Hi guys, I have been wondering how to limit or at least group the types of T' I want to collect. I started out with the idea that bigger is better. The Lasiodora's grabbed my fancy for obvious reasons, but then the red knee's are sooooo pretty, so got me some Brechypelma's. Then saw the King Baboon and just had to have one - on the way at the moment.

Now it's impossible to try and collect all 900-odd types of them, though I'm sure someone out there is probably trying. I started wondering about the different types' classification? Thought Lasiodora's came from Brazil and Brachypelma's from Mexico, but alas, that's not right.

So I'd like to know, what makes one group a Lasiodora and another group a Brachypelma? Also how do forum members decide what to collect, like if you prefer arboreal's or just collect what is available, or price dictated?

Location, colour, compare it to other spiders characteristics that have been found in the area or literature that has been described, there are a couple of ways that tarantulas get there classification.

I would say Availability of species is the biggest thing, the amount of space you have or what your wife, girlfriend or mother allows you to keep.
As 1000 odd spiders will take up a fair amount of space and not to mention the feeding aspect.

I find it the hardest thing to try define what I want to keep, well I have not got to that stage in my hobby just yet.
It like pokemon, "catch them all" but the day I don't have enough space, I will redefine my collection to some spiders.

I think it comes down to what a person likes, there are big spiders, small spiders, colourful spiders, agro spiders, pet holes, webbing spiders, nice display spiders, communal spiders, baboon spiders and just collect what ever you want spiders.

It's a trial and error thing. You have to collect various types (arboreals, terrestrials, burrowers, old world, new world, etc) until you find out exactly what you like/dislike.

I would say, collect at least one of each of the following:

Poecilotheria sp.
Avicularia sp.
Lasiodora sp.
Brachypelma sp.
C.cyaneopubescens
Hysterocrates sp. or M.balfouri
Acanthoscurria sp.
S. calceatum or H.maculata
Grammostola sp.
Dwarf species

as you grow into the hobby, you'll also develop "tastes" in certain species. E.g. I don't like Avicularia sp. - I only have one and if she dies of old age, then I doubt I would replace her. I also don't like the dwarf species. Some people prefer Old world species, others prefer new world species.

So my philosophy is: Try everything at least once

When it comes down to species, there are tiny differences that say whether or not it's a different species. Look for instance at B. albo and B. sabulosum. They look roughly the same but there are probably slight colour differences and differences in biology that make them separate species. Also, localities. You won't find a B. smithi on the Honduran Islands, nor would you find a S. calceatum in Zimbabwe.

Now when it comes down to what you want to limit yourself to, I agree with Vanessa. Get one of each of those, see which ones tickle your fancy and focus on those groups and get more members of those groups.

In my case, I won't go out and buy another Pokie ever again, except for P. subfusca. I had a bad experience with mine and wasn't that impressed with it anyway.

I like the Dwarf species as they are small and have lot's of 'tude, and I'm enjoying my H. formosus immenselly.

I also prefer any species without Urticating hairs as I have had a bad experience with it so am slowly moving over to them.

And then there's the brachys which will always be in my collection. I want to eventually get a smithi, boehmei, albiceps and a klaasi.

And it all boils down to personal preferences. Some swear by Pokies, others by Avics. I swear by any that interest

I think I have one of the smallest collections around. Only have 4 T's ATM.

Like the other members said. See What fits you best

I have one NW T. Lasiodora Parahybana He made my realize that I am allergic to hairs.

I have 2 pokies Fasciata and Formosa thanks to UC

And one C. Huahini because I wanted a terrestrial OW.

Just a matter af trail and error.

Sent from my PokieBerry 9900 using Tapatalk

Thanks guys, you just made me more "deurmekaar" :laugh: I will have to do more homework before I stop looking. I agree with the Brachy's, they're really good lookers and I already have a redknee, fire leg and red leg, but there are quite a few slight and big differences.

About the Lassy's, I don't touch or handle my T's at all. I have no intention of finding out if I'm allergic to the hairs or what a bite feels like. :blush: Cleaning for me is a hands-off approach and I'm careful not to upset any of them, working very slowly and softly with all of them. My L.Parahybana has never rubbed hairs at me.