Keeper guide

Bahia Scarlet Lifespan — Male vs Female Lasiodora klugi

Male and female Lasiodora klugi have very different lifespans. Males generally live roughly 3–5 years, while females can live 15–20 years. Those figures are general estimates from captive keeping, not exact lifespans for every Bahia Scarlet.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Brazil
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
About 18–22 cm (7–8.5 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 3–5 years
Female lifespan
Often 15–20 years
Temperament
Bold feeding response; may be defensive and kick abundant urticating hairs
Venom
Venomous, but hairs are usually the more immediate husbandry concern
Temperature
21–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Water dish plus moderate lower-substrate moisture; strong ventilation
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Male and female lifespan

Male Lasiodora klugi are generally expected to live roughly 3–5 years, while females can live 15–20 years. The difference becomes most obvious after maturity.

If you buy a Bahia Scarlet as an older juvenile or adult, you may never know its exact age. Use the species range as a guide and keep your own dates from the point you acquire the spider.

Why females live longer

Female Lasiodora klugi continue moulting after maturity, which allows them to remain healthy adult spiders for many years.

A male Bahia Scarlet eventually reaches an ultimate moult. After that point his remaining lifespan is usually much shorter than that of an adult female.

Growth and maturity

Bahia Scarlets are fast growers. Young spiders normally moult more often than large juveniles and adults, but the time taken to mature varies between individuals.

Do not try to estimate the exact age of Lasiodora klugi from size alone. Feeding, temperature, sex and genetics all influence growth.

Feeding and temperature

A practical temperature range for Lasiodora klugi is 21–26°C. Stable care and sensible feeding are more useful than trying to force rapid growth.

Keeping a Bahia Scarlet very heavily fed does not guarantee a longer life. Fresh water, suitable food, normal moults and stable enclosure conditions matter more.

Mature males

After the ultimate moult, a male Lasiodora klugi may become more active around the enclosure and may eat less often than before maturity.

That change can be normal for a mature male Bahia Scarlet. Keep water available, continue offering food occasionally and make sure the enclosure remains secure.

Keeping records

Record moult dates for Lasiodora klugi and keep suitable exuviae if you want to confirm sex. If the spider was not bought as a tiny sling, record the date acquired and approximate size instead of guessing an exact age.

Over time, those notes make the lifespan of a Bahia Scarlet easier to put into context and help show when growth and feeding patterns change.