Pamphobeteus

Pamphobeteus is a South American tarantula genus formally established by British arachnologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1901, originally as part of the old “Aviculariidae” group of New World tarantulas. As spider classification was refined through the 20th century, Pamphobeteus was moved into the modern family Theraphosidae, where it now sits as a distinct genus of large, ground-dwelling tarantulas.

These spiders quickly drew attention because of their impressive size and striking juvenile and adult coloration. Several species are among the largest terrestrial tarantulas known, with robust bodies and legspans that can exceed 16 cm (6+ inches). The genus is widespread across the tropical forests and foothills of western and northern South America, including Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Panama. Over the last few decades, detailed taxonomic work has continued to reshape the group: multiple new species have been described in the 2000s–2020s, and some names familiar in the hobby (such as the former Pamphobeteus petersi) have been reassigned to other genera after closer study.

Today, Pamphobeteus is recognized as a diverse and still-growing genus. Ongoing research continues to refine species boundaries and distributions, while the hobby side has embraced these spiders for their size, growth rate, and bold colors. For keepers, they represent a classic lineage of “giant birdeaters” with a well-documented scientific history and an active modern research spotlight.

Genus and species: Pamphobeteus sp. tigris

Common name: Ecuadorian Black Birdeater

Given name: Sable

Sex: Suspected female

Life Stage: Sub-adult

This species is found in Ecuador and is relatively new to the hobby. Females may reach 9 inches and are reported to be fast growing.

Habitat: terrestrial

Specimen Notes:

• Beautiful specimen with a nasty disposition.

• Eats but does not always perform takedown

• Approximately 5.25 inches currently

  
  

Genus and species: Pamphobeteus sp. machala

Common name: Ecuador Purple Bloom

Given name: Pam

Sex: Female

Life stage: Sub-adult

This species is found in Ecuador, specifically the Machala region. Females may reach 9 inches in length. Males are more colorful than females and have vibrant purple colorations.

Habitat: terrestrial

Specimen Notes:

• Approximately 5.75 in

• Pam is one of our first specimens, and is the first Pampho in our collection

• Somewhat skittish but not defensive

• Has been a consistent eater

Genus and species: Pamphobeteus sp. mascara

Common name: Mascara Giant Birdeater

Given name: Cedar

This species is found in Ecuador. Females may reach 9 inches in length.

Habitat: terrestrial

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Sex: Likely female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 6 in

Growth: Slow and steady

Disposition: Generally docile

Eating habits: Consistent eater

Misc: Cedar is a large brown tarantula. She has never been an issue. She eats, she grows, she is pretty chill.