Davus sp. 'panama' (Lava Tarantula) 0.75-1"

Davus sp. 'Panama' (Lava Tarantula)

This 0.75 to 1 inch Lava Tarantula is a well-started sling, past the earliest and most delicate weeks and already showing its pink coloration beginning to brighten toward the vivid red that gives this species its name. It is the last stop before the juvenile stage, when that shift really picks up speed, so buyers at this size get to watch the most dramatic part of the transformation still ahead of them. Davus sp. 'Panama' stays visually active at every size, building webbing and staying out in view rather than hiding for long stretches. This new world tarantula for sale is a strong, consistent feeder, making this well-started size an easy, confident entry point into one of the hobby's most popular lava spider tarantulas.

Why do hobbyists keep Davus sp. 'Panama'?

• Stunning Coloration: Pink and black patterning that is visibly starting to brighten, a preview of the red to come.
• Drastic Color Change: The move from pink spiderling into the vivid red juvenile look is right around the corner at this size, one of the most exciting parts of raising this species.
• Heavy Webber: An established webber by this size, often covering a good portion of the enclosure already.
• Fairly Docile Temperament: Generally calm but a touch skittish, usually retreating into its web rather than standing its ground.
• Great Feeding Response: A reliable feeder with steady, visible growth from one feeding to the next.

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: House this well-started sling in a 4 by 4 by 3 inch enclosure with about 1.5 inches of substrate for shallow burrowing and webbing anchor points. This cage is sized for a third of adult size, not the animal's current inch, so it still has plenty of room to grow into before the next rehouse.
• Rehousing: Two rehouses total for life. Next is an 8 by 8 by 5 inch enclosure with about 2.5 inches of substrate as it nears 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. At this species' quick pace, 1 to 2 years to full size, expect roughly 6 to 8 months out of this current 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 3/16 to 1/4 inch cricket or roach nymph. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and settling into a steady routine, still quick to duck into its web if startled.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Sling Sensitivity: Even at this more established size, consistent moisture keeps this species growing smoothly, though it is past the most delicate early instars.
• Moisture Matters: A slightly moist substrate, never wet, helps hold humidity, encourages regular webbing, and keeps this dwarf tarantula out and visible 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 well-started size has already cleared the most delicate early weeks and is feeding and webbing reliably. It is a great middle ground for keepers who want to see the color change happen but prefer a bit more size and confidence than our smallest slings offer.