The Sarawak Blue Beauty

To some locals (Sarawakians) who have long ago seen them, they were just blue spiders. But to a tarantula enthusiast, they were really cool blue tarantulas. At least to me it was when I first saw one. Obsessed with tarantulas, I have always been in the look out for local Bornean species. The majority of them were the dull looking brown or black tarantulas with a few exceptions from the genus Phormingochilus, Cyriopagopus and some Phlogiellus.

So I was really excited when my girlfriend then (now my wife) saw a tarantula with blue legs which by color alone, surpasses all the above mentioned local species in looks and beauty. At first glance with only its front legs exposed outside its burrow, I initially thought it was just the black tarantula commonly seen. However after moving in for a closer look, we saw that the upper side of its legs were actually blue! No, it was obviously NOT a Coblat blue (Haolopelma lividum) which is native to Myanmar and over the border into Thailand. It also did not resemble any Haplopelma but instead appeared more like a Selenocosmia or Chilobrachy. This was definitely a new species, this “blue beauty”. However back then, I was so overwhelmed by excitement that before my mind could think of taking a photograph, this tarantula bolted into its burrow.

Both of us decided that we must go back for a good photograph. We would take long drives and then hike to the “blue spot” (our codename for the location). Even after a few visits we were still unable to lure it out of its burrow for a nice photograph. The “blue beauty” was too agile and shy. Extremely sensitive to vibration, even the slightest movement will send it back into its burrow. Eventually after many unsuccessful attempts we decided to search around the same area for another one. We also began searching other locations in Sarawak and eventually found a few more.

Below is our very first photograph taken in 2013. It was briefly mentioned in my 2014 blog post: https://benkexotics.wordpress.com/2014/03/04/the-search-for-sarawaks-smallest-and-undescribed-tarantula-by-benson-kho/

Sarawak Blue Beauty – Birupes simoroxigorum in-situ. Our very first photograph. This picture was actually posted in my old blog, BenK Exotics in 2014.

Few years later, in 2018 I received a private message from a German photographer friend Lars, who showed me a photograph of the “blue beauty” before it was posted on social media. Having just recently met Lars then, I was unsure of who I could trust so I denied ever seeing one. I wanted to see how things go from here. I did not care who gets the credit for the discovery. We were not the only people who already knew its existence because we know some local natives who have also seen them in the past near their village. So I never ask Lars where his photograph was taken but I am certain I told Lars, “please do not expose the location”. Inside me however, I was secretly hoping it wasn’t the same location as our “blue spots” though it is only a matter of time someone else might also come across this tarantula. I just did’nt expect it to be so soon!

Thankfully today I realised that non of these locations are anywhere near our “blue spots”. To me, some things are better off kept as a secret or never be found.

Until today, our “blue spots” remains a secret shared by only my wife and I. We have never once told anyone about this. Of course back then, the idea or exposing it and hopefully have a new species named after us was tempting. However the irony is once a new species is discovered and published to the world, it has been proven to do more harm than good. The “blue beauty” is a good example. Not long after Lars and Chien Lee’s photographs were posted online, outsiders were quick to visit Sarawak to collect this newly discovered species and posted photographs of themselves with wild caught specimens. This “blue beauty” is today known as Birupes simoroxigorum after R. Gabriel & D. Sherwood described it in 2019. Its genus name stems from biru, the Malay word for the color blue; simoroxigorum incorporates names of the children (Simon, Roxanne, and Igor) of the three European collectors who provided the specimens. It seems like it really does not matter who first discovered the “blue beauty”, afterall as evident here it is whoever collected and provided the specimens first that counts.

I am writing this is to point out the weakness in publishing newly discovered species. It is the manner in which vital information such as the locations and important hints are exposed together with the discovery that endangers a species. Of course there is nothing wrong with publishing new discoveries but perhaps there should be a way to not entirely reveal details which would expose their original location? There are other locals who have already seen this tarantula in the past, but never gave a serious thought about their value. However, now that everyone is aware of the great value placed on the Birupes simoroxigorum, almost every collector and sellers worldwide will want their share. Our local Malaysian traders are desperate to get their hands on them, so that they can supply to international sellers.

