SPECIAL NOTE: USPS forbids shipping venomous spiders or scorpions in the mail.

Because of this, we ship these animals FedEx priority overnight for a flat fee of $39.99.

Tapinauchenius cupreus "Violet Tree Spider": The Greek roots of its genus mean "low" and "neck".

Key Characteristics:

• A smaller arboreal species, adults typically top out at 3.5-4 inch diagonal leg span.
• This species has a wonderful feeding response, making them fun and less worrisome to care for than some species.
• Lacks urticating setae, so no worries about itchy hair flinging.
• Adults have a wonderful all-over metallic sheen, making them a very attractive tarantula.

• These spiders usually aren't as defensive as similar arboreals, preferring flight over fight. However, because of this this species is incredibly fast and only recommended for those with the confidence to deal with a lightning-quick spider.

Enclosure size: Though this is an arboreal species, they do enjoy burrowing, especially when young. We recommend an enclosure with at least 3 times the spider's diagonal legspan above the substrate, at least 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span for length and width, and room enough for 1.5-4 inches of substrate, depending on the size of your spider.

Want to spice up your enclosure with live plants? Our experts have curated kits of easy-to-care-for and SAFE plants for your tarantula. Check them out here!

Temperatures: In their natural ranges it consistently stays 76°-82° F, however no ill effects have been observed keeping them at room temperature (72°F). Temperatures consistently below 65° F or above 90° F should be avoided as they can be harmful.

Humidity: Natural ranges consistently stay around 70-85%, with dips and spikes depending on season. Keeping the substrate uniformly lightly moistened, along with misting 3 times a week should be sufficient to keep the humidity in that range. This species can benefit from a water dish, but is more likely to seek out mist droplets to drink. For this reason, we suggest misting in the evening when your spider is most likely to be active.

Size: Josh's Frogs Tapinauchenius cupreus spiderlings have a 1/4-1/2 inch diagonal leg span at time of sale. This species grows extremely quickly, so they will reach their max size of 3.5-4 inches within their first couple years of life.

Age: Josh's Frogs T. cupreus spiderlings are at least 3 months old. Females of this species are known to live between 8-10 years. Males average about 1/3 of the lifespan of females.

Feeding: Our spiderlings are eating 2-3 hydei fruit flies twice a week. As they get older, they will feed less frequently. Slings should be offered food every 4-7 days, and adults every 7-10 days. Always aim for a prey item the size of their carapace or smaller. Do not feed if abdomen is much larger than the carapace, and wait at least a week after molting to attempt to feed.

Sexing: Due to their age, Tapinauchenius cupreus sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed. Sexing can be done at 2.5-3 inch diagonal leg span accurately, and most accurately done by molt. Females, between the top two sets of book lungs in the molt will have a pronounced spermatheca and uterus externus that will present as a "flap" that will catch and open if a pin is gently run down it. Males will have just a simple slit that does not budge if manipulated.

Color: Spiderlings are a fairly uniform tawny brown. Adults, dependent on many factors including what molt stage they are at, can vary between a shiny dark violet and a metallic bronze coloration.

Social behavior: This is a solitary animal, any attempts to cohabitate will likely result in cannibalism.

Breeding: Spiders for breeding purposes should remain supervised when together and should only be attempted when they're well fed. Mature males can be put in the enclosure of a mature female for courtship/mating. Remove male promptly after insertion is observed, or immediately if female is aggressive rather than receptive.

Natural Range: Tapinauchenius cupreus is a species native to Ecuador.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

http://arachnoboards.com/