Copper tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius cupreus)

Short answers

Copper tree tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 30×30×40 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, front-opening is recommended).

Copper tree tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Copper tree tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Copper tree tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 10–12 years, males 3–4 years.

Copper tree tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 30×30×40 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, front-opening is recommended)

Substrate

Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5 cm; a vertical cork tube to web up, light planting

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

12–14 cm leg span (body ~5–6 cm)

Life expectancy

females 10–12 years, males 3–4 years

Origin

Ecuador

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

A shimmering copper red. Extremely fast — when you open the enclosure it is out before you have seen it. No urticating hairs, but flight rather than threat: let the enclosure cool before opening it, and work front-opening.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Copper tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius cupreus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Purple tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius violaceus) – Intermediate
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
• Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
• Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
• Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
• Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Copper tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius cupreus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 30×30×40 cm as a tall enclosure (arboreal, front-opening is recommended)), substrate (Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5 cm; a vertical cork tube to web up, light planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.