Pterinochilus murinus

"Usumbara" or Red Phase

This species has several colour phases, the one above is the Red Phase, often refered to as the   "Usumbara"  orange. They are a very defensive spider that will rear up very quickly, they are amazingly fast and will attempt to escape if given the chance or scared into running. These will readily bite if out of their web retreats. Size: 5 inches Temperature: 70 to 85 degrees Humidity: 70 to 80 % Habitat: Semi arboreal/Africa This stunning spider is definitely not for the beginner or the recovering arachnophobe, there is little as imposing as this spider rearing back so hard it ends up on it's back. They produce a web retreat that is multi chambered and just off the substrate. You will seldom see your spider out of the web unless it is really hungry, but the colour against the white web entrance is very effective, just don't expect friends to see your orange beauty because they are very sensitive to vibration and are likely to disappear into the web as soon as you bring someone else in. On a note of interest, my good friend E. Anne Pennington, coined the phrase "Orange Monster" for these spiders, and it is a nick name that is fast becoming a common name recognised by many in the hobby.

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