Ephebopus cyanognathus spiderling • 3/4″ (blue fang tarantula)

Description

Ephebopus cyanognathus is a rainforest tarantula native to French Guiana and environs. Although blue fangs persist into adulthood, one doesn’t get to see them much. Beyond the spiderling stage E. cyanognathus is a dedicated digger. Juveniles and older specimens dig straight down to the bottom of the enclosure, typically using a corner. From time to time you’ll see the blue fangs at burrow entrances where the spider may sit in wait. Molts may or may not be ejected.

In captivity, E. cyanognathus spiderlings thrive at room temperature (68-72F/20-22C) and elevated humidity (75-85% RH). They grow relatively quickly into a medium-small spider with females reaching 4 inches or so. It can be a bit tricky to care for fossorial species because one may not see the whole spider for days or weeks. We have occasionally dug specimens out for health checks.

Photos: 1-typical appearance of the spiderlings for sale (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened substrate for spiderings
• elevated humidity (75-85% RH) +/- water dish support
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80-85F
• juveniles & older specimens can be kept on slightly drier substrate
• consider plantings and places to hide for enrichment