It would spoil the fun in the hobby for me if I couldn't be sure that any T' I'm buying wasn't the species I think it is.

Can you explain how his would happen?

the genetic material of our tarantulas is precious

So it is, but what would happen to the genetic material of the parents? It is not as if all originals will be discarded and the hobby continue with hybrids only? There is no way I will mate any of my 5 P metallica females (sorry Lion) with anything other than a P metallica male? How will this experiment be detrimental to the genes of the pure spiders (parents of pure P metallica slings) ??

Scarab, I bow to you and Ceratogyrus for keeping your cool and being professional about this. I however don't see this much flak about hybrids in Snakes and other animals than we do in Tarantulas. Anyways, I will attempt to do a Brachypelma hybrid sometime in the future but will under no circumstances sell any of the offspring, if there are any. Maybe I will attempt a Communal with the Offspring.

May I add my final contribution to this topic and then be done with it.

I respect the views of people opposed to this entire issue of hybridizing Tarantulas. It may have dire consequences for the hobby if done irresponsibly, of that there is no doubt.

It is good that people are passionate about the few exotic spiders we have in South Africa, and I share that passion as stated before. I am very clear on my point of view and have not done anything in secret with the aim to harm or deceive. It is better to be honest, then all know where they stand. I have stated out in the open that I am giving it some consideration out of curiosity and would be very keen to see such results. Going through with it is another matter all together, I will give it some serious thought. If I change my mind and decide against a project of this nature, it will be because I believe it to be the best route to follow, and not because I am/was criticized for it...

I really do hope that you guys don't do it as planned, especially not in a big public format.

Cerat if you're gonna publish your findings why not - if you're gonna do it to entertain a thread then you have little to no consideration for why people get permits. Culling is not fun.You already know hybrids can be made.

I am jelous of your spiders Scarab but that "sorry Lion' attitude is a low blow when you yourself have the most love for the species.Maybe if you also have a knack for culling then it's not that bad.

Anyways in my best big boy voice "hybrids piss me off".

F1refly wrote: Maybe I will attempt a Communal with the Offspring.

This could actually be quite interesting!

lion wrote: I really do hope that you guys don't do it as planned, especially not in a big public format.

Cerat if you're gonna publish your findings why not - if you're gonna do it to entertain a thread then you have little to no consideration for why people get permits. Culling is not fun.You already know hybrids can be made.

What do permits have to do with breeding Pokies???
Seems you have a real issue with permits and metallica's?