Pamphobeteus sp. “Pema” – A Striking New Giant from Ecuador
Introduction
In 2024, the tarantula hobby welcomed an exciting new discovery: Pamphobeteus sp. “Pema”, a newly recognized species originating from Ecuador, specifically the mountainous regions near Santo Domingo. This remarkable spider has already gained attention among experienced keepers due to its size, coloration, and hardiness, quickly establishing itself as one of the most desirable Pamphobeteus species currently available.
What Makes Pamphobeteus sp. “Pema” So Special?
What truly sets Pamphobeteus sp. Pema apart from other Ecuadorian Pamphobeteus species is its extraordinary coloration, especially in adult females.
Adult females display bright, vividly pink markings on the carapace—a trait that is exceptionally rare within the genus. Unlike other Pamphobeteus species, where juvenile or subadult colors tend to fade with maturity, the pink markings in sp. Pema do not vanish. Instead, they persist into adulthood, creating a breathtaking contrast against the spider’s deep black body. This unique and stable coloration makes adult females visually stunning and instantly recognizable.
Mature males also differ from their Ecuadorian relatives. While many Pamphobeteus males develop dark blue to purple hues, Pamphobeteus sp. Pema males remain noticeably lighter, lacking the intense blue-purple tones seen in other species. This gives them a more subtle yet distinctive appearance.
As spiderlings, Pamphobeteus sp. Pema exhibit a classic “Christmas tree” pattern on the abdomen, a charming juvenile trait that gradually disappears as they grow and mature.
Size and Presence
Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is a true giant. Both males and females can reach an impressive 20 cm diagonal leg span (DLS) when fully grown. This immense size makes them a highly visible and commanding presence in any serious tarantula collection, perfectly embodying what enthusiasts expect from the Pamphobeteus genus.
Growth, Temperament, and Feeding
This species is known for its fast and substantial growth between moults, especially when well fed. Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is always hungry and responds extremely well to regular feeding. Keepers will notice dramatic size increases after each successful moult.
In terms of temperament and resilience, Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is a hardy species. It tolerates a relatively wide temperature range, handling both slightly warmer and cooler conditions without issue. However, it performs best at stable room temperature.
For breeders, a cooling-down period is considered important to trigger successful pairing and breeding behavior.
Care Requirements
Caring for Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is no different from other Pamphobeteus species, making it suitable for keepers already familiar with the genus.
Basic care guidelines:
• Humidity: 60–70%
• Temperature: Room temperature is ideal
• Substrate: 4–5 inches for adults to allow for burrowing
• Water: Always provide a water dish
• Feeding: Generous and regular feeding promotes strong growth
Good ventilation combined with proper humidity is key to maintaining a healthy specimen.
The Only Downside
The main drawback of Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is its price, which is currently quite steep and may be out of reach for many keepers. However, considering its rarity, size, stability of coloration, and overall beauty, it is undeniably a special and prestigious addition for true Pamphobeteus enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Pamphobeteus sp. “Pema” stands out as one of the most exciting Pamphobeteus discoveries in recent years. With its persistent pink carapace markings, massive size, hardy nature, and impressive growth rate, it represents the very best qualities of the genus. While costly, it is a species that will undoubtedly remain highly sought after by dedicated collectors and breeders.
For serious Pamphobeteus keepers, Pamphobeteus sp. Pema is nothing short of extraordinary.
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By Dawid Markiewicz, with enormous help of SUNG KAI
