What a difference the colour makes

[Enn49]

I have 2 Pterinochilus murinus, one is the classic beautiful orange Usambara (OBT) while the other is the chocolate form Tete and they are so different in temperament.

The Usambara, Tanga, is so shy that the slightest touch on its container and it's gone.It has burrows in the substrate with web and sub funnels that it will appear from.

The Tete, Maasai, on the other hand is much more arboreal having webbed itself a hidey hole at the top of the plant and sits at the very top of the container almost touching the lid. It will stay perfectly still when I lift the lid for photos or maintenance.

The Usambara, Tanga

The Tete, Maasai

 

[Tortoise Tom]

Enn, what happens if you tap the webbing five or six times an inch away from either of these spiders with your bare finger?


Seriously though. Interesting the difference in personality. I wonder if this is an individual thing, or if it is more of a generality among these two types?

My new OBT was out and eating for a few days, and then sealed himself up, I assumed for molting, but haven't seen anything going on in there for over a week now. Mine made its lair at the bottom of the enclosure too.

 

[Enn49]

Enn, what happens if you tap the webbing five or six times an inch away from either of these spiders with your bare finger?


Seriously though. Interesting the difference in personality. I wonder if this is an individual thing, or if it is more of a generality among these two types?

My new OBT was out and eating for a few days, and then sealed himself up, I assumed for molting, but haven't seen anything going on in there for over a week now. Mine made its lair at the bottom of the enclosure too.

They don't call me @Shampain .. To be honest I think the Usambara would stay hidden, I never see it come out for food, but the Tete is greedy and will pounce so I think a bite might be forthcoming.

My first T was the OBT in my avatar, sadly no longer with me, and she began her home at the top of a 12x12x18" ExoTerra, webbing right down the back corner before building a cave with web, sub and old moults at the bottom. She always used the top entrance to appear and show herself off but the curtain door to her cave to clear out all her rubbish every few months.

If anyone else keeps both I'd be interested to hear of their experiences.

 

[Arachnoclown]

Need to get me one of those chocolates....
I've got 4 OBTs if anyone wants to trade.....

 

[LuboMoravcik]

I’d love to get some more OBT’s. I have one female at the moment, she’s the bright orange colour. Interesting how the same species can vary so much in colour.