Davus sp. 'panama' (Lava Tarantula) 0.33-0.5"

Davus sp. 'Panama' (Lava Tarantula)

The Lava Tarantula is a compact New World dwarf terrestrial from Panama, and this 0.33 to 0.5 inch spiderling is the earliest, most affordable stage to bring one into a collection. At this size it already carries a clear pink and black version of the adult pattern, with pink legs and darker markings across the abdomen, long before the glowing red lava look this species is named for sets in. Raising a Davus sp. 'Panama' spiderling from this size means watching the entire color journey unfold, from pink baby tarantula to the rich red adult. This new world tarantula for sale is a heavy webber from an early age and a strong feeder, making it a rewarding pick for anyone who wants to raise a lava spider tarantula from the very start.

Why do hobbyists keep Davus sp. 'Panama'?

• Stunning Coloration: Shows strong color even as a spiderling, with a clean pink and black pattern rather than a dull early appearance.
• Drastic Color Change: The pink to red transition ahead is one of the main draws of raising this species from this size, especially once the juvenile stage begins.
• Heavy Webber: Starts laying down webbing early, building toward the heavily webbed setups this species is known for as it grows.
• Fairly Docile Temperament: Generally calm but a bit skittish, usually choosing to retreat into its webbing rather than stand its ground.
• Great Feeding Response: Known for a strong, consistent feeding response and steady growth when kept on a regular schedule.

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: Start this spiderling in a 4 by 4 by 3 inch enclosure with about 1.5 inches of substrate for shallow burrowing and webbing anchor points. We size the cage for a third of adult size rather than for the spiderling's current size, so there is real room for this baby tarantula to grow and web before its next home is needed.
• Rehousing: Two rehouses total for life. Next is an 8 by 8 by 5 inch enclosure with about 2.5 inches of substrate around the 1.2 inch mark, then a 12 by 12 by 8 inch adult setup with 4 inches of substrate around the 2.3 inch mark. This species grows quickly, often reaching full size in 1 to 2 years, so expect roughly 6 to 8 months out of this first cage.
• Temperature: Keep between 65 to 75 degrees F.
• Humidity: Maintain moderate to slightly higher humidity with good airflow, keeping the substrate slightly moist rather than letting it dry out fully. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Prey length runs about a quarter of the leg span, matching the carapace (head). At this size that is about a 1/16 to 1/8 inch cricket or roach nymph, placed directly on the webbing for the best feeding response. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Calm but quick to retreat into its webbing when disturbed, typical of the genus at this stage.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Sling Sensitivity: Spiderlings are the most sensitive to inconsistent moisture levels, so keeping conditions steady from the start is the key to a strong, easy grower.
• Moisture Matters: Keeping the substrate slightly moist, without making it wet, helps preserve humidity, encourages regular webbing, and usually keeps this dwarf tarantula out in view more often.
• Unsexed Offering: Ships unsexed, with roughly even odds of male or female at this stage.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This is our smallest and most budget friendly size for Davus sp. 'Panama', a great low cost way to raise a lava spider tarantula through its full color change from the earliest possible stage.