{"product_id":"melopoeus-sp-purple-zebra-thai-purple-zebra-tarantula-0-5-0-75-free-after-300","title":"Melopoeus sp \"Purple Zebra\" (Thai Purple Zebra Tarantula) 0.5-0.75\" FREE AFTER $300","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelopoeus sp. \"Purple Zebra\" (Thai Purple Zebra Tarantula)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most visually striking Earth Tigers coming out of Southeast Asia, the Thai Purple Zebra features deep iridescent blue-purple legs that shimmer against a pale grey abdomen with bold dark zebra striping running across the entire body. The carapace carries the same cool grey-tan base with a subtle metallic sheen. Heavily built and leggy for a fossorial species, this one has serious visual presence even through enclosure glass. Native to Thailand and surrounding regions, this is a true deep burrower that spends most of its time underground, emerging at the burrow entrance to ambush prey after dark. Recently reclassified from\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eCyriopagopus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMelopoeus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eper the 2026 World Spider Catalog revision. Grab this Old World fossorial tarantula for sale today if you want one of the most uniquely patterned Earth Tigers in the hobby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy do hobbyists keep Melopoeus sp. \"Purple Zebra\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColoration:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDeep iridescent blue-purple legs with bold zebra striping across a pale grey abdomen. One of the few fossorial species where the coloration alone justifies the purchase.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Response:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA reliable nocturnal ambush predator that takes prey readily at the burrow entrance. Once established it feeds consistently and with purpose.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eReaches around 5 inches with a heavy, leggy build that makes it one of the more impressive Earth Tigers when it does surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFossorial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eA true deep burrower that will excavate elaborate tunnel systems given sufficient substrate depth. Watching this species build and defend its burrow over time is deeply satisfying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should Melopoeus sp. \"Purple Zebra\" be kept?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eReaches around 5 inches. Heavy-bodied and leggy with striking visual presence when seen at the burrow entrance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFossorial setup with 2 times the leg span as footprint and 3 times as height, with substrate depth 2 to 3 times the leg span to support deep stable burrows. Prioritize depth over floor space. A secure lid is non-negotiable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e75 to 80 degrees F. Stable room temperature works for most keepers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eModerate to high. Keep lower layers of substrate slightly damp while allowing the top to dry. Never swampy. The moisture gradient gives them the choice they would have in the wild.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eProvide a water dish near the burrow entrance. Fossorial species benefit from ambient moisture and will use a dish placed at substrate level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eCrickets, roaches, and other feeders sized appropriately to the carapace (head). Feed weekly for spiderlings, every 7 to 10 days for adults.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eVery defensive, fast, and prone to bolting. Best suited for experienced keepers. Observe through the glass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there any additional notes or considerations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate depth matters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eNeeds depth of soil and good airflow to get fresh air into burrows and prevent mold growth. At least 6 to 10 inches of packable moisture-retaining substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSettling in:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTrue burrowers will dig straight down given sufficient depth. A starter burrow against the enclosure wall helps them establish faster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVisibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eLess disturbance equals more surface visibility. Most specimens will be seen at the burrow entrance regularly once they feel secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUncommon:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis species does not come around often. When stock is gone it may be months before more are available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaptive bred:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eOur animals are 100% captive bred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eListing Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis listing includes multiple size options. Animals are unsexed, there is approximately a 50\/50 chance of male or female on most species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Exotics Unlimited USA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53525198700863,"sku":"M.PUR.ZEB.0.5","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/5828\/7167\/files\/Cyriopagopuspurplezebra.png?v=1742929522","url":"https:\/\/exoticsunlimitedusa.com\/products\/melopoeus-sp-purple-zebra-thai-purple-zebra-tarantula-0-5-0-75-free-after-300","provider":"Exotics Unlimited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}