Just imagine if rhino horns have no monetary value, rhinoceros will not be critically endangered or extinct. Just imagine if there is no monetary value to a newly discovered tarantula species. Then our local “blue beauty” will remain safe. The high demand for a newly discovered species will always make it a high value target for those in the tarantula trade. We love our local species especially those native to Sarawak (my home nation). We want to always be able to see them in our backyards. Not disappear due to over collecting or poaching. For this reason, we decided to keep it our secret. We would go back to our “blue spots” once a while to check on them. Call us selfish, but to us this is a valid reason to keep our lips sealed.

Birupes simoroxigorum in-situ.

As for the argument that the current Birupes simoroxigorum advertised for sale online were captive bred, I leave that to your own judgement. Personally, I support conservation via captive breeding. However, breeding tarantulas is nothing close to breeding cats and dogs. It takes years to have a stable number of captive bred spider lings (slings) to support a healthy and sustainable market. But does anyone actually believe that the first generation of captive bred slings can be sustainable for the world market now? Has anyone considered the time it would take for these alleged 1st generation of “captive bred” (or captive raised?) to grow into maturity for the next breeding season? It is pretty obvious that at this rate, the high demand will only force the market to accept wild caught tarantulas. This itself post an imminent danger to our Birupes simoroxigorum. There is a difference between total extinction of a species versus extinction from their wild habitat. Of course one can argue that like the Poecilotheria metallica, captive breeding is keeping the species alive despite being critically endangered in their natural habitat in India. But our Birupes simoroxigorum is not yet at that level and we should be wise to keep it that way – by preserving them in their natural habitat while we still can.

What is the point of conversation if the same information are also made accessible to local poachers who know nothing but only collect to sell. These people have zero intention to breed the tarantulas because quick money is what they are after. Better for these poachers if they can sell before the captive bred tarantulas are available on the market, while the the market price is still high and also demands from those who wants them for their own breeding projects too. The Birupes itself and the prospects of seeing one in-situ has now became a lucrative business for those who would charge fees for guiding “tarantula tourist” or potential poachers to their current known locations. Now how long do you think these tarantulas can remain safe in their current locations?

The blue beauty is regarded by poachers as “Borneo Holy Grail” due to its worth $$$ (perhaps for now until a new species is discovered).

To me, the Birupes simoroxigorum is our “Sarawakian Natural Heritage” and must be protected.

The International Bornean Frog Race 2014

This year’s International Bornean Frog Race was held in Kubah National Park, Sarawak.

I’ve never been to one before and this year’s event was my first time. 

Thanks to my gf and friend, I was able to shoot pictures of these awesome looking frogs. We hiked really high up the main trail and only realised that it was past photo submission time. So we hurried back down and head to the HQ but unfortunately by the time we got there it was too late. Thus, my pictures couldn’t be submitted. Anyway, I wasn’t too disappointed because I went for the fun of it and I’m glad I came across one of my favorite frog species, the Megophrys nasuta (Bornean Horned Frog).

Pictures shot with my Galaxy Note 3.

Ansonia leptopus

Megophrys nasuta

Hylarana signata

Limnonectes kuhlii

Leptobrachella mjorbergi

Overall it was a fun experience getting to meet new people and of course, the frogs. I’ll be back next year and going to be on time.

The search for Sarawak’s smallest & the undescribed Tarantula – by Benson Kho

It was sometime in early 2013 during a jungle hiking trip that Josie and I first came across a peculiar tarantula with blue legs and a very small sized mature male tarantula. The former have bluish legs. We didn’t get to see much of it as it escaped into its burrow the moment we moved closer. The second tarantula is so small it measures only 1.5 inch leg span. This specimen, regardless of its size was already a mature male with fully developed palpal bulbs. This is the smallest mature male tarantula I’ve ever seen. I believe it belongs to the genus Phlogiellus spp – a group of semi arboreal dwarf species from South East Asia.

So in November 2013 we set out to the same location again hoping to find the habitat of these two species and to learn more about them. This is the account of our second trip.

We started the hike around 7 am. The weather was cool, drizzling and humidity was high.

After hiking for about 20 minutes I found this Sunda flying lemur (Galeopterus variegatus). This protected species can be found throughout South East Asia. Being a nocturnal species,  this gliding mammal is less active during the day hence I was able to get very close to it for a picture.

 

Dead tree trunk with a Wagler’s pit viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri)

Josie spotted this Wagler’s pit viper near a dead tree. As we approached closer to take a picture of it, something caught my attention! Not far away, a tarantula is peeking out of its burrow. It was the tarantula we came looking for! This time, we managed to snap a picture of it before it went into its burrow again. What a shy fellow.

