Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Cyriocosmus ritae

Common name: Peruvian Black and White

Indigenous: Brazil, Peru

Habitat: Most of Brazil has high annual average temperatures, above 22°C (72°F). Only in the South and in the highest elevations does the average fall below this.

A tropical wet climate characterizes much of northern Brazil, with abundant rainfall and little or no dry season. Temperatures average 25°C (77°F). Rainfall averages about 2,200 mm (about 90 in) a year. Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. Eighty percent of the rain falls in summer (October through March). Here rainfall averages about 1,600 mm (about 60 in) a year. In the interior Northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid region receives less than 800 mm (30 in) of rain, which falls in a period of two or three months.

In the Southeast the tropical climate is modified by elevation, with a winter average temperature below 18°C (64°F) and an average rainfall of about 1,400 mm (about 55 in) concentrated in summer. The South has subtropical conditions, with average temperatures below 20°C (68°F) and cool winters.

Temp/humidity: 78°-82° (25.5°-27.7°C), 65-75% humidity.  I keep this species temperature at 80 degrees and the humidity at 70%. I also keep one-half (1/2) of the substrate in the terrarium basically dry. I mist the other side once every two (2) weeks.

Enclosure: This is an opportunistic burrower. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (3") of substrate for burrowing, and three inches (3") as sub-adult-adult in a small terrarium.

Substrate: I use three inches (3") of substrate in a vial and three inches (3") in small terrarium. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide

Food Consumption: I first fed her fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2" (1.27cm), I introduced baby crickets. Now I give my Peruvian Dwarf Black and White two one-half inch (1.27cm) B. dubia roaches or one-half inch (1.27cm) crickets weekly. This specie is a great eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling of 1/8" (0.125cm) in size. After the first year she had grown to three-fourth inch (1.9cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, it will reach full size within two (2) years at this growth rate.

Adult Size: I read that they get two (2) inches (5.08cm). My Peruvian Dwarf Black and White has attained a leg length of one and one-half inches (3.81cm).

Temperament: This is a docile species. When I open the cage she doesn't run for the burrow. It has never kicked hair at me nor given me a threat pose.

Comments: Here is another great colorful Dwarf tarantulas. These fellas are feisty, hardy and bold. I've seen my dwarf literally tackle a cricket. You will be entertained with this species. Not to mention it is one of the most colorful of the species in the Genus. You will love the color contrast.

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