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Machala Purple Bloom Tarantula
Pamphobeteus sp. 'Machala'
Large South American tarantula. Females are massive and velvety dark brown, while mature males display a spectacular, vibrant metallic purple coloration after their final molt.
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Genus:Pamphobeteus
Species:Pamphobeteus sp. 'Machala'
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 80 %
Day temperature
22 - 27 °C
Night temperature
22 - 27 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This tarantula is native to the humid tropical forests of southern Ecuador, particularly in the El Oro province near the city of Machala. It inhabits the shady forest floor, where it digs deep burrows or occupies natural cavities to shelter from light and maintain a humid, stable microclimate.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Theraphosidae, genus Pamphobeteus. This genus includes some of the largest tarantulas in South America. The species Pamphobeteus sp. 'Machala' has not yet been formally described with a specific scientific name, but it is highly recognized in the hobby for the stunning coloration of adult males.
Behavior and Habits: Compared to other South American tarantulas, it is a rather active and visible spider, spending a lot of time outside its burrow. It is a voracious and opportunistic predator with a bold and sometimes skittish temperament; if threatened, it prefers to flick urticating hairs from its abdomen rather than bite, but it will not hesitate to show a threat posture if cornered.
Morphology: Highly pronounced sexual dimorphism in adults. Females are massive and robust, reaching a legspan of 18-20 cm, with a velvety dark brown or black coloration. Males, on the other hand, are slightly smaller and slender, but after their maturity molt, they display an extraordinary, brilliant, iridescent metallic purple coloration on their carapace and legs.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a terrestrial terrarium of at least 40x30x30 cm. The height must be kept low to prevent accidental falls that could rupture the tarantula's heavy abdomen. It is essential to provide a deep layer (10-15 cm) of soft substrate such as coconut fiber or peat to allow burrowing, complemented by a hide such as a half cork bark tube.
Lighting and Heating: Shuns bright light, requiring only soft ambient room light. Ideal temperatures range between 22-26°C (71-79°F) during the day, with a slight drop at night. If necessary, heating can be provided via a low-wattage heat mat attached to the outside of one side wall, controlled by a thermostat.
Humidity and Hydration: Being native to rainforests, it requires constant relative humidity between 70% and 80%. The substrate must be kept damp but not soggy. A shallow, clean water dish is mandatory for direct drinking, and one corner of the enclosure should be misted periodically.
Feeding and Supplementation: A voracious predator with a fast metabolism compared to other tarantulas. It feeds actively on crickets, Dubia roaches, and locusts of appropriate size. Juveniles grow quickly and should be fed 1-2 times a week, while adults only require a meal every 10-14 days. Vitamin supplements are not necessary.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary and territorial animal. Any attempt at cohabitation will inevitably lead to cannibalism. The male should only be introduced to the female's terrarium for breeding purposes under close supervision, and must be removed immediately afterward.
Health and Common Diseases: The main risk for terrestrial tarantulas is abdominal rupture due to falls from height. During molting (ecdysis), the tarantula will lie on its back; it must not be disturbed or touched at all during this stage. Insufficient humidity can lead to wet/stuck molts and limb deformities.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This tarantula is native to the humid tropical forests of southern Ecuador, particularly in the El Oro province near the city of Machala. It inhabits the shady forest floor, where it digs deep burrows or occupies natural cavities to shelter from light and maintain a humid, stable microclimate.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South AmericaCentral America and Caribbean
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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