We then head on to look for more but all we could find was the smaller species. Below is a picture of  what looks like a good home for Phogiellus sp.

Upon further inspection, I found the first burrow with clear indication that it’s occupied. Its burrow is small with opening of less than 2 cm in diameter, lined with silk.

Another burrow was found just a few inches away from the first. These burrows are all heavily lined with silk acting as support from the loose decomposing wood matter. What’s interesting is that they share the same habitat with a colony of termites. It is not known if they actually feed on the termites or their larvae or do they just coexist for an unknown reason. My guess is these termites might serve as the tarantulas’ unlimited food supply.

Each specimens measures only 1 inch to 1.5 inch leg span.

We measured this mature male to be only 1.5inch leg span.

Until a proper identification is done, the blue legged tarantula remains an undescribed tarantula likely from the genus Chilobrachys or Selenocosmia, judging from the looks of its body and legs. As for the tiny species, I believe it’s a Phlogiellus spp.

Tarantulas make good pets – Introduction in a nutshell

Disclaimer: Although I have 8 years of experience in keeping Tarantulas at the time of writing, I do NOT consider myself an expert. To me, there are always new things to learn from this hobby. I’m only sharing my personal opinion based on my experience. *Haters will not be entertained*

Juvenile Ephebopus cyanognathus (Blue fang tarantula)

Tarantulas are easy to keep
– contrary to how they appear, they are in fact safe to keep as pets
– they are quiet
– they don’t need to be fed everyday, poop very little and they are clean
– they don’t need large enclosures; an average adult Tarantula can live comfortably in a 1 x 1 x 1 feet enclosure
– and because of this they are cheap to maintain and do not require much of your time

I have been keeping Tarantulas since 2005 (8 years now) and over these years I have been asked many questions by people. I’ve also been asked to write a beginner’s guide before but I never did. Why? Well one of the reason is because there are already many articles/guides at your finger tips found in the internet. Another reason is because Tarantula species originate from all over the world and each have their own set of requirements (over 900 species) and I don’t plan to cover each one of them. I would rather write a general introduction to the hobby of tarantula keeping. For husbandry guide of specific species, kindly Google them.

2 feet terrarium with live plants for my Lasiodora parahybana

I find that people prefer asking general to specific questions expecting to get straight answers. Unfortunately there are no straight answers simply because there are hundreds of species and they each have different requirements, temperament, attitude, sizes, colors, etc… I believe this is partly because most people do not want to read whole articles found in the Internet.

So my article will be in simple point form and easy to digest because I want to encourage everyone to first understand Tarantulas before deciding whether or not to keep one. Remember, animals are NOT toys. If you are not prepared to love it for life, don’t get one. Here we go:

What are Tarantulas?
– they belong to the Theraphosidae family of spiders
– approximately 900 species have been identified (excluding newly found species)
– large and often hairy
– each species vary in sizes ranging from leg span of 1.5 inch dwarf (eg. Phlogiellus spp.) to 12 inch  birdeaters (eg. Theraphosa blondi)
– they are all venomous but their venom potency vary from different species from mild to highly venomous
– different species have varying temperament from docile, skittish, defensive to aggressive (but do note that like humans, they each possess varying individual attitute; ie. an individual from a docile species might display a degree of aggressiveness)
– they are devided into two groups:
1. New world species
– originates from North and South America
– extra defense mechanism like urticating hairs
– Tarantulas flick these hairs by rubbing their hind legs against its   abdomen, releasing them into the air causing discomfort and irritation to ward off predators
– another unique defense is by squirting poop at you (only a few species utilise this defence ie. Avicularia spp.)
– bites are last resort and generally have mild venom

Adult female Brachypelma smithi -New world species.

2. Old world species
– originates from Asia and Africa
–  do not possess the above extra defence mechanisms
– biting is their only defense and hence they possess stronger venom
– they are generally more aggressive

Haplopelma doriae – Old world species

Understanding Tarantulas
– Tarantulas are NOT your regular cute pet eg. hamsters, cats, dogs etc…
– Tarantulas are considered exotic animals. If you’re looking for a pet you can pet, then this is NOT for you. It is for those who admire exotic animals and wish to observe them. For this reason they are considered display pets. *imagine going to Aquaria KLCC – you don’t go there to pet/cuddle with the animals, but rather to observe and admire their beauty.
– They are all capable of biting you and they will if they so choose to. For this reason it is in my personal opinion that you should never handle them with your hands.
– They will only bite for two reasons: 1. to eat and 2. to defend themselves
– because they have poor vission, they rely heavily on their setae (hairs) to sense vibrations and navigate. This is why you should not touch them because they might mistaken you for prey.

