Chinese earth tiger tarantula (Cyriopagopus schmidti)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Chinese earth tiger tarantula (Cyriopagopus schmidti) (origin: Southern China and northern Vietnam). Adult size around 14–16 cm leg span (body ~6 cm). Life expectancy females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chinese earth tiger tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
25×25×30 cm (deep substrate, a burrower).
Chinese earth tiger tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.
Chinese earth tiger tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).
Chinese earth tiger tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.
Chinese earth tiger tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- —
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 25×25×30 cm (deep substrate, a burrower)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, 12–18 cm deep; a cork tube as an entrance — it builds a silk-lined burrow
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)
- Feeding interval
- adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 14–16 cm leg span (body ~6 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years
- Origin
- Southern China and northern Vietnam
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.
Notes
Pale beige-brown, still often traded as Haplopelma or Selenocosmia. Very fast and decidedly defensive, with medically significant venom. No handling. It takes cooler conditions than its tropical relatives.
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Related species
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- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Chinese earth tiger tarantula (Cyriopagopus schmidti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×30 cm (deep substrate, a burrower)), substrate (Coco humus, 12–18 cm deep; a cork tube as an entrance — it builds a silk-lined burrow), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://arachnoboards.com/threads/cyriopagopus-schmidti-care.348044/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyriopagopus_schmidti
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).