The “Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula” is a relatively small species of tarantula – found in the Rainforests of Colombia. This creature is famous for its unique metallic green carapace and orange-brown legs, as well as its fast and aggressive movements.
Despite its small size, the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is a popular pet among experienced tarantula keepers due to its striking appearance and interesting behavior.
Note: The “Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula” and the “Venezuelan Dwarf Beauty Tarantula” (Euthycaelus sp.) are two different species of tarantulas.
While both may look similar in appearance and share some common traits, these are distinct species with different natural habitats and geographic ranges
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Colombian Dwarf Tiger – Fact sheet
| Size | Adult Colombian Dwarf Tiger grow up to 2 inches |
| Life span | females living up to 10-12 years in captivity; while males usually only live up to 2-3 years. |
| Care level | medium |
| Origin | Colombia |
| Food | Insects and other small invertebrates In captivity – they can be fed a diet of various live prey such as: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms |
| Temperament | defensive; temperament, aggressive; fast movements, making it a challenging handle; not recommended for inexperienced tarantula keepers |
| Habitat | Rainforests – forest floor and in burrows |
| Temperature | humid environment with a temperature range of 24-28°C |
| Family | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific | Cyriocosmus leetzi |
| Common Names | Colombian Dwarf Tiger Olivaceous Dwarf Tarantula Metallic Green Tarantula Colombian Tiger Tarantula |
Colombian Dwarf Tiger (Cyriocosmus leetzi )
In terms of its ecological importance, the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula plays a significant role in the rainforest ecosystem as a predator of insects and other small invertebrates.
For those interested in keeping Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula as Pets: This Tarantula is a popular species among experienced keepers due to its unique appearance and challenging nature.
Learning about the care requirements and behavior of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger can help ensure that they are kept in a safe and healthy environments.
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Description of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger
Characteristics – Size and Coloration:
The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is a relatively small species of tarantula, with a body length of only 2-3 centimeters.
They have a distinctive metallic green carapace and orange-brown legs, which gives them a tiger-like appearance. Males and females have similar coloration, with females being slightly larger than males.
- Metallic green carapace: The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula has a distinctive metallic green carapace that makes it visually striking and captivating.
- Orange-brown legs: The orange-brown coloration of their legs provides a striking contrast to their carapace – which can serve as a warning to potential predators of their venomous nature.
- Fast and aggressive movements: The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is known for its fast and aggressive movements, making it a challenging species to handle.
- Defensive behavior: This species has a defensive temperament and will often rear up and show their fangs when threatened, making them a challenging species to handle.
- Small size: The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is a relatively small species of tarantula – with a body length of only 2-3 centimeters!
Survival in the Wild:
The physical traits of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula provide several advantages for their survival in the wild.
The metallic green coloration of their carapace helps them to blend in with their surroundings, making them less visible to potential predators. The orange-brown coloration of their legs provides a striking contrast to their carapace, which can serve as a warning to potential predators of their venomous nature.
Their small size also allows them to navigate through the dense foliage and forest floor, which can be important for finding food and avoiding predators.
Additionally – their fast movements and aggressive behavior can help to deter potential predators or prey, allowing them to protect themselves and their territory.
The physical traits of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula are well-adapted to their natural habitat and play an important role in their survival and reproduction.
Keeping Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas as Pets
Set up a Terrarium for Colombian Dwarf Tiger – Size, Heating, Interior and Substrate
To keep Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas as pets, a suitable terrarium with specific requirements is needed.
The terrarium should be appropriately sized to accommodate the tarantula’s needs, with a minimum size of 10-gallon for an adult tarantula.
The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escape and allow for proper ventilation.
- Terrarium Size: The minimum size for a Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula’s enclosure is 10 gallons, but a larger enclosure may be preferable. An adult tarantula needs enough space to move around and create burrows.
- Substrate: The substrate should be at least 4 inches deep and consist of a mix of coconut fiber and peat moss. This substrate should be changed regularly to maintain hygiene.
- Hiding Places: Provide hiding places, such as cork bark, PVC pipes, or other materials, to give your tarantula a place to hide and feel secure.
- Water Dish: Provide a shallow water dish for your tarantula to drink from and maintain humidity levels.
- Temperature: The ideal temperature range for Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas is 24-28°C (75-82°F). The enclosure should be kept away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Lighting: While tarantulas do not require specific lighting, providing some ambient light can help maintain a day-night cycle and stimulate natural behavior.
- Heating: A heating source is not usually necessary, but if temperatures drop below the recommended range, a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter can be used. The heating source should be placed outside the enclosure to prevent burns.
- Air Circulation: Proper ventilation is important to prevent stagnant air and maintain air quality. A screen top or ventilation holes should be provided in the enclosure to ensure proper air circulation.
Benefits and Challenges of Keeping Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas as Pets
Because of their unique and striking appearance, as well as their challenging and exciting nature.
Colombian Dwarf Tigers can be fascinating to observe and provide a rewarding experience for experienced tarantula keepers.
They require a specific environment and care to thrive – their aggressive and defensive behavior can be dangerous for inexperienced keepers. Their venomous nature means that you must take proper precautions when handling or working with them.
Provide Appropriate Care
To provide appropriate care for Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas as pets, the following tips should be kept in mind:
Provide a suitable environment: The enclosure should closely mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding places and a shallow water dish for drinking and maintaining humidity levels.