The above are just general knowlegde every would be Tarantula keeper should know. So by now I hope you should understand that Tarantulas are not as bad as people might think. They do NOT bite for no reason and they are NOT dangerous albeit they might look a bit scary to some.

BenK ExoTerrarium – Bringing home the desert

BenK ExoTerrariums –  Bringing home the desert

Green bottle blue tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)

The Green bottle blue (GBB) is one of the most beautiful amongst all tarantula species. They are found in the desert and shrublands habitat of northern Venezuela. According to arachnologist Rick C. West, during his expedition to  Venezuela’s Paraguana Peninsula in 2002, he found evidence that may confirm this as a terrestrial species. Large webs were found constructed near vegetation and sandy soil. It is believed that such wide spread webbing may be used to secure a grip on their unstable and open habitat of shrubs and dunes.

Based on this discovery, I house my GBB in a desert terrarium, setup to resemble its natural habitat. The ideal housing requirement for a semi-adult to an adult GBB is very dry substrate, low humidity and plenty of ventilation. This is important to keep them alive and healthy. Although some keepers leave a water dish or spray their tank once a week to maintain some humidity, I prefer to use another method for this – I use the false bottom concept to maintain a certain amount of humidity (low) at all times.

False bottom
A false bottom is an area for excess water to pool and prevent drowning the plant roots when watering. This is a method used especially in tropical setups with life plants. It is also an essential method for adding water features in vivariums and paludariums – such as the one I made for my Crocodile Skink

There are two main types of false bottoms:
1. Filled false bottom –  usually  1-2 inch layer of gravel or LECA with a screen on top to prevent dirt from entering.
2. Open false bottom – consists of a piece of plastic egg crate supported by PVC, with a screen on top. I can’t find any plastic egg crates locally, so I use rubber mats sold for bathroom floor or gardening. They are similar to plastic egg crates and work just fine.

Since I’m building a desert terrarium without plants and no watering involve, why do I need a false bottom? Well the idea is to control humidity from evaporation coming up slowly from below the tank. Instead of watering from above, I fill water from a plastic tube leading to the base of the tank.

So here we go…

Tank size: 12 x 8 x 8 inch

Step 1. For this mini project, I use filled false bottom. Gravels are added to at least 1.5 to 2 cm high (thicker = holds more water). As you can see on the far right corner, I inserted a plastic tube leading to the bottom. This is where I add water to the bottom.

Step 2. Then cover gravel with a layer of mesh/screen. You can get this from local hardware stores. This is to separate the false bottom/drainage from the substrate.

Step 3. I then add a layer of dried moss. You can either get this from local nursery or get the ExoTerra forest moss. This help absorb moisture very well – evaporation from water poured down through plastic tube (figure 1) will first be trapped by moss. This prevents substrate from getting too humid or moist.

Step 4. I proceeded to add a thin layer of coco peat on top of moss for the same purpose as above.

Step 5. Now I add a layer of soil/sand mixture to further filter any moisture coming up to the surface. At this stage, I also add my hardscape which in this case is a piece of dried wood and a rock with dried plants attached on it.

Done! GBB exploring her new home

Finally, it’s done. My lovely Green bottle blue webbing away….for the substrate I use sand to create a desert environment. I have also created a lower section (front left) and an upper section (behind right). The lower section will have higher humidity level as oppose to the upper section. This provide my GBB with two options to choose from. Lastly I placed a driftwood and some dried plants as deco and for my GBB to anchor its web.

Night activity observed using red light

Lastly, I hope this may be of help to those who wish to create their own desert theme terrarium. I will post a tropical setup soon when I have the time for another project. It’s basically the same concept, and a little more interesting.

