Purple tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius violaceus)

Short answers

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

From 30×30×40 cm.

Purple tree tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Purple tree tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Purple tree tarantula: How long do they live?

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

Purple 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

Humidity

70–80 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 30×30×40 cm

Substrate

Humus, a vertical cork tube, light planting

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

Adults 1×/week

Key facts

Adult size

body 5–6 cm, leg span 12–14 cm

Life expectancy

females 10–12 years, males 3–4 years

Origin

The Lesser Antilles, South America

Protection status

—

Brumation

No

Cohabitation

Keep them singly — tarantulas are cannibals. The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.

Notes

Extremely fast and quick to bolt rather than aggressive: opening the enclosure takes practice. No urticating-hair problem (a New World arboreal species without effective bombardier hairs), but a very strong sprinter.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Purple tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius violaceus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Copper tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius cupreus) – 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 Purple tree tarantula (Tapinauchenius violaceus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 30×30×40 cm), substrate (Humus, a vertical cork tube, light planting), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.