Defining Characteristics:

• Originates from Trinidad and Tobago
• Dwarf species rarely getting over 2 inches in diagonal leg span
• Nicknamed the "Heart Butt Tarantula" because of the striking heart shaped patch of vibrant orange on the top of its abdomen
• Generally docile but very fast
• Can reach full size in about 2 years

Name: Cyriocosmus elegans is commonly known as the Trinidadian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula.  The genus, Cyriocosmus comes from the Greek words kyrios ("lord"/"master") and kosmos ("ornament"/"decoration"), likely referring to the genus' intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The species name, elegans, is Latin for "elegant" or "graceful," a name chosen for its visual refinement.

Recommended Enclosure Size: Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Cyriocosmus elegans is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. 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 5+ 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.

We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than 2 times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate, as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

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.

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

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain 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, these spiders will measure 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Females can grow to be up to 2 1/2 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 two to three 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 1 to 2 years in males, and 6 to 8  years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 3-6 months old.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 2 to4 melanogaster fruit flies per 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 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: To identify a male or female before it has reached sexual maturity you will need to examine its cast skin which in females will have a folded area in the abdominal region which will eventually connect to her spermatheca when she is mature. Due to age, Cyriocosmus elegans 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: As spiderlings they are a light brown with hints of orange showing through. As they mature, the cephalothorax of the Trinidad Dwarf Tiger is mostly copper red with a triangular section in black towards its eyes and mouthparts. Its abdomen is primarily black with a heart shaped spot on its upper side roughly the same color as its cephalothorax. The abdomen also bears three parallel whitish “tiger stripes” on its sides. The spider’s femur is black while the remainder of the leg is the same whitish color as its stripes.

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

This species spends most of its youth underground. They do come out of their hole occasionally as adults.

Breeding: When breeding Trinidad Dwarf Tigers, it is best to plan it for about one month after the female molts. If a molt follows the pairing before eggs can be laid, the reproductive material contributed by the male will be discarded in the process. The female should also be well fed prior to the paring. If successful the female will eventually construct an egg sac which should be removed about four weeks after for incubation.

This species is absolutely tiny as slings. They will need to have access to tiny food until they grow.

Natural Range: Cyriocosmus elegans are native to Venezuela, Trinidad, and Tobago.

History in the Hobby: Cyriocosmus elegans has been in the pet trade for decades, but it wasn't until around 2010 that they started to be available as captive bred.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if the Trinidad Dwarf Tiger Tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!