Lasiodora striatipes

Lasiodora striatipes hails from the sultry subtropical and tropical rainforests of Brazil, where the weather keeps them on their eight toes (ok, technically legs) year-round. Here, these chunky beauties prowl the forest floor, enjoying a climate that’s warm, humid, and filled with tasty invertebrate treats. Their natural habitats are typically leaf-littered, earthy and often in close proximity to water sources—think fallen logs, burrows and occasional fields, not beach umbrellas. The South American climate provides plenty of rainfall and humidity, so in captivity, we try to keep things similarly comfortable, minus the jaguars and howler monkeys.

Once fully grown, Lasiodora striatipes can become true dinner plate contenders, boasting an impressive 15–18 cm diagonal leg span. Females tend to outgrow their male counterparts, reaching chunkier sizes and displaying that classic ‘big mamma’ tarantula energy. Males, while still hefty, have longer legs and a far more streamlined build—think of them as the gangly teenagers of the tarantula world. Growth can be quite dramatic in their juvenile years, so don’t blink or you might miss their latest moult.

L. striatipes is all about that down-to-earth lifestyle—literally! They are classic terrestrials with strong fossorial tendencies, meaning they’ll chill on the ground but also won’t say no to a bit of digging. In captivity, these spiders love making shallow burrows or rearranging their décor with all the enthusiasm of a home-makeover TV show host. Don’t be surprised if they move things around at 2am. You’ll usually catch them lounging at the entrance of their hide or burrow, ready to pounce on the next cricket that dares stroll by.

For those who like a long commitment, female L. striatipes are proper marathon runners, often living 12 to 15 years, with some pushing even longer in cushy captive conditions. Males, unfortunately, draw the short straw, rarely seeing more than 3 to 5 years—just like many other tarantulas. The disparity in lifespan is largely due to biology, not poor husbandry, so don’t take it personally if your male suddenly gets the urge to dash off into the sunset after his final moult.

L. striatipes boasts a medium to fast growth rate—think teenager with unlimited pizza. With frequent feeding and optimal warmth, you'll notice those little slings balloon into chunky juveniles in no time. Growth slows some after maturity, but with good husbandry, these tarantulas can put on impressive size within a couple of years. Regular feeding and seasonal warming can really speed things along, so be prepared for wardrobe upgrades (and enclosure rethinks) as they size up.

Lasiodora striatipes has a reputation as a gentle giant—usually docile, but never shy to flick a cloud of urticating hairs if you annoy her. Speed varies; most individuals lumber around, but when startled they can shift gears alarmingly quick. While they rarely threaten a defensive posture, always respect their space (and those hairs!) and keep interactions minimal. You’ll find them bold, out in the open, and generally happy to let you admire their leggy splendour as long as you don’t invade their personal bubble.

L. striatipes appreciates things pleasantly warm, with an ideal daytime range between 22–26°C. Nighttime dips are fine, but best not to let things fall under 20°C for long stretches. Heat mats on the side (never underneath!) or a gentle room heater are usually sufficient for UK homes. Watch for any overheating or dramatic swings—a stuffy or overly hot enclosure will stress even this hardy species. Always pair heat with reliable digital thermometers rather than trusting your nan’s weather knees.

Coming from rainforest regions, this species likes it humid, ideally between 65–75% RH. Achieve this with a deep, damp section of substrate and a well-placed water dish. Don’t go overboard—a swamp isn’t necessary! Good cross-ventilation is a must to keep mould and mites at bay. Let the top inch of substrate dry out now and then, but keep the lower layers moist—sort of like a good Victoria sponge, but less tasty. Always clean and refill the water dish regularly.

Lasiodora striatipes are true extroverts by tarantula standards. Even when provided with a perfect burrow, many spend their evenings perched regally out in the open, ready to show off their burly legs and fluffy abdomens. They’re most active at dusk, but don’t be shocked to find your spider strutting around at any hour. Their bold nature and willingness to display make them fantastic show spiders—a feast for the eyes and a conversation starter for spider-curious guests!

While not as webby as their arboreal cousins, L. striatipes does like to put down occasional silk carpets for their dinner guests—mainly around the entrance to their hide or burrow. Expect some modest webbing to anchor their territory and help sense vibration from prey. They’re more decorators than construction workers, so your enclosure furniture won’t get entombed, but you’ll definitely see the odd silk mat, especially after a moult or freshly laid substrate.

Lasiodora striatipes has an appetite that would make a Labrador blush. Slings should be given appropriately sized prey (pre-killed if necessary) every 4–5 days. Juveniles can handle small crickets, mealworms, or roaches 1–2 times per week. Once adult, a hearty meal every 7–10 days keeps them content—a large cricket, dubia roach, or a couple of morio worms will be welcomed with a dramatic pounce. Don’t overfeed, as obesity is a thing even for spiders. If the abdomen looks comically large, skip a meal or two. Always remove uneaten food within 24 hours and never feed during a moult or if the spider is in premoult. Bonus tip: watching L. striatipes tackle dinner is half the joy of keeping them, so bring popcorn.

A sizeable terrestrial enclosure is best—a 45x45x30 cm terrarium works well for full-sized adults, with side ventilation to keep air fresh but not drafty. Offer at least 10–15 cm of firmly packed substrate (coco fibre or topsoil mixes are ideal) so they can burrow to their heart’s content. Add a cork bark hide, a broad water dish, and a bit of fake greenery for aesthetics (or real plants if you’re feeling fancy). Avoid sharp décor—they won’t appreciate impromptu leg piercings. Ensure the enclosure is escape-proof (these are expert climbers in a pinch) and keep cleaning routines regular, especially given their hearty appetites.

Thanks to their generally tolerant nature and hardy constitution, L. striatipes are a prime pick for confident beginners or any keeper looking to up their game with a larger terrestrial species. Just be ready for their potential size and appetite! If you’re fearless about the idea of cleaning up after what’s essentially a hairy dinner plate, you’ll get on famously. Intermediate and advanced keepers also love them for their display value and robust feeding response.

Lasiodora striatipes is a true superstar for those who appreciate a spider with size, presence, and just the right mix of attitude and chill. Their bold displays, voracious feeding response, and relative hardiness make them a fantastic ambassador for the hobby—just don’t expect to handle them! Expect to be both awed and occasionally bemused by their burrowing antics, defensive hair flicks, and tendency to grow like weeds after a rainstorm. If you can make peace with stray urticating hairs and a messy eater, this Brazilian behemoth will quickly become a centrepiece in your collection, offering years of entertainment and admiration.