Defining Characteristics:
Name: Tapinauchenius cupreus, or the Violet Tree Spider. The Greek roots of its genus mean "low" and "neck".
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.
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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:
After placing an order containing a live animal, you will receive a scheduling email containing our JotForm scheduling link to schedule your new pet's delivery date.
With this scheduling link, you will be able to schedule your order's delivery up to 30 days in advance. You will be able to choose a date of delivery for Tuesday-Saturday (Saturday arrival depends on the carrier's service availability) with the estimated time of arrival generally being 12pm, or 4:30pm for more rural areas. Overnight lows must be above 40°F to ship directly to you (or above 30°F for FedEx Ship Center/UPS Customer Center pickups) as well as below 90°F by estimated time of arrival.
If you require further assistance, or prefer to talk to one of our Customer Service agents, please feel free to reach out to our [email protected] email or our phone line 1-800-691-8178.
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