Ornithoctoninae sp "Vietnam Silver" (Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula)

Ornithoctoninae sp. "Vietnam Silver" (Vietnam Silver Tarantula)

Known in the hobby as the Silver Earth Tiger, this species was a dream animal for serious collectors for years — genuinely hard to find, talked about in hushed tones, and then suddenly available. The Vietnam Silver is unlike anything else in the fossorial world. Spiderlings arrive as bright, fiery orange animals covered in dense rust-colored setae from day one, and that orange stays with them through every molt as they grow. Over time the metallic blue-silver iridescence begins to emerge and spread across the legs, carapace, and abdomen until the full adult colors are realized. A mature Silver Earth Tiger carries that metallic blue across the entire body while the original burnt orange setae remain, framing the iridescence in a combination that no photograph fully captures. Native to Vietnam and surrounding Southeast Asia, this compact but heavily built fossorial species spends most of its time underground, constructing tight well-organized burrows and emerging to ambush prey with speed and precision. When stock is available it moves fast — keepers who know this species do not hesitate. Grab this Old World fossorial tarantula for sale today if you want the Silver Earth Tiger that serious collectors have been chasing for years.

Why do hobbyists keep Ornithoctoninae sp. "Vietnam Silver"?

• Coloration: Metallic blue-silver iridescence covering the legs, carapace, and abdomen of adults, framed by rich burnt orange setae. One of the most striking color combinations in the entire hobby.
• Color Transition: Spiderlings arrive as bright fiery orange animals covered in dense rust-colored setae and stay that way through early growth. Over time the metallic blue-silver iridescence builds across the entire body until the full adult Silver Earth Tiger colors emerge. You get two completely different looking animals in one purchase.
• Rarity: This species is genuinely uncommon in the trade. When available it sells quickly. Keepers who have been waiting for one know to move fast when stock appears.
• Feeding Response: An active ambush predator that puts on a real show at feeding time. Takes prey confidently and with speed that catches even experienced keepers off guard.
• Fossorial Behavior: Constructs neat, well-organized burrow systems given sufficient substrate depth. A properly set up enclosure produces natural behavior that is deeply satisfying to observe over time.

How should Ornithoctoninae sp. "Vietnam Silver" be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches around 4 inches. Compact and densely built, with a presence that punches well above its size thanks to that coloration.
• Enclosure: Fossorial 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.
• Temperature: 75 to 80 degrees F. Stable room temperature works for most keepers. Avoid sustained temperatures above 85 degrees F.
• Humidity: Moderate to high. Keep lower layers of substrate slightly damp while allowing the top to dry. Never swampy. The moisture gradient gives them the microclimate choice they rely on in the wild.
• Water: Provide a water dish near the burrow entrance. Fossorial species benefit from ambient moisture and will use a dish placed at substrate level.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, and other feeders sized appropriately to the carapace (head). Feed weekly for spiderlings, every 7 to 10 days for adults.
• Temperament: Very defensive, fast, and prone to bolting. Best suited for experienced keepers. This is a display and observe species.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Substrate depth matters: Needs depth of soil and good airflow to get fresh air into burrows and prevent mold growth. At least 6 to 8 inches of packable moisture-retaining substrate.
• Settling in: True burrowers will dig straight down given sufficient depth. A starter burrow against the enclosure wall helps them establish faster.
• Visibility: Less disturbance equals more surface visibility. Most specimens will be seen at the burrow entrance regularly once they feel secure.
• Stock moves fast: This species does not sit. When it is available and you want one, do not wait.
• Captive bred: Our animals are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

This listing includes multiple size options. Animals are unsexed, there is approximately a 50/50 chance of male or female on most species.

Photo credit: spidershop.pl. Image used with written permission.