Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Tapinauchenius latipes

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Common name: Ghost Tree Spider

Indigenous: Venezuela

Habitat: The climate of Venezuela is tropical on the Llanos and along the coast and temperate in the mountainous regions. The average temperature in Venezuela is 21.1 °C (70 °F). The warmest average max/ high temperature is 27 °C (81 °F) in March, April, May, August, September. The coolest average min/ low temperature is 14 °C (57 °F) in January & February. The month with the driest weather is March. The relative humidity for an average year is recorded as 80.7% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 76% in March to 84% in November. Most precipitation falls from May through November, with the northern mountain slopes receiving less rain than those on the south.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 76°-82°F (24.4cm-27.8cm) 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 latipes 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: I read that this tarantula can reach a leg length of six inches (15.24cm). My girl is a relaxed five inches (12.7cm).

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.