Keeper guide

How Big Does Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula Get? — Xenesthis immanis Size Guide

Adult Xenesthis immanis, commonly known as the Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula, reach about 20–22 cm. That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Colombia and Venezuela
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
about 20–22 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
roughly 3–5 years
Female lifespan
12–15+ years
Temperament
Large, powerful and often skittish; can kick urticating hairs readily
Venom
Venom is not generally regarded as medically significant; urticating hairs are substantial
Temperature
20–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Moisture-retentive lower substrate with ventilation; avoid drying small juveniles completely
CITES
Not listed

Adult size

Colombian Lesserblack Tarantulas are generally expected to reach about 20–22 cm as adults. Individual Xenesthis immanis may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for a Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula. Size figures in the hobby are best treated as useful ranges.

How size is measured

Tarantula size is commonly discussed as diagonal leg span. For Xenesthis immanis, that gives a rough comparison with other species, but it is not necessary to stretch or position the spider for a measurement.

Estimate size from a normal resting position or during rehousing if needed. Avoid disturbing a Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Colombian Lesserblack Tarantulas start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Xenesthis immanis may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Xenesthis immanis when choosing feeders and housing. An adult-size figure does not mean a sling needs adult-size prey or an adult enclosure.

Male and female size

Males and females of Xenesthis immanis can differ in build after maturity. Mature males often look leggier and slimmer, while adult females usually remain more robust.

Body shape alone is not a reliable way to sex a juvenile Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

Increase enclosure size for Xenesthis immanis when the current setup no longer gives enough retreat space, substrate or practical access for water and feeding.

Moving a Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula too early into a very large setup can make basic care harder. Rehouse in sensible stages as the spider grows.

Tracking size over time

Keep moult dates and an occasional approximate size for Xenesthis immanis if you want to track growth. That is more useful than trying to measure the spider repeatedly between moults.

A simple record will show how quickly a Colombian Lesserblack Tarantula is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.