front-opening terrarium is recommended. No handling.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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• Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate
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All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)), substrate (A thin damp layer of coco plus a vertical cork tube; planting, good ventilation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.