Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula

Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma Care Guide

Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

The Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula is a striking New World species known for its bold appearance and rapid growth. Endemic to Ecuador, this terrestrial opportunistic burrower can develop an impressive 8-inch leg span while maintaining a compact body size (approximately 3.5 inches in body length). With urticating hairs of both Type I and III, this species has a bold temperament and is best suited for intermediate keepers who are comfortable with its speed and occasional defensive behavior. Notably, males and females display distinct color differences, with males often developing vibrant pink and purple hues after their final molt, while females retain darker, more muted tones.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma

• Common Name: Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial, Opportunistic Burrower (New World)

• Endemic Location: Ecuador

• Body Length: Approximately 3.5” (9 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 8” (20 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Types I and III

• Growth Rate: Fast – Medium

• Life Expectancy: Females up to 20 years; Males 3–4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate

What Makes Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma So Special?

The Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula stands out with its striking coloration and rapid growth. Its bold hues and impressive leg span make it a visually engaging species. As an opportunistic burrower, it thrives when provided with ample substrate for digging. While it is an active and fast-moving tarantula, especially in its early stages, it exhibits a defensive temperament, often retreating to its burrow when disturbed. Its distinctive sexual dimorphism, with mature males displaying vibrant pink and purple hues and females remaining darker, adds to its allure in the hobby.

Natural Habitat & What That Means for Enclosure Setup

Native to the rocky savannas of Ecuador, the Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula is adapted to a drier, well-drained environment. In captivity, it requires an enclosure that replicates its natural habitat by providing ample substrate for burrowing while minimizing risks associated with falls. Maintaining proper moisture levels is crucial, spiderlings benefit from a slightly damp substrate, while juveniles and adults thrive with substrate allowed to dry between waterings to prevent mold.

Housing & Substrate

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure from half to 2/3rds full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This provides ample space for burrowing while minimizing the risk of fall damage.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; you can occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and include a shallow water dish sized appropriately for the tarantula’s leg span.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure from half to 2/3rds full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to allow for deep burrowing while minimizing fall risk.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (ideally a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and tasteful decorations. Ensure the enclosure is wider than it is deep and has a secure, tight lid to prevent escapes or injuries.

Note: Consider using this affiliate link or entering the affiliate code TTC10 at Tarantula Cribs to save 10% on your enclosure purchases.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Keep the ambient temperature between 74°F and 80°F (23-27°C) for optimal health.

• Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity. Ensure that the substrate is kept moist (for spiderlings) and allow the top layers to dry between waterings (for juveniles and adults) to prevent mold growth.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

The Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula is known for its bold temperament and rapid growth. While it is an enthusiastic eater and actively burrows, it can also be fast-moving and defensive when startled. It may kick urticating hairs if disturbed, so it is best appreciated as a display species rather than for handling. Its striking coloration and vigorous behavior make it a rewarding pet for intermediate keepers who are comfortable with its energetic nature.

Breeding Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma in Captivity

Breeding Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma (Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula) in captivity is a rewarding endeavor, given their impressive size and striking coloration. With proper preparation and attention to environmental conditions, enthusiasts can successfully propagate this species.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 1.5–2 years, developing longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 2–3 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 4–8 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 70–80%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 100 to 300 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma spiderlings exhibit a fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient substrate to accommodate their burrowing behavior and include structures for web attachment.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Feeding Response: Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma are known for their strong feeding responses, so caution is advised during maintenance to avoid accidental bites.

• Humidity Sensitivity: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation.

• Size and Space Requirements: Given their potential size, ensure enclosures are spacious enough to accommodate their growth and activity levels.

Final Thoughts

Pamphobeteus sp. Platyomma is a powerhouse of a tarantula, with bold feeding responses, rapid growth, and an impressive adult size. Their deep pink to purple hues and strong presence make them a standout in any collection. If you enjoy large, food-motivated tarantulas with a bit of attitude, this species is a perfect fit.

Additional Recommendations:
For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs with the affiliate code TTC10 for a 10% discount, and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For purchasing tarantulas online, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off). Also, visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.