Description
We don’t see a lot of hobby tarantulas from the Middle East. Interest however may be increasing (C. lymberakisi). Listed here is a juvenile Chaetopelma olivaceum female tarantula, also know as the Middle Eastern olive.
Chaetopelma olivaceum was the hobby’s happy introduction to Mediterranean tarantulas. The Middle Eastern olive is a dwarf tarantula that has been reported from Greece to Egypt. Further inland there are other species, both described and undescribed. We await their introduction to the hobby.
C. olivaceum has neither bright color nor lively pattern to recommend it. Few tarantulas do actually. So why do we keep plain tarantulas like C. olivaceum or, for that matter, H. gabonenesis? (Might strict color aficionados do better with tropical birds or dart frogs?) Attractive size, interesting behaviors, interesting history, foreign lands–some of all of these might explain the allure. Maybe, or maybe there’s more.
In any event, tarantula hobbyists vote by keeping C. olivaceum. We’re all satisfied it’s earned space on our shelves.
By the way, this spider is fast. In its native range it sits in rock crevices, launching upon approaching prey. Captive C. olivaceum will sit motionless for hours. Prey stumbling onto its web trigger shocking speed.
Captive C. olivaceum appreciate a hiding place such as a hide or rock crevice facsimile. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine although warmer temperatures encourage faster growth. For this female, substrate on the dry side and a water dish will be satisfactory. Enclosure ventilation should be moderate, high humidity isn’t a must. Spiderlings however may do better with higher enclosure moisture.
Photos: 1,2,3-immature female (ArachnoEden); 4-female adult (Jake Huff)
Care highlights:
- slightly dry substrate + water dish
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- control ventilation to elevate humidity only slightly
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