The Earth Tigers of Borneo

The Earth Tigers of Borneo
– my encounter with the Borneo Orange Fringe Tarantula

Location: Sarawak – somewhere in the rainforest 
Dusk approach and the sky slowly turns dark. Soon, below the canopy the Bornean rainforest is now pitch black covered in total darkness. I turn my flash light on and proceed with caution while my eyes scan the forest floor and tree holes. I’m looking for possible burrows lined with silk. It is 8pm with the call of crickets getting louder and bugs searching for mate and food, while geckos and other predators prey on them. All of them seem busy, except this one….  I’ve found it! A juvenile Haplopelma Doriae (Thorell, 1890)

Patiently it lies await (rock still) in the entrance of its burrow, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce on unsuspecting prey – this is how a tarantula hunt, there is no escape once it touches its prey, only a quick death.

Belonging to the subfamily Ornithoctoninae the genus Haplopelma is one of many old-world tarantulas found in Southeast Asia ranging from Cambodia, southeastern China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo.

A huge burrowing species capable of reaching an adult size of 8 inches in leg span, this is one of Borneo’s earth tiger tarantulas, a jewel to any serious collectors. Like other asian tarantulas, this species is lightning fast and possess stronger venom.

Following a study of the holotype of Haplopelma Doriae, the Borneo Orange Fringe Tarantula (Ornithoctoninae sp. orange fringed) is, in the opinion of German arachnologist Volker von Wirth a Haplopelma Doriae (unpublished).

The Borneo Orange Fringe tarantula is divided into variants; one with prominent orange fringe of setae around its carapace and one without. According to Søren Rafn, the former is Haplopelma Doriae from Northern and Eastern Borneo, whereas the latter is termed sp. Kalimantan from the South-Western part of Borneo. However there is yet to be any scientific evidence, neither is there published paper on weather these two are actually the same species, or altogether a different species (correct me if I’m wrong).

In the wild, they are found deep within the jungles of Borneo. The specimen I came across built its burrow in a rotten tree trunk with moss growing nearby. From my personal observations, slings and young juveniles are sometimes found in tree holes up to a meter high up. However, all adults that I’ve came across are found in burrows on the ground by tree trunks. These burrows are deep and tunnel under tree roots which I believe helps protect its burrow. Other features includes multiple exits in a burrow enabling the tarantula to easily escape should the need arise. This feature has been observed both in the wild and from my personal collections.

The above belongs to one of my juvenile Haplopelma Doriae (below). Its burrow consist of a main chamber. It connects to multiple tunnels leading up to the surface.


Typical burrow of an adult Haplopelma Doriae in the wild (above). Notice beautifully arranged leaves on the entrance to its burrow. Some experts believe the leaves help direct water to prevent it from flowing into its burrow, hence avoiding from being flooded during heavy rainfall.

Although this unique species live deep within Borneo, I managed to find quite a number of active burrows within close proximity to Kuching city. Their locations are recorded for educational and observational purposes only. Unfortunately, these habitats are under threats from urban and suburban developments such as the building of roads and housing.
Hence, it is only a matter of time that these unique creatures face an inevitable decline in population. Their only hope lies in nature reserves such as national parks and most importantly, our knowledge about them. Perhaps tarantula hobbyist/enthusiast can play their role in contributing to this knowledge and conservation via captive breeding. So the next time if you come across a huge spider while camping or jungle tracking, you might have just stumble upon a Borneo Earth Tiger.

The Earless agamid

Earless agamid – Aphaniotis fusca

Aphaniotis fusca is a unique species from the Agamidae family. It lacks external ear opening, hence the common name “earless agamid”.

Measuring 21cm from snout to tail , this is a small lizard with extremely small scales and the inside of its mouth is light blue. Females and juveniles have eyes with brown iris while males generally have light to stunning blue eyes.

In the wild, they are mainly found in primary forest, ranging from southern Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo. This particular one photographed was found in Sarawak.

Reference
http://www.ecologyasia.com

Crocodile Skinks

Crocodile Skinks
Tribolonotus spp (Dumeril and Babron 1839)

Tribolonotus novaeguineae (Schlegel, 1834), stockier in appearance and scarcer in the market compared to T. Gracilis

Distribution: Tribolonotus gracilis and Tribolonotus novaeguineae are restricted to New Guinea, while the remaining six species range throughout Indonesia, New Britain, Manus and the Solomon Islands (McCoy, 1980; O’Shea, 1991, 1994).

Habitat: Generally found under vegetation in the immediate vicinity of water (Greer and Parker, 1968; O’Shea, 1991, 1994; Rogner, 1997) and Coconut plantations.

