Ornithoctonus aureotibialis Female + Male (6.5cm)

Appearance and characteristics Ornithoctonus aureotibialis, known as Thailand Golden Fringe, is a jewel among Old World spiders. This species is distinguished by the velvety black coloration of its carapace and abdomen, but it is the legs that attract the most attention. On their edges there are distinct golden or yellow stripes, which create an amazing visual effect. Females reach an impressive weight and size, while males are more slender but equally contrastingly colored by the time they reach sexual maturity. Behavior and venom Like most Asiatic birdworms, O. aureotibialis is characterized by its high speed and defensive nature. It has no scabbing hairs, so in a threatening situation it relies on fleeing into a burrow or adopts a threatening posture that can end in a bite. It has a powerful venom that can cause painful swelling and muscle spasms, so this species is recommended only for those with experience in dealing with aggressive spiders. Breeding conditions This is a typical subterranean bird. It requires a terrarium with a very thick layer of substrate (at least 15-20 cm), which should consist of a mixture of coconut fiber and peat. The substrate must be constantly moist, but not wet. The optimal temperature is 25-28°C. It is crucial to ensure high humidity (about 80%). Ornithoctonus aureotibialis builds intricate systems of corridors, which it pads with a thick layer of cobwebs to form showy nests.