Mike's Basic Tarantula

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Tapinauchenius gigas

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Common name: Orange Treespider

Indigenous: Guyana

Habitat: Guyana has a tropical climate, with little seasonal temperature change. The annual rainfall on the coast occurs mainly is from April to August and November to January. The savanna region rainfall is from April to September. The climate of coastal Guyana is extremely mild for a low-lying tropical area because of the persistent trade winds blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures are quite constant, with an average high of 32 °C (89.6 °F) and an average low of 24 °C (75.2 °F) in the hottest month (July), and an average range of 29 to 23 °C (84.2 to 73.4 °F) in February. Humidity averages 70 percent year-round.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 74°-78°F and the humidity at 65%-75%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept slightly moist; and monthly I moist the substrate, then allow it to dry out completely. The key to the husbandry success of this species is ventilation and a available water source.

Enclosure: This is an arboreal tarantula. As spiderling or juvenile, I put a twig in the vial so it may climb. When they get about three (7.62cm), I housed them into their permanent enclosures. They should be given a vertical branch or cork to climb upon. Their enclosure should be vertical. I have observed that, if the terrarium is decorated with plants, live or artificial, it will encourage the tarantula to venture out of its hide.

Substrate: Use one inch (2.54cm) of substrate in vial, deli cup for spiderlings, and two inches (5.07cm) in a terrarium for sub-adult to adult. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: A ten inch (25.4cm) vertical bark leaned against the cage.

Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (.635cm) baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now, I give my Tapinauchenius gigas one-inch (2.54cm) B. dubia roaches or four (4) adult crickets weekly.  This species is an excellent eater. For variety, I give my girl one (1) house gecko annually.

Water Requirements: I glued a small bottle cap to the bark that is leaning against the cage for water and I also mist.

Growth Rate: This is a medium growing tarantula. I bought her at one-half inch (1.27cm). The first year she attained a leg length of two inches (5.08cm).

Adult Size: The Orange Tree Spider is said to the largest growing Tap species in the hobby, reaching a leg length of six inches (12.7cm). My girl is a solid six inches (15.24cm).

Temperament: This species can be fast moving spider as a spiderling, and has the tendency to jump. As it matures, it becomes less skittish. If startled, it will make a short sprint.  This is not a defensive tarantula, but will probably bite if provoked, seeing that is doesn't have urticating hairs. My girl has never given me a threat pose.

Comments: The Tapinauchenius Genus is less delicate than the Avicularia Genus as spiderlings and easy to care for. They require less humidity than the Avicularia. This species will stay out in the open, making it a good display species.