Keeper guide

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater Hiding, Burrowing and Webbing Behaviour — Lasiodora parahybana

Hiding, digging and webbing are normal parts of life for Lasiodora parahybana. The amount you see depends on the spider's terrestrial lifestyle, age, moult stage and individual behaviour.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Northeastern Brazil
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Common
Maximum size
Often 20–25 cm; very large individuals can approach 28 cm (8–11 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Around 5 years
Female lifespan
Often up to about 15 years
Temperament
Usually bold and food-driven; can be skittish and readily use urticating hairs
Venom
Venomous, but bites are not generally regarded as medically significant; urticating hairs can be severe irritants
Temperature
21–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Water dish plus a modest moisture gradient; younger animals benefit from slightly more dependable substrate moisture
CITES
Not CITES-listed

What is normal?

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeaters are terrestrial. Young spiders may dig more, while larger animals often spend more time in the open, although individual Lasiodora parahybana can still choose to remain hidden.

Do not judge Lasiodora parahybana by how visible the spider is on a particular day. A secure retreat is part of good husbandry even if it means you see a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater less often.

Why tarantulas hide

Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeaters may retreat after rehousing, before a moult, after a heavy meal or simply because the enclosure gives them a secure place to settle. Hiding alone does not mean Lasiodora parahybana is unwell.

If water, temperature and enclosure conditions are suitable, leave a hidden Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater alone instead of repeatedly lifting cork or opening a burrow.

Burrowing

If Lasiodora parahybana starts digging, let the spider decide how deep or elaborate the retreat becomes. Stable substrate and securely placed decor are more useful than trying to keep the burrow visible.

A Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater may move large amounts of substrate, block one entrance and open another. That is normal enclosure modification, not a reason to rebuild the setup.

Webbing

Webbing can help Lasiodora parahybana line a retreat, detect movement and secure the area around a burrow or cork hide. The amount varies greatly between individuals and life stages.

Do not remove established webbing from a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater just because it looks untidy. Clear only what genuinely blocks water access, a door or necessary maintenance.

Closed retreats and premoult

A sealed retreat can be a premoult sign in Lasiodora parahybana, but spiders also close themselves in for other reasons. Remove loose live prey, keep water available and give the spider time.

Never dig out a Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater merely because it has been hidden longer than expected. Compare the behaviour with the spider's normal pattern and the condition of the enclosure.

When to investigate

Check more closely if Lasiodora parahybana shows several concerning changes together, such as obvious loss of body condition, inability to move normally or an enclosure problem that could prevent access to water.

Visibility by itself is a poor health measure for Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeaters. A spider that is hidden in a secure retreat may simply be behaving exactly as the species or individual prefers.