Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell.

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• The scientific name, Xenesthis immanis, basically translates to “Bad stranger”!
• A large and dramatic species that is quick to spook and do zoomies around their habitat
• Both male and females of this species have insanely bright metallic patterns on their carapace

Name: Xenesthis immanis is commonly known as the Colombian Lesser Black Tarantula. The genus Xenesthis comes from the Greek and means "foreign guest" or "stranger". The species epithet immanis is composed of the negative prefix in- ("un-") and the Old Latin mānis or mānus meaning "good" or "kindly," giving it a literal sense of "not good," which evolved into its common meanings of "huge," "monstrous," "savage," or "inhuman".

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Xenesthis immanis is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your fossorial spider more than 2 times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate, as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up. Do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1.5 inches. Females can grow to be up to 8 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 4 to 6 years in males, and 15-20 years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 6 to 10 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 4 to 6 - 1/4 inch crickets per week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms, as size is appropriate.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception, because our larvae are harmless. They are very high in fat, though, so not the best staple diet. They are, however, a great weight gain supplement.

Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well rounded nutrition.

Sexing: Due to age, Xenesthis immanis sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As adults, this species has a black base color. The femurs and carapace become covered in a shiny metallic purple pattern. Particularly right after a molt, their legs from the kneecap on down have a metallic sheen.                                                                                       

Social Behavior: Xenesthis immanis is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

They tend to make extensive burrows, but spend time outside of them in the early morning, unless disturbed. Any disturbance will send this spider bolting to a hiding spot.

Natural Range: The natural range of the Xenesthis immanis is primarily in the humid forests and cloud forests of Colombia and Venezuela.

History in the Hobby: Xenesthis immanis has been around in he hobby for decades but is still a fairly rare species to see available. Thankfully they are more easily obtainable and more affordable than they were.

  Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com 

Still not sure if Xenesthis immanis from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!