So this is my first post so please don't bash me if I'm asking something stupid.

Ok I have been doing some research on the difference of the T. blondi, T. stirmi & the T. apophysis. But it seems like there is quite a big debate that can't be solved by comparing pictures. - From what I have read.

From what I have noticed is that:

T. blondi has the darkest colour as a sling with no pink/white toes

T. stirmi has white tips on the first two pair of legs as a sling

T. apophysis has white/pin tips on all 8 legs as a sling

Now the real question comes in, I have seen a lot of pictures that claim they are T. apophysis but then I see the first two pair of toes are white while the rest are just slightly lighter. :huh:

Is there anyone that can help me on the subject?

You are more or less correct on the colouration of the slings.

Here is a link to the latest breeding of T.stirmi by Hendrik - there are nice photos of slings and the adult female
www.tarantulas.co.za/forum/breeding-repo...rt-theraphosa-stirmi

Also, when owning one, you can clearly see the sheer size difference of these T's at 2nd instar, compared to other tarantulas. And they are really almost pitch black/dark grey, so anyone trying to sell you a "brown/dark brown" sling as a Theraposa is trying to rip you off!

When reaching adulthood, the T. blondi & T.stirmi looks quite similiar (they both look stumpy), whilst the T.apophysis is much darker (and looks leaner!) The T.blondi has hair on the patella (I hope I used the correct term here!) i.e. the knees on the front legs, whilst the T.stirmi sports no hair on the patella.

But they are really magnificent creatures, and if you can get your hands on one, don't think twice about it!!

Thanks for the info! Helped me a lot in making the correct purchase! Finally got myself a sling! Guy who sold it (Won't say his name but it starts with a R, and have heard he has sold Black Velvets labeled as G. pulchra) said it's a T. apophysis, which to my knowledge is an almost impossible find. Would love to breed with my new baby stirmi one day!

On another note, is it true that T. apophysis is illegal or are there just no breeders at the moment?

Hmmm... Could it be that I got my sling from the same sac as the one that Hendrik's stirmi produced? If so awesom!

Here is a link that points out the main features to identify the differences.

www.tjreptiles.net/theraphosa-identification.php