Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Phrixoichus scrofa

Common name: Chilean Copper

Indigenous: Argentina, Chile

Habitat: Temperate climatic conditions prevail throughout most of Argentina, except for a small tropical area in the northeast and the subtropical Chaco in the north. In Buenos Aires the average temperature range is 20° to 30°C (67° to 86°F) in January and 8° to 15°C (46° to 60°F) in July. In Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes to the west, the average temperature range is 16° to 32°C (60° to 90°F) in January and 2° to 15°C (35° to 59°F) in July.

The northern region of Chile is almost entirely desert and is one of the driest areas in the world. Temperatures, however, are moderated by the offshore presence of the cold Peru, or Humboldt, Current. The average temperatures at Antofagasta range from 18° to 23°C (64° to 74°F) in January and from 12° to 16°C (53° to 62°F) in July. In Santiago the average range is 12° to 29°C (54° to 85°F) in January and 3° to 15°C (38° to 58°F) in July.

Temp/humidity: 76°-82° /55%-65%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 55- 65%.

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

Retreat/Hide: I place a bark for a starter burrow hide.

Food Consumption: I fed the new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets, My sub-adult Chilean Copper, I give one (1) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 4 adult crickets bi-weekly. This species is  some what of a slow eater, but the only time this tarantula refuses food is when it is near a molt.

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

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is slow. I purchased this tarantula as a juvenile.

Adult Size: I read that it get four inches  (4"). After keeping my girl for five (5) years, she has only grown to three inches plus (3+").

Temperament: This is a very laid back, easy to handle species. It has never kicked hair at me, nor given a threat pose. She is always out in the open and is friendly.

Comments: This tarantula looks similar to the Common Rose Hair, but is smaller. They are known for long extensive fasts. This is a good beginner T. It is also hardy.

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