Mike's Basic Tarantula

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Tapinauchenius violaceus

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Common name: Purple Treespider

Indigenous: Guyana, Brazil

Habitat: Guyana has a tropical climate, with little seasonal temperature change. Temperatures are quite constant, with average temperature in Guyana is 27.0 °C (81 °F). The warmest average max/ high temperature is 31 °C (88 °F) in September, October. The coolest average min/ low temperature is 24 °C (75 °F) in January, February, March, June, July, August & December. Humidity averages 70 percent year-round. The month with the driest weather is September. The relative humidity for an average year is recorded as 72.5% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 69% in September, October, November to 77% in June. The average temperature in Brazil is 21.5 °C (71 °F). The warmest average max/ high temperature is 30 °C (86 °F) in September. The coolest average min/ low temperature is 11 °C (52 °F) in June, July. The relative humidity for an average year is recorded as 68.3% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 48% in September to 80% in January.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 76°-82°F (24.4°c-27.8°c) and the humidity at 65%-75%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept slightly moist; I mist once a week, 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 to hold moisture and firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: I place a ten inch (25.4cm) vertical cork bark leaned against the side of the cage .

Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (.635cm) baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now, I give my Tapinauchenius violaceus 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 five inches (12.7cm). My girl is a relaxed four inches (10.16cm).

Temperament: This species can be fast moving spider as a spiderling, and has the tendency to jump. As the Purple Tree Spider 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 it 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 more tolerate of humidity change than the Avicularia. This species will stay out in the open, making it a good display species.