Ecuadorian velvet tarantula (Megaphobema velvetosoma)

Short answers

Ecuadorian velvet tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, deep substrate).

Ecuadorian velvet tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Ecuadorian velvet tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Ecuadorian velvet tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 15–20 years, males 3–4 years.

Ecuadorian velvet 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

75–85 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, deep substrate)

Substrate

Damp coco humus, 10–15 cm deep for digging; large cork bark, a large water dish

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

17–20 cm leg span (figures in the literature vary considerably, occasionally up to 25 cm)

Life expectancy

females 15–20 years, males 3–4 years

Origin

Ecuador (the Amazon lowlands)

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

Velvety dark brown, powerfully built. Care as for the Theraphosa species: permanently humid, cool enough, plenty of substrate. Defensive and with very unpleasant urticating hairs; no handling.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Colombian giant redleg tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) – 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 Ecuadorian velvet tarantula (Megaphobema velvetosoma) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, deep substrate)), substrate (Damp coco humus, 10–15 cm deep for digging; large cork bark, a large water dish), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.