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Davus sp. 'Panama' (Lava Tarantula) The Lava Tarantula is a compact dwarf terrestrial from Panama with color that shows early and stays interesting through every stage of growth. As a spiderling, it already carries a clear pink and black version of the adult pattern, with pink legs and darker markings across the abdomen. In the juvenile stage, that pink brightens and begins shifting into a more vivid red, giving the species the glowing look that inspired the lava name. By the subadult stage the contrast deepens further, and adults settle into a rich red abdomen with darker patterning set against darker legs and a darker carapace (head). It is a stout, ground dwelling new world tarantula with heavy webbing behavior, and it tends to stay visually active throughout its life rather than disappearing for long stretches unless conditions become too dry. Grab one of the most popular new world tarantulas for sale in the hobby today. Why do hobbyists keep Davus sp. 'Panama'? Stunning Coloration: Shows strong coloration at every life stage, from a pink and black sling to a rich red adult, rather than a dull early appearance. Drastic Color Change: The pink to red transition is one of the main draws, especially in the juvenile stage when the color can look especially bright and intense. Heavy Webber: Typically a heavy webber, often covering much of the enclosure and creating a very active looking setup. Fairly Docile Temperament: Generally calm but can be a bit skittish, usually choosing retreat over standing its ground when disturbed. A touch faster moving than some other new world terrestrials of similar size. Great Feeding Response: Usually shows a solid feeding response and steady, noticeable growth when kept consistently. How should Davus sp. 'Panama' be kept? Adult Size: Reaches around 3.5 inches at full leg span. A smaller, stout bodied dwarf that still carries strong visual presence. Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial setup roughly 3 times the leg span in width and depth, and 2 times the leg span in height, with substrate close to the leg span in depth so it can web heavily and make shallow burrows. Scale this up gradually as it grows from sling to adult. Temperature: Keep between 65 to 75 degrees F. Humidity: Maintain moderate to slightly higher humidity with good airflow, and keep the substrate slightly moist rather than letting it dry out fully. Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out. Diet: Crickets, roaches, and similar prey sized appropriately to the carapace (head), fed regularly to support steady growth. Temperament: Generally calm, though quick to retreat into its webbing or burrow when disturbed. Are there any additional notes or considerations? Moisture Matters: Keeping the substrate slightly moist, without making it wet, helps preserve humidity, encourages regular webbing, and usually keeps the spider out in view more often. Sling Sensitivity: Spiderlings are the most sensitive to inconsistent moisture levels, so keeping conditions steady from the start sets this species up for success. Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

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