Pamphobeteus antinous...one of the great South Americans. Sam Marshall considers these to be the only Pampho worth keeping, but I think that he may be a bit extreme in that. But then, he compares everything to blondi ("blondi wanna-bees" as he calls most tarantulas). He does have a point: antinous is a superb & unique animal. Sam's praise of these is well deserved.
Antinous are probably the biggest in the genus Pamphobeteus. I have heard reports of them reaching 8 to 9", but my biggest girls are 7" right now. I have heard that certain collection sites may have larger specimens than others. The ones commonly seen in the trade are from Peru. They are definately large, whatever size they max out at. Adult color is a uniform short, crisp, black velvet for females, & adult males have purple on the chelicerae & front femurs (the common name only applies to males). Both have long reddish hairs that start half way down the abdomen. Their build is slender, & they don't have nearly the bulk that a blondi does. Antinous is built for speed.
Some of the Pamphos are nervous, but none are like antinous. They are high strung like few others. My friend, & Pampho-lover, Nigel Carter calls them "whirling dervishes." This means quite simply that you have to be alert when you open their cages. I always keep an empty cup close, because they frequently run out. Antinous will race around like crazed water bugs, abdomens held high & throwing hairs. They are aggressive & will bite readily. These are totally unhandeable. Don't even think about it.
Although some will use retreats, like a pocket under a cork slab, they are most often out in the open. Some of mine will dig & pile soil around their cages, but others won't. Like all the other Pamphos that I keep, they are fearless when attacking prey. Adults will readily take mice, any size. Juveniles will take proportionately large crickets. I still am amazed at the savage way they attack things. Talk about courage.
Being tropical they prefer warm temps & plenty of humidity. Moist soil is good, provided ventilation is adequate. As large a cage as possible is advised. Use several inches of top soil or Canadian peat. They have rarely been bred in captivity.
In the wild, it has been reported that they will live in colonies, where burrows may be a foot or two apart. Obviously these huge, nervous spiders must be aware of each other, & probably make contact on occasion. This would make a fascinating study. They are not nearly so tolerant of other life forms though, humans included.
I highly recommend Pamphobeteus antinous for experienced collectors. You will enjoy them. For beginners, these could be your worst nightmare; you won't be able to control them, & your family won't see the humor in that.
Kingdom of the Spiders: a few notes on this species.
Leon Bienvenue's Tarantula Page: A small description (scroll down)