Lasiodora

The Lasiodora genus includes a relatively modest number of species, all of which are found in Brazil. Many species that were originially classified as Lasiodora have been reclassified into other genera. The current list of Lasiodora includes large size species. The most recent taxonomic revision and analysis of this genus was publihsed by Bertani in 2023.

Several species have been reclassified, in synonymy, or nomina dubia. The accepted species are:

Lasiodora benedeni (ex difficilis): Brazilian fiery red birdeater, available in the hobby

Lasiodora camurujipe: uncommon in the hobby

Lasiodora franciscana: uncommon in the hobby

Lasiodora klugi: Bahia scarlet, available in the hobby

Lasiodora parahybana: Salmon pink birdeater, available and common in the hobby

Lasiodora sertaneja: Sienna birdeater, relatively uncommon but some have been sold

Lasiodora subcanens: uncommon in the hobby

Lasiodora were some of the earliest new world species identified, given their locale on the eastern coast of Brazil, where European settlers and explorers discovered them.

"Lasiodora species are distributed mainly on areas of Brazilian Atlantic Forest on the coast, but also in the interior of Brazil, in the biomes of Cerrado and Caatinga. In these two savannah-like (Cerrado) or semiarid (Caatinga) biomes, Lasiodora seems to occur in small patches of forested areas, such as riparian or hillside forests. For example, Lasiodora parahybana specimens are common on the rainforest of the Northeast coast, but there are records for the species in the Caatinga biome. Some areas in the Caatinga, known locally as “brejos de altitude”, are relicts of an ancient connection, in more humid periods, between the Amazon Forest on the north and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest on the east coast (Ab’Saber 1977; Carnaval & Moritz 2008). After a drier period, that connection was disrupted and most areas are now covered with caatinga vegetation. On more elevated regions, however, patches of Atlantic Forest remained, surrounded by semiarid areas, isolating populations of Lasiodora parahybana. The dependency to humid environments, perhaps, explain why it is common to find Lasiodora specimens inside caves (Trajano 2000). Caves are normally colder and wetter than the external environment, mainly those in the Cerrado and Caatinga, and can be used as retreats by the spiders." (Bertani 2023)

This is the second oldest image of a new world tarantula:

Genus and species: Lasiodora parahybana

Common name: Salmon Pink Birdeater

Given name: Samantha

This species is native to northeast Brazil and may be the 4th largest species of tarantula (after the three Theraphosa). Type III urticating hairs. This species is popular in the hobby.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 18x18x12 Arachnosys

Flora: Live plants with some moss

Sex: Female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 7.25 inches

Growth: Not noticeable at this point. Likely has another molt or two in her. Has not molted for us.

Disposition: Skittish if disturbed. Eager to kick hairs bothered. Typically on display.

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately

Misc: Beautiful big girl. Typically visible. Type III urticating hairs.

Genus and species: Lasiodora striatipes

Common name: Bahia Grey Birdeater

Given name: Stella

This species is now considered nomina dubia (i.e., cannot be assigned with certainty) (Bertani 2023). Previously described as Lasiodora Striatopes by Peters 2003.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x8x8

Flora: Naturalistic, non-bio

Sex: Female

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 3.25 in

Growth: Steady. Molted once.

Disposition: Relatively calm. Commonly in her burrow but comes out periodically.

Eating habits: Decent but may not takedown immediately

Misc: Beautiful coloration after her molt. Does not seem to explore her enclosure aside from her burrow and burrow entrance.