Costa Rican Tiger Rump Tarantula  

  • Native to Costa Rica and Guatemala. They are a new world species.
  • Very beautiful and active Tarantula, making it a great display species, but not as easily handled.
  • Terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground.
  • They are a burrowing species and should be given a deep substrate.
  • Adults range in size from 3.5” - 4” in leg span. With males being smaller than females.
  • Life span is estimated to be about 15 years with males having a shortened life span.

Diet

Baby spiders will eat pinhead crickets. As they grow they can eat larger sized prey. Adults will get big enough to eat Dubia and other types of feeder roaches. Babies can be fed as often as every day, while adults can be fed as few as every three days.

Depending on your feeding schedule, be sure to feed an appropriately sized meal and remove any uneaten insects the following day. A calcium supplement should be used every other feeding and a vitamin/mineral supplement should be used once a week. As with any pet, never feed any insects that have been found. Use only insects specifically bred as feeders.

Housing  

Baby tarantulas can become very stressed if kept in too large of an enclosure and will often die if they are moved to a larger enclosure too soon. Babies should be housed in small vials or deli cups until they nearly outgrow it. When they outgrow their enclosure they should be moved to a slightly larger one until they reach at least a few inches in leg span, when they can be moved into their final adult sized enclosure. Adults of this species can comfortably be housed in a 5-10 gallon.

Being a burrowing species the bedding should consist of at least 4 inches of either peat moss or soil substrate. A mixture of different substrates can be used. A piece of cork bark or other decorations should be used to allow them to make a burrow under. Their humidity should range from 65% - 85%. The substrate should never be swampy but never allowed to dry completely. The enclosure should be misted once every few days as needed. Do not spray the tarantula directly, as it can agitate and stress them. Any tarantula over a 3 inch leg span can be given a very shallow water dish with a sponge. Tarantulas under 3 inches will drink from the substrate. They should be kept at a temperature range of 70-80 degrees during the day with a slight drop at night.

Handling & Care

Costa Rican Tiger Rumps are not easily handle-able, as they can be quick and nervous like most New World species, making them a better display species for more experienced keepers. Like other terrestrial species, they will flick urticating hairs off of their abdomen when stressed. This species is more prone to kick hairs if stressed but are not very likely to bite. These hairs can have a varied effect on people ranging from no reaction to itching and burning lasting a few days. If you notice your tarantula lying on its back, it is molting. At this time, remove any uneaten insects and do not touch the tarantula. Molting is a very stressful time for a tarantula where they become very vulnerable. When they are ready to molt they will become lethargic, stop eating, become timid and may begin building a web.

Venom

All tarantulas have some sort of venom. Costa Rican Tiger Rumps have very mild venom, much like a bee. Everyone has a different reaction and some people may be allergic. Caution should always be exercised when handling any tarantula.