I love the prehistoric look of this fascinating lizard! Its heavily armoured body combine with it’s ability to swim and vocalize makes it one of my favorite. The four rows of  enlarged, pointed and ridged bony scales resembles crocodiles and thus explains their common name. 

Housing: Maintaining a healthy and happy Tribolonotus is relatively easy if the correct housing specifications are met. They require high humidity level of at least 75-80%. To maintain this humidity level yet provide good ventilation, I house my Tribolonotus in a paludarium – a vivarium that incorporates both terrestrial and aquatic elements, something similar to its natural habitat. For substrate I use coco husk and forest moss by Exo-Terra, and are place separated from water by a false bottom so that they are not soaking wet but remain humid. This method allows for life moss to be planted on top of the substrate to create a natural appearance. I allow one side of the land area to be dryer so my Tribolonotus can choose where he wants to hang out. A driftwood is used as hide and real jungle vines are placed overhanging the water to allow for climbing. Hidden beneath land is my filtration system. It’s a simple powerhead setup with an inlet on the right and outlet at the far left of the tank to create one way water flow. For easy maintenance I use a nice piece of rock as its cover so it is accessible from above yet remain unnoticed. I keep a few Malayan shrimps for cleaning service and a few gold fish should my Tribolonotus need some snacks. Lastly, a 40 watt daylight lamp is used for my life plants and to regulate temperature.

Natural habitat. Tribolonotus gracilis in the wild

They grow to an average size of 7.2-7.8 inches and weighs 38-45g.

Their lifespan is currently still unconfirmed but it could be anywhere from 10 to 15 years if properly kept. 

Tribolonotus spp are secretive lizards that will easily become distressed if  being handled too often.  I rarely  handle mine, only occasionally during maintenance. In my personal experience, they are not too shy to stay in the open once they have fully acclimated to their environment. My T. Novaeguineae stays out to watch TV with us as its paludarium is just opposite the television. He is also tame enough to feed from my hand. Their natural diet in the wild are mainly insects, but also includes worms, slugs and sometimes small mammals like young mice. In captivity, I feed mine crickets, mealworms, turkistan roaches and baby dubia roaches that are no wider than the tribolonotus’s head – all of which have been gut loaded and dusted with calcium powder+vitamin D3. Due to lack/non exposure to natural sunlight, vitamin D3 is important unless you use a good U.V.B full spectrum lamp.

Built on false bottom concept with one way water flow, complete with filtration system to maintain water quality.

The genus Tribolonotus includes 8 known species and two are commonly kept as pets; Tribolonotus  gracilis – Red-eyed Crocodile Skink and Tribolonotus  novaeguineae.

The rest are:
Tribolonotus annectens
Tribolonotus blanchardi
Tribolonotus brongersmai
Tribolonotus ponceleti
Tribolonotus pseudoponceleti
Tribolonotus schmidti

(Tribolonotus ponceleti), a very rare lizard of the Solomon Islands
Credit: MICHAEL MCCOY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

So if you’re interested in keeping something a little bizarre, Tribolonotus spp is definitely worth adding to your collection.

Introduction

My first pet was a pair of budgerigars my dad bought for me from Sunday market. That was like more than a decade ago during my childhood days. Back then I love birds, any kind of birds and even attempted to trap a Collared Kingfisher once when I was 10. About the same period of time, my brother had a dog named Jessie, our family pet. She was a faithful and lovely Japanese Spitz  and when we got her she was only a tiny puppy. As years went by, eventually one day, she passed away. I remember my brother was in UK then and she didn’t get to see him for the last time. It was really sad and in that moment, I realize how much I regret not having  spent much time with her when she was still alive. I was too preoccupied with school activities and friends. Ever since then, I told myself never to get a dog unless I have time for them. 

But I love animals. I had to keep one or two. So in 2006 I got myself what was my first tarantula, a Chilean Rose Hair (Grammostola Rosea) and soon after that my first reptile,  a female bearded dragon which I named Camoe. Something small and does not require too much of my time (eg. I won’t need to take her for a walk or play catch, not that I don’t like to). Not long after that got another tarantula, a female Mexican Red Knee and eventually my collections increased.

I started to enjoy creating naturalistic terrariums/vivariums and paludariums for my exotic collections.  I personally prefer to use natural decorations in my setups to create the most natural feel and look, which to me is living art. So this humble blog is about how I bring a piece of nature home and to share my personal experiences with various animals that I kept.