Feed appropriately: Feed your spiders a diet of live prey – such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms once or twice a week, depending on the spiders age, size, and activity level.
Handle with care: Avoid sudden movements and ensure a secure grip when handling, as their defensive behavior can be dangerous.
Monitor for signs of illness or stress: Keep an eye on their behavior of the Tarantulas and watch for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal behavior.
Consult with an experienced tarantula keeper or veterinarian: If you have any questions or concerns about the care of your Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula – seek guidance from an experienced tarantula keeper!.
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Behavior and Lifestyle
Colombian Dwarf Tiger in the Wild
In the wild, the “Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula” is a nocturnal and secretive species; that spends most of its time in its burrow or hidden under leaf litter.
These Spiders are opportunistic hunters and feed on a variety of prey – including insects and other small invertebrates.
They are also known for their aggressive and defensive behavior, and will rear up and show their fangs when threatened.
Hunting and Diet
Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas are carnivorous and their diet consists of live prey, such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and waxworms.
They will typically hunt at night, using their excellent eyesight and keen sense of vibration to detect their prey. Once captured, they will use their venom to immobilize and subdue their prey before feeding.
Reproductive Habits and Lifecycle
Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas reach sexual maturity between 2-4 years of age, depending on the sex and environmental factors.
Male tarantulas will leave their burrows in search of a mate; while the females typically remain in their burrow – and wait for a male spider to approach. Mating is a dangerous process for male tarantulas, as females are known to sometimes cannibalize their partners.
Once mated – the female spider will lay a clutch of eggs – which she will strictly guard and protect until the breed hatches. The eggs will typically hatch within 1-2 months – the spiderlings will remain with their mother for several weeks before dispersing and establishing their own burrows.
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Habitat and Distribution
Origin
The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is found in the rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela. Specifically, they can be found in the Amazon basin, where they inhabit the forest floor and create burrows among leaf litter and soil.
Environmental Conditions
The Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula requires a specific habitat and environmental conditions to survive.
These Spiders prefer a humid and warm environment, with a temperature range of 24-28°C (75-82°F); The Humidity Levels shoul be around 70-80%. They also require a suitable substrate for burrowing, such as soil or leaf litter, and hiding places for protection.
Threats and Habitat Destruction
The natural habitat of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula is under threat from a variety of human activities like: Deforestation, habitat destruction, and land use changes.
The expansion of agriculture, logging, and mining industries in the region has led to the destruction of rainforest habitats; which has a negative impact on the survival of many species, including the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula.
Note: Pet trade is also a potential threat to wild populations of this species.
Overcollection for the pet trade can lead to declines in wild populations, as well as the potential introduction of diseases or parasites to wild populations.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect the natural habitats of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula; this includes measures to reduce habitat destruction, as well as efforts to regulate and monitor the pet trade to ensure sustainability and avoid negative impacts on wild populations.
Health Issues
There are several health issues that can affect the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula – these can include:
Mites and other parasites: Tarantulas can be affected by mites and other parasites that can cause skin-irritation, infections, or other health issues. These parasites can be spread through contact with other animals, contaminated substrate, or unclean equipment.
Dehydration: Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas require a humid environment to thrive, and dehydration can occur if they are not provided with access to clean water or if the humidity levels in their enclosure are too low. Dehydration of these Species can lead to lethargy – loss of appetite – and more health issues.
Injuries: Injuries can occur if the tarantula falls or is mishandled. Broken limbs, puncture wounds, and other injuries can occur in spiders and may require veterinary attention.
Stress: Stress can occur in captive tarantulas due to factors such as inappropriate handling, inadequate enclosure conditions, or exposure to loud noises or bright lights. Prolonged stress can lead to a weakened immune system and other health issues.
Respiratory infections: Respiratory infections can occur if the tarantula is exposed to damp or moldy conditions, or if the substrate in their enclosure is too wet. Symptoms of respiratory infections can include labored-breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
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Sources:
- Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula (Encyocratella olivacea): A small and unique tarantula from Colombia
- Source: Pérez-Miles, F., Lucas, S.M., Silva Jr., P.I., Bertani, R. (2020). Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula (Encyocratella olivacea): A small and unique tarantula from Colombia. ZooKeys, 923: 139-151. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.923.46725
- Aggressive behavior of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula
- Source: Schmidt, G. (2004). Tarantulas of the world. N. H. Books.
- Tarantula husbandry: housing and feeding
- Source: Smith, A.M., McKeown, S. (2015). Tarantula husbandry: housing and feeding. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine, 24(2): 182-190. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm.2015.03.001
- Terrarium size and substrate requirements for tarantulas
- Source: Schmidt, G. (2004). Tarantulas of the world. N. H. Books.
- Temperature and humidity requirements for Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas
- Source: Pérez-Miles, F., Lucas, S.M., Silva Jr., P.I., Bertani, R. (2020). Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula (Encyocratella olivacea): A small and unique tarantula from Colombia. ZooKeys, 923: 139-151. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.923.46725
- Habitat and distribution of the Colombian Dwarf Tiger Tarantula
- Source: World Spider Catalog (2021). World Spider Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. https://wsc.nmbe.ch/species/37326/Encyocratella_olivacea
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