C lamanai is a medium sized terrestrial species. This species is not the most aggressive out there by far but nontheless they are a bit nippy. The overall coloration of this species is a beautiful cinnamon brown with dark brown femurs and golden highlights. This species is also less common in collections than many others.
When it comes to a large beautifully marked spider that displays well P regalis is very hard to beat. This spider is one of the all time favorites in the hobby for good reason. Incredible pattern and color with shades of black, white and grey along with bright yellow color on the underside of the front legs make for a stunning spider. When the light hits them just right they are also bathed in a beautiful purple wash over the cephalothorax. These are also one of the heaviest arboral and one of the larger spiders overall. I have seen regalis reach 8 inches and become quite thick and heavy with a huge abdomen. P ornata gets a longer leg span but not nearly the heft and overall mass of a big P regalis female in breeding condition. This was one of my first big spiders purchased and there will always be a space on my shelf for a regalis.
This spider is one of the most brightly colored of them all, bathed in quite possibly the most intense orange of any spider anywhere. These are among the easiest to keep of all tarantulas and are very dry tolerant. They are great feeders as well taking large amounts of surprisingly large prey. They also seem quite eager to kill prey left in their enclosure even if it is not eaten. They just do not play well with others. Usambara are the epitomy of old world tarantula attitude. They seem to have a "Fear the Orange Death" mentality. They are very quick to take off in a high speed burst when touched. This is a very fast species as well making recapture a bit of a handfull. They are equally as prone to stand their ground rearing up and viciously lunging with every intention of sinking fang into flesh. Usambara - a medium sized neon orange ball of light speed and attitude. I love em!
In my experience very small (1/2 inch and smaller) purpurea seem to be more prone to dehydration than the other Avics. I have lost a few purpurea to what I suspect was insufficient humidity. When given a bit more care and a more strict misting schedule on them they do will in captivity. This does not mean soak them, merely keep an eye on them and don't let the substrate stay bone dry. The spectacular purple color of the adults makes this one of the most desirable of the Avics and one of the most attractive of all species.
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