Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Cyriopagopus sp.

Common name: Kol Samui Island Dwarf

Indigenous: Koh Samui Island

Habitat: The climate is very pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures varying from 25°C (77°F) to 34°C (93°F) There are three seasons, warm season from February till May, rainy season from the end of September till November and the "cool" season which extends from October till January. From February till October, the temperature is of an average of 32°C (about 90°F) to 38°C (101°F) , but from July till September, there can be some showers, but only for a few hours.  Rainy season often amounts in fact to some refreshing showers followed by the return of the sun. The climate is tropical so very humid all year round, but Samui is always refreshed by a pleasant sea breeze coming from the Gulf. Rainy season : from the end of September to November.

Temp/humidity: 76°-84°F degrees/65-75% humidity

Enclosure: This is an obligate burrower. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (3") of substrate for burrowing. As sub-adult-adult I use a terrarium that will allow at least four inches of substrate

Substrate: Use four inches of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: This species does not need a retreat or hide, it will make its own burrow.

Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets, My adult Kol Samui Dwarf, I give one- half inch (1/2") B. dubia roaches or 2 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater, and attacks its prey with quickness and precision, then drag it in the burrow where it is consumed.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink. I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish then I allow it to dry out.

Growth Rate: The growth rate for this species is medium-fast. With proper heating and feeding it may attain a leg length of two inches (2") in a year.

Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of three (3)

Temperament: It is not aggressive as an adult. It may use a defensive pose, but would rather retreat than stand and fight.

Comments: This is a secluded tarantula, and a pet hole. I don't allow my obligate burrowers to gorge themselves; by doing so they stay at the mouth of their burrow waiting for prey. This allows me to see a natural behavior of stalking and get a glimpse of the tarantula. This tarantula is more for the advanced keeper. This spider has some nice marking too.

All rights reserved, ©

All photos on this website are courtesy of Mike Basic Tarantula unless stated otherwise. It's prohibited to copy without permission of author.