Xenesthis

Xenesthis is a genus of New World terrestrial tarantulas native to northern South America, with species recorded from Colombia and Venezuela and populations reaching into the western Amazon of Peru. In the wild they live in humid lowland and foothill forest, digging burrows in soft soil beneath roots, logs and leaf litter. The genus was described by Eugène Simon in 1891 and currently contains five described species, including Xenesthis immanis, Xenesthis intermedia and the recently described Xenesthis avanzadora, alongside several undescribed forms that are well known and highly prized by keepers.

Xenesthis are large, heavy-bodied tarantulas, with adult females of the bigger species reaching leg spans of around 18-22cm. They are prized for their deep, velvety black base colour, which in good light reveals a stunning metallic bloom of purple, violet or blue, often set off by pale pinkish-red hairs on the abdomen and legs. Mature males are especially striking and frequently show the most intense colouration of all. Like most New World tarantulas they carry urticating hairs on the abdomen as a defence, and while generally calm, they have a strong feeding response and can be skittish, making them a great choice for keepers with some terrestrial experience.

The genus contains several firm favourites in the UK hobby. Xenesthis immanis, the Colombian Lesser Black (also known as the Colombian Purple Bloom), is the classic species, with a jet-black body and a rich purple sheen. Xenesthis intermedia, the Amazon Blue Bloom from Venezuela, is known for its velvety dark body and electric blue-violet bloom, while Xenesthis sp. White Lowland is renowned for reaching the largest leg span in the genus, with contrasting pale hairs that make it an unforgettable display animal.

For collectors, the undescribed Xenesthis forms are a real highlight. Xenesthis sp. Megascopula, sp. Blue, sp. Bright and sp. Light each have their own distinctive colouration, and comparing them side by side is one of the great pleasures of keeping the genus. Xenesthis are also famous for one of the most remarkable partnerships in the spider world: in the wild, Xenesthis immanis has been observed sharing its burrow with tiny microhylid frogs such as Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata, with the frog thought to keep ants away from the spider’s eggs while enjoying the tarantula’s protection from predators.

For tarantula keepers, Xenesthis care is rewarding once you get a few key points right. They are housed in a terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height, a deep layer of moisture-retentive substrate for burrowing, a hide such as a piece of cork bark and a water dish that is always kept full. Unlike many dry-country terrestrials, they appreciate higher humidity, so part of the substrate should be kept slightly damp, with good ventilation to keep the air fresh, and most are comfortable at warm UK room temperatures. Xenesthis grow at a good pace with a hearty appetite, so captive-bred slings reward keepers with visible progress and that famous bloom developing as they mature.

Whether you are researching Xenesthis tarantula species, looking for information on Xenesthis care, comparing Xenesthis immanis and Xenesthis intermedia, browsing Xenesthis slings, juveniles and adults for sale in the UK, or searching for a showpiece terrestrial tarantula, exploring the individual species is the best way to find the right Xenesthis for your collection.