Lasiodora difficilis

Lasiodora difficilis is a South American beauty, hailing primarily from Brazil's humid rainforests and subtropical zones. These spiders are found in regions with warm temperatures, regular rainfall, and lush greenery—not a bad postcode, really. In the wild, they make the most of the forest floor, where they can tuck themselves away under logs or leaves, and let’s not forget the odd burrow for a bit of privacy. With a steady supply of rain and humidity, they’ve evolved to thrive in moist, shaded environments. Their natural habitat has a distinct wet and dry season, so they’re fairly adaptable when it comes to humidity—provided there aren't any major extremes.

When it comes to size, L. difficilis does not disappoint—especially if you like your spiders large and in charge. Adults regularly reach 18-22 cm diagonal leg span, with females widely recognised as the real bruisers of the species. Males are typically a bit leggier and less robust, usually maturing smaller and thinner than their female counterparts. Don't be surprised if your juvenile seems to double in size overnight; their growth spurts can be impressive. Once fully grown, expect a commanding spider that's big enough to make its presence known from across the room.

Lasiodora difficilis is resolutely terrestrial, preferring the ground over branches any day. They typically hang out on or just under the surface, occasionally digging shallow burrows if the mood strikes. In captivity, expect yours to re-arrange substrate with the zeal of an interior designer, often moving bits and pieces around to suit their liking. You’ll see them sprawled out regally, sometimes hiding but often choosing to sit out in full view like the show-offs they are. They aren’t big climbers, so no need to kit them out with an arboreal mansion—keep things ground-level, and they’ll do just fine.

Females of this species are the marathon runners of the tarantula world, often living over 15 years in captivity with good care. Males, as usual, have it a bit rougher—they mature more quickly and usually live only 3–5 years, sometimes even less after their ultimate moult. This is totally normal and not a reflection of your spider-keeping skills. With steady conditions and a modicum of patience, a female L. difficilis can be a long-term companion (just don’t expect her to pay rent!).

L. difficilis is known for a brisk growth rate, especially compared to many other tarantulas. Slings can go from tiny to tank-busting juveniles in just a couple of years if well-fed and kept warm. Their relatively quick growth means plenty of moults in the first stages, with spurts after each feast. Providing ideal temps and regular, sensible feeds will keep them on track, but don’t overdo it—patience is still a virtue in the spider world.

Think of L. difficilis as the friendly but occasionally grumpy neighbour—generally calm and out in the open, but not afraid to kick up a fuss if provoked. They’re known for a strong feeding response and can get defensive if startled, but rarely resort to biting unless seriously annoyed. Expect some enthusiastic threat-posturing (all legs and attitude) if you’re cleaning their house unannounced. Quick for their size but not lightning fast, they’re usually content to mind their own business. Still, always respect their space, and you’ll get on famously.

Ideal temperatures sit between 22–26°C, which is conveniently close to ‘British home heated to a comfortable level but with socks on’ temperatures. Nighttime drops to around 20°C are perfectly fine, so you don’t need to lose sleep over a little chill overnight. Avoid letting things dip below 18°C for extended periods or, on the flip side, turning them into sauna guests above 28°C. If you’re heating your tarantula room, a gentle heat mat on the side (never below) of the enclosure is an option, but only if background warmth is truly lacking. Always monitor with a thermometer, because even tropical spiders can get cranky in extremes.

Aim for 70–80% relative humidity to keep your L. difficilis happy and hydrated. Achieve this by keeping part of the substrate slightly damp (not soggy—no one likes wet feet all the time), while maintaining good airflow to prevent any stuffy, mould-prone environments. A large, shallow water dish should be provided at all times, and it’ll often double as a mini swimming pool if your spider is feeling adventurous. Mist the enclosure lightly when needed, but never overdo it; soggy conditions are a no-no. Top tip: let one end stay a bit drier for variety and choice.

This species is a regular show-off and often seen lounging in the open, especially once settled in its enclosure. No shrinking violet, L. difficilis likes to keep an eye on proceedings, which makes them a great ‘centrepiece’ tarantula. Expect plenty of movement during feeding times, with the occasional slow amble at night. While juveniles might hide a bit more between moults, adults usually seem to enjoy the spotlight. In short: if you want a tarantula you can actually see, L. difficilis delivers.

While not in the league of the true web-masters, L. difficilis does produce a respectable amount of silk—particularly around its burrow entrance and feeding zones. Expect to see little silk mats where they eat, moult, or generally hang out, with the occasional attempt at barricade-construction if they’re feeling particularly industrious. A webby enclosure isn’t guaranteed, but everyone loves a tarantula who dabbles in interior design.

These spiders bring their A-game to dinner, attacking prey with gusto. For slings, offer pre-killed or suitably sized live prey (crickets, small roaches, mealworm sections) every 4–5 days. As they grow into juveniles and then adults, increase prey size and space feedings to every 7–10 days. Adults can handle larger roaches or crickets, but don’t feed anything bigger than their abdomen—this isn’t a gladiator match! Adults will sometimes refuse food during moulting preps; if this happens, remove uneaten prey and be patient. Overfeeding can result in an overly chunky spider and unnecessary moulting troubles, so keep an eye on that waistline. Always remove leftover prey to avoid stress or injury.

A large terrestrial enclosure (at least 40x30x30cm for adults) is ideal, with a secure, well-ventilated lid—these giants are surprisingly strong and determined given the right motivation! Substrate depth of 8–12cm allows for a bit of digging, using coconut fibre, topsoil, or a mix for stability. Add a sturdy hide (bark, cork tube, or flowerpot on its side) so your spider has somewhere to retreat, plus a generously sized (but shallow) water dish. Avoid unnecessary décor that could create climbing hazards—your spider is a ground-hugger at heart. Maintain good airflow to discourage mould, and never let your beautiful beast swim in standing water for too long.

Ideal for hobbyists with at least a little experience, L. difficilis offers both challenge and reward. Their large size, strong feeding response, and occasional bursts of defensiveness mean they might daunt total beginners. However, with a careful approach and respect for their space, even a keen novice could manage them. If you’re comfortable maintaining humidity and giving your spider plenty of space, you’ll quickly find your confidence—and your spider—growing.

If you’re after a tarantula that delivers drama, size, and a decent dash of personality, Lasiodora difficilis might just be your ‘dream spood’. With their highly visible, outgoing nature and hefty proportions, they make an unmissable addition to any collection. They grow quickly, eat heartily, and put on a bit of a show—what more could you want? Their need for stable humidity and the occasional defensive outburst mean they’re better suited to hobbyists beyond total beginner stage, but their hardiness and adaptability reward careful keepers in spades. Just remember: admire, don’t handle, and let them strut their stuff from behind glass. You’ll thank us later.