Encyocratella olivacea spiderling • 5/8 – 3/4″ (Tanzanian black and olive)

Description

Encyocratella olivacea (Tanzanian black & olive tarantula) is a favorite here. It’s compact and so subtly colorful. This medium-small, Old World arboreal lives on mountain slopes in Tanzania. Elevation brings its own microclimate, with cooler temperatures and misty mornings. Coloration is distinct, striking. Gold, green and black help camouflage E. olivacea in shrubs and trees.

Keeping E. olivacea is straightforward. Young E. olivacea tend to web at the ground/wall interface. Spiderlings do well on slightly dampened substrate and, although not strictly necessary, with small cork bark pieces to web against or under. Room temperature (68-72F) is perfect. Higher temperatures to 80F are tolerated, but keep in mind E. olivacea‘s native habitat. Humidity in the range of 75-90% RH helps the spiderling maintain hydration. Achieve it by restricting ventilation enough to allow humidity to climb.

As your pet grows you’ll find E. olivacea tolerates a drier range of enclosure moisture. For juveniles and older instar consider switching to a vertical enclosure with structure for E. olivacea to climb and web against. Females grow to about 4 inches.

E. olivacea have the defensive attitude characteristic of Old World tarantulas along with a potent venom. Smaller size makes them not as intimidating as the beefy African arboreal, H. maculata, but in any case, no hands or fingers near them please.

Photos: 1,2-young female (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened substrate for spiderlings
• elevated humidity (75-90% RH) +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F)
• consider forest litter and plantings for enrichment
• larger specimens may appreciate verticality and less enclosure moisture