Homoeomma chilense (ex chilensis)(Euathlus sp. red) (Chilean Dwarf Flame Tarantula)

Homoeomma chilense (Chilean Dwarf Flame Tarantula)

The Chilean Dwarf Flame Tarantula, or Homoeomma chilense (ex Euathlus sp. 'Red'), is a terrestrial tarantula from the semi-arid regions of Chile. Adults of this species have a solid black body set off by a tuft of bright red orange hairs at the base of the abdomen, a high contrast look shared with its close relative, the Chilean Yellow Flame Tarantula. This species only grows to about 2.5 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 Dwarf Flame Tarantula?

• High Contrast Coloration: A solid black body set off by a tuft of bright red orange hairs at the base of the abdomen gives this dwarf species the same bold contrast look as its close relative, the Chilean Yellow Flame Tarantula.
• Dwarf Species: At a true dwarf size of about 2.5 inches, this is exactly the kind of small tarantula a lot of keepers are specifically looking for.
• Docile Temperament: This is a calm, forgiving species that handles the occasional off day in husbandry without any drama.
• Beginner Species: The small adult size and docile nature make this a great choice for a first tarantula or a first dwarf species.
• Rare in the Hobby: This is a rare dwarf species in its own right, and alongside its close relative the Chilean Yellow Flame Tarantula, both can be genuinely hard to find and source.

How should Homoeomma chilense be kept?

• Adult Size: This species hatches at around 0.25 inch and reaches an adult max of about 2.5 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?

• 0.25" spiderling: Choose this size for the most economical way in, and the most growing and color development you get to watch firsthand.
• 0.25" spiderling: This size is offered free with a qualifying purchase of invertebrates, rather than as a standalone buy.
• 0.5" spiderling: Choose this size for the most economical way in, and the most growing and color development you get to watch firsthand.
• 0.75-1" juvenile: Choose this size for already past the delicate earliest stage, with more size and color already showing.
• 1.5" juvenile: Choose this size for already past the delicate earliest stage, with more size and color already showing.
• 2.5" mature female: Choose this size for an adult, fully colored specimen for anyone who wants to skip the growing-up stage entirely.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Homoeomma chilense?

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Chilean Dwarf Flame Tarantula

• What other names has this species been called? This species has gone through a few names over the years, all referring to the exact same animal. It started out in the hobby as Euathlus sp. 'Red', was later reclassified as Homoeomma chilensis, and is now correctly called Homoeomma chilense. If you come across any of these older names elsewhere, it is the same spider every one of those names refers to.