Euathlus sp. 'Tigre Costera' (Chilean Flame Tiger Tarantula)

Euathlus sp. 'Tigre Costera' (Chilean Flame Tiger Tarantula)

The Chilean Flame Tiger Tarantula, or Euathlus sp. 'Tigre Costera', is a terrestrial tarantula from the semi-arid regions of Chile. Adults of this species have darker legs with bright blue green femurs, a black carapace (head), and a black abdomen with bright red orange coloration and the same iconic tiger-like striping. Spiderlings hatch out showing a red and black coloration, with the same tiger-like striping already formed by the direction the hairs grow, then gradually intensify into the full adult coloration as they grow, while the species only grows to about 3.5 inches in diagonal leg span. Like others in the genus, this species has a very long lifespan, with females reaching about 20 to 30 years while males live 5 or more years. This species is also very calm and forgiving, and one we recommend for beginner keepers or anyone who wants an easier keeping experience. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as a spiderling.

Why do hobbyists keep Chilean Flame Tiger Tarantula?

• Tiger Striped Coloration: Bright blue green femurs lead into a black carapace and a black abdomen with bright red orange, tiger-like striping, part of the same Tiger Complex of Chilean color forms as the Chilean Emerald Tiger Tarantula and Chilean Blue Tiger Tarantula.
• Dwarf Species: At about 3.5 inches, this is a true dwarf, a small tarantula well suited to a keeper who wants something smaller and less intimidating.
• Docile Temperament: This is a calm, forgiving species that tolerates the occasional off day in husbandry without any drama.
• Long Lived: Females on this species can be with you for 20 to 30 years, a long commitment for such a small animal.
• Beginner Species: The small adult size and docile nature make this a great choice for a first tarantula or a first dwarf species.

How should Euathlus sp. 'Tigre Costera' be kept?

• Adult Size: This species hatches at around 0.33 to 0.5 inch and reaches an adult max of about 3.5 inches, so expect several rehouses along the way as it grows into that full size.
• Enclosure: Enclosure dimensions scale with the size you choose -- see that size's own listing for the exact footprint, height, and substrate depth for this species' current stage.
• Setup Tips: Always include a rock or piece of bark large enough to fully hide under. In the wild this species spends the day tucked under cover like this, coming out mainly in the mornings, and the hide also gives it a spot to retreat to for extra humidity if it wants it. If a spiderling is seen tucked tightly into a corner, that is usually a sign the enclosure is running a little too humid rather than too dry.
• Rehousing: Expect two to three enclosure upsizes over this species' life as it grows, each stage lasting roughly 18 to 24 months at this species' slow growth rate -- see each size listing for the exact dimensions at that stage.
• Temperature: Keep them between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal range for most highland species like this one. Cooler temperatures are survivable, but increase the odds of trouble molting and growing, so we recommend staying in this range for the best results. Most keepers do not need any extra heating to hit it.
• Humidity: This species comes from the semi-arid regions of Chile, where mornings bring natural condensation that dries off as the day warms. We recommend a light misting about once a week. The top of the substrate can dry out between mistings, but the substrate underneath should never be allowed to dry out completely, matching the surface dry, soil damp balance this species is used to in the wild. The hide (see Setup Tips) gives it a spot to retreat back down to that moisture whenever it wants it.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Prey size scales with the spider's current leg span, at roughly a quarter of that span at every stage -- see each size listing for the exact feeder measurement at that size. Feed at least once a week. This species does not eat much and may go a week or more, sometimes closer to a month, between meals, so a slower feeding pace is normal rather than a cause for concern. Overfeeding is the bigger risk, since uneaten prey left in a humid enclosure is what leads to mold.
• Temperament: This is a calm, forgiving species that tolerates the occasional off day in husbandry without any drama, making it an easy one to live with at every size.

Which size should I choose?

• 0.5-0.75" spiderling: Choose this size for the most economical way in, and the most growing and color development you get to watch firsthand.
• 0.5-0.75" spiderling: This size is offered free with a qualifying purchase of invertebrates, rather than as a standalone buy.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Euathlus sp. 'Tigre Costera'?

• Health Check: Because this species eats infrequently, the abdomen is a better health check than counting feedings. A healthy abdomen sits as wide as, or wider than, the carapace. One that is noticeably thinner than the carapace is the one sign actually worth watching for.