Check out our podcast: Dazzling Dolichothele and Dwarf Tarantulas! 

Defining Characteristics:

• Spiderlings are a brownish color, which develops into a glowing orange and red before they reach adulthood. Adults showcase a deep purple carapace with distinct pink highlights.
• Very heavy webber, eventually covering the entire surface of their living space
• This species is very fast and skittish

Name: Dolichothele rufoniger is commonly known as the Neon Purple Blast Tarantula.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Dolichothele rufoniger is a terrestrial species. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: This species thrives in a dry environment, the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 15 and 40%. Spiderlings should be kept on lightly moist substrate, and adults with mostly dry substrate. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier or dehumidifier to achieve this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from, but do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments.

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1/4 of an inch. Females can grow to be up to 2.5 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched 2 to 3 months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 4 to 6 years in males, and 10 to 15 years in females when provided an adequate environment. 

They are currently approximately 4 to 6 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3 to 6 hydei fruit flies a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms as size is appropriate. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Dolichothele rufoniger sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. 

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: Dolichothele rufoniger undergoes a color change from brown as spiderlings to a vibrant, glowing orange-red as juveniles. They eventually develop into a mature adult with a striking deep purple body and pink highlights.                                                                                     

Social Behavior: Dolichothele rufoniger is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species creates silken lined burrows where it spends most of its youth. As adults, they are often out in front of their burrows, but are quick to dash back inside at any disturbance.

Natural Range: Dolichothele rufoniger can be found in the wild in Brazil.

History in the Hobby: Dolichothele rufoniger was only described in 2007, and then renamed in 2015. This species is very rarely ever available, though.

 Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com
• JF Podcast: Dazzling Dolichothele and Dwarf Tarantulas!

Still not sure if Dolichothele rufoniger from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!