Skeleton tarantula (Ephebopus murinus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Skeleton tarantula (Ephebopus murinus) (origin: French Guiana, Brazil). Adult size around body 5–6 cm, leg span 12–14 cm. Life expectancy females 12–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Skeleton tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
25×25×30 cm.
Skeleton tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Skeleton tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Skeleton tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 12–15 years.
Skeleton tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 75–85 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 25×25×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 12–18 cm, damp, a cork hide
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 5–6 cm, leg span 12–14 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 12–15 years
- Origin
- French Guiana, Brazil
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep singly (strictly) — 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. For breeding, the male is introduced under supervision and separated again immediately.
Notes
Striking white leg markings. A peculiarity: it carries its urticating hairs on the pedipalps rather than the abdomen. Burrowing, and very fast.
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Related species
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- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
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- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
- Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Skeleton tarantula (Ephebopus murinus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus 12–18 cm, damp, a cork hide), a heat source with a thermostat, 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldstreifen-Vogelspinne, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephebopus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephebopus_murinus
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).