Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Thrixopelma ockerti

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Common name: Peruvian Flame Rump

Indigenous: Peru

Habitat: Peru may be divided into three main topographical regions: the coastal plain, the sierra, and the montaña.

The climate of Peru varies widely, ranging from tropical in the montaña to arctic in the highest mountains of the Andes.

In the coastal plain the temperature is normally equable, averaging about 20°C (about 68°F) throughout the year. The coast receives less than 50 mm (2 in) of precipitation each year. Mist-laden clouds known as garúa shroud many of the slopes of the sierra from June to October, providing enough moisture to support grasslands.

In the sierra the temperature ranges seasonally from about -7° to 21°C (about 20° to 70°F). Rainfall is usually scanty, but in some localities heavy rains fall from October to April.

The montaña region is extremely hot and humid. The prevailing easterly winds blowing across that region gather moisture that is later deposited on the eastern Andean slopes. Annual rainfall in some districts averages as much as 3,810 mm (150 in). Most of this rain, which principally falls from November through April.

The relative humidity for an average year is recorded as 87.2% and on a monthly basis it ranges from 84% in February & March to 90% in June, July, August & September.

Temp/humidity: 70°-85°F (21°-29°C) /60%-70% humidity; I keep this species temperature at around 80° (25.5°) and the humidity at 65%. I keep the substrate dry This species does fine with low humidity, but I keep a water dish in her enclosure, not for humidity but for hydration.

Enclosure: I use a spiderling vial that will allow at least three inches of substrate for burrowing and four inches as sub-adult-adult.

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

Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide This is a opportunistic burrower. When it reaches the  three inch mark (7.62cm), they tend to stay out in the open more than in their hide, which make this species a good display tarantula

Food Consumption: I first fed her pinhead crickets as a spiderling, than when she reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets. I give my adult Purivian Flame Rump, (1) medium B. dubia roaches or 5 - adult crickets weekly. This species is a casual eater.

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

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased my girls as spiderlings of 1/4" in size. After the first year she had grown to one inch (1"). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, it can reach a size of three inches within three years.

Adult Size: This tarantula can reach six inches easily (15.24cm)

Temperament: This is a docile species, but can be skittish. It is notorious for kicked hair at me when disturbed, but has never given a threat pose. This tarantula has a tendency of staying in one place for long periods of time.

Comments: This is one tarantula I don't interact with because it is prone to kicking hairs. The color is a steely blue with rose hairs on the abdomen. This is a species more for the collector.