The Neon Pink: A Guide to the Vibrant Dolichothele rufoniger
Introduction
If you are a fan of the famous Dolichothele exilis but want something with even more "pop," the Dolichothele rufoniger—the Neon Pink—is the spider for you. Hailing from the dry forests and caatinga regions of Brazil, this species is a visual firecracker. It features a sleek, metallic-charcoal carapace that contrasts sharply with a bright, glowing pink-to-red abdomen. While it may be a smaller species, it possesses a personality and a speed that rival the biggest giants. For the UK tarantula keeper, the Neon Pink is a high-octane new world inhabitant that brings a splash of neon colour and incredible energy to a collection.
Size, Growth, and Longevity
The Neon Pink is a small to medium terrestrial tarantula, with adults typically reaching a diagonal leg span of 8cm to 10cm (3 to 4 inches). What it lacks in sheer size, it makes up for in its lightning fast growth rate. These spiders are known to "bolt" through their moults, reaching maturity much faster than many other South American species. Females generally live for 8 to 10 years, while males mature quite quickly. Their compact size makes them perfect for UK hobbyists with limited space who still want a spider that is active and visually arresting.
Temperament and Suitability
Don't let its "new-world" status fool you; the Neon Pink is famously skittish and fast. While it doesn't have the potent venom of an old-world species, it has "teleportation" levels of speed. It is far more likely to bolt into its burrow than to stand and fight, but it can be quite "flighty" during rehousing or maintenance.
Because of its high speed and nervous disposition, this species is best suited for intermediate keepers. It is a fantastic choice for those who have mastered docile beginners and want to experience a more "reactive" and energetic spider. They are prolific webbers, often turning their enclosure into a complex labyrinth of silk, which makes them fascinating to observe even when they are hidden.
Simplified Care
In the wild, these spiders are opportunistic burrowers and heavy webbers. To thrive in the UK, they require a terrestrial setup with 8cm to 10cm of substrate. They will often create a "home base" burrow and then extend thick sheets of silk across the surface and up the sides of the enclosure. Provide plenty of anchor points like small pieces of cork bark and dried moss to support their webbing.
Environmental care is relatively easy: they prefer a drier environment with a humidity level of 50% to 60%. A shallow water dish and occasional light misting of one side of the enclosure are plenty. They do well at standard room temperatures between 22°C and 25°C. They have a massive appetite for their size and will tackle prey items nearly as big as themselves, making feeding time a high-speed event.
Conclusion
The Dolichothele rufoniger (Neon Pink) is a vibrant, high-energy masterpiece from the Brazilian wilderness. Its intense neon-and-black contrast and industrious webbing habits make it a standout new world species. For the UK keeper looking for a fast-growing, brilliantly coloured spider that packs a lot of personality into a compact frame, the Neon Pink is an electric addition that never fails to entertain.
