Defining Characteristics:

• This species does not have a particularly expansive history in the hobby, though it is gaining popularity. Thankfully climate data from its natural habitats has made it possible for keepers to help these spiders thrive in captivity.
• A terrestrial New World dwarf species, these slow/medium growers do not require a particularly large environment and would make a good candidate for a desk pet
• As adults, this species boasts beautiful vibrant coloration on its abdomen. These are real lookers and make a great addition to any collection, and are a must have for dwarf tarantula enthusiasts!

Name: Neischnocolus sp. 'Panama', commonly known as the Gold Banded Sunburst Dwarf, was previously called Ami sp. 'Panama'. However after further study, it was found to belong to the pre-existing genus Neischnocolus which was first described by Petrunkevitch in 1925. Ami is now considered a junior synonym of Neischnocolus, which is a genus native to Central and South America.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: They remain obligate burrowers throughout much of their lives, as babies a dram vial or pill bottle large enough to give them at least 1-1.5 inches of substrate to burrow in is appropriate for quite some time. As the little ones grow into adults they will need closer to 6 inches of substrate. For floor space, 3-4 times the spider’s diagonal leg span for both length and width is appropriate; just make sure that the space above the substrate does not exceed twice the spider’s diagonal leg span to prevent injury from a fall. Because of the humidity these critters need, they are great candidates for a live planted tank with some hardy plants that can take a little digging. In fact, a lot of people recommend this to improve air quality within the enclosure.

Temperature (°F): A comfortable range for them is 76-82°. Temperatures consistently below 65 or above 90 degrees should be avoided for the longevity of the spider. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: 70-80%, This can be achieved by keeping the substrate uniformly damp. This can be accomplished by giving the substrate a mist 2-3 times a week, or more frequently if you notice that the top layer of substrate is drying out quicker. This may especially be necessary for those who live in particularly dry climates, or during the winter. An appropriately sized water dish can be offered even for slings (tattoo ink cups or shallow water bottle caps work wonderful for sling enclosures). It is important not to over-saturate the substrate as that can lead to unfavorable molting conditions.

Size: Young N. sp. 'Panama' sold by Josh’s Frogs are approximately 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch diagonal leg span. This species' size tops out at about 2.5-3 inches (females) with males tending to be a bit smaller. 

Age: Specimens from Josh's Frogs are at least 3 months at time of sale. Females of this species live around 10-12 years, while males live a much shorter time, around 3-5 years.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3 to 6 hydei fruit flies, once a week. As your spider grows, there are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, N. sp. 'Panama' sold by Josh's Frogs are unsexed. As they approach maturity, specimens may be sexed using a molt, due to the small nature of this spider molt sexing may require a magnifying glass. Females will have spermatheca and a uterus externus between the top set of book lungs that will catch and "flap" if a pin is run down the inside of the abdomen. Males will have a much more plain slit that does not budge with attempts to manipulate it.

Coloration/Patterning: Babies are a fairly uniform fawn/brown, while adults have a gray carapace and legs that sometimes look a little blue depending on where they are in their molt phase. Their legs also have yellow banding and their abdomen is a rich gold coloration with black patterning.

Social behavior: N. sp. 'Panama' are not social creatures, any attempts to cohabitate will likely result in cannibalism.

Breeding: Spiders for breeding purposes should remain supervised when together and should only be attempted well fed. Mature males can be put in the enclosure of a mature female for courtship/mating. Remove male promptly after insertion is observed, or immediately if female is aggressive rather than receptive. This is best done around a month after the female molts, as a freshly molted female is less likely to molt out of a pairing.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if a Gold Banded Sunburst Dwarf Tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!