Lasiodora parahybana

🔤 Taxonomy

Lasiodora parahybana is the currently accepted scientific name.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Brazilian salmon pink birdeater
• Salmon pink birdeater

📌 Description

Lasiodora parahybana is a very large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, famous for its fast growth, heavy body, and pinkish hairs over a dark base color. It is one of the largest tarantulas commonly kept in captivity and is often chosen by keepers who want an impressive display animal with strong feeding behavior.

Adult size is usually about 9-11 cm body length and about 20-25 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

It is not a handling species. Large specimens can be very food-responsive and may kick urticating hairs readily when stressed.

🌍 Distribution

Lasiodora parahybana is native to northeastern Brazil. In the wild it is associated with warm seasonal forest and ground-level retreats in humid to moderately humid conditions.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with deep, shape-holding substrate
• a secure hide and room to retreat below the surface
• moderate humidity with good ventilation, not stale wet substrate
• fresh water always available
• fall prevention and calm maintenance

⚖️ Legal status

Lasiodora parahybana is not currently listed in the CITES Appendices. No specific current listing for this species is typically applied in Annexes A-D of the EU wildlife trade regulations.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. Local ownership, sale, transport, breeding, and import rules may still apply, so keeping proof-of-origin documents is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Lasiodora parahybana should be housed alone. Adults need a roomy low enclosure, often around 40 x 30 x 25 cm or larger, with more floor space than height. Slings and juveniles are started in much smaller containers — a 250 ml deli cup or small plastic rearing cup for a small sling, moving through intermediate enclosures as the animal grows. This species grows fast and will need size upgrades every few molts.

Stage management is especially important in large terrestrial species. Slings need smaller containers with reachable prey and slightly more stable moisture around part of the substrate. Juveniles can be moved up gradually as they gain size. Heavy adults need low, stable enclosures with deep substrate and no tall fall zone, because abdominal injuries from falls are a serious risk.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• Deep substrate
• A secure hide
• Good ventilation
• A large water dish
• No dangerous climbing structures

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

Very high heat should be avoided because large heavy-bodied tarantulas can dehydrate quickly.

💧 Humidity and water

Lasiodora parahybana does best with moderate humidity and constant access to fresh water. The enclosure should not stay swampy, but it should not remain bone dry for long periods either.

One part of the substrate can remain slightly more moist than the rest.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a substrate that holds shape and allows shallow digging, such as coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or mixed terrestrial substrates. Adults usually benefit from 10 cm or more of substrate depth.

Keep the setup simple and sturdy. A heavy-bodied tarantula should not be given unsafe height or unstable decor.

🪳 Feeding

Lasiodora parahybana is insectivorous and usually has a strong feeding response. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms or superworms in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-10 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Stage matters with feeding. Slings can take small prey or prekilled pieces more often while growing, but prey must be removed if it is not eaten or if the spider is in premolt. Adults need less frequent feeding; a consistently overlarge abdomen, sluggish movement, or repeated refusal after heavy meals usually means feeding should be reduced rather than escalated.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include dehydration, stagnant wet conditions, poor ventilation, dangerous enclosure height, and problems during molts.

Warning signs include a shriveled abdomen, lethargy, refusal to feed with clear decline, and difficult molts.

📌 Conclusion

Lasiodora parahybana is a classic giant display tarantula that rewards simple, steady care. A large low enclosure, deep substrate, moderate humidity, fresh water, and safe footing are the key points.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable