Colombian lesserblack tarantula (Xenesthis intermedia)

Short answers

Colombian lesserblack tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×30×30 cm (a large ground-dwelling species) with deep substrate.

Colombian lesserblack tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Colombian lesserblack tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Colombian lesserblack tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 15–20 years, males 3–4 years.

Colombian lesserblack tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

75–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×30×30 cm (a large ground-dwelling species) with deep substrate

Substrate

A forest humus, coco and sand mix, 15–20 cm deep (an opportunistic digger), slightly damp

Feeding

Food

Insects and larger roaches; adults also take large prey

Feeding interval

adults every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

18–23 cm leg span (a large species)

Life expectancy

females 15–20 years, males 3–4 years

Origin

Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela)

Protection status

No CITES or protected status

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Solitary and cannibalistic – keep them on their own. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.

Notes

A large, powerful New World species with urticating hairs; it can be defensive. High humidity, but good ventilation is needed (otherwise mould and respiratory problems). Damp, deep substrate without waterlogging. For the advanced.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Colombian purple bloom birdeater (Xenesthis immanis) – Intermediate
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
• Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
• Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
• Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
• Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Colombian lesserblack tarantula (Xenesthis intermedia) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm (a large ground-dwelling species) with deep substrate), substrate (A forest humus, coco and sand mix, 15–20 cm deep (an opportunistic digger), slightly damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.