Costa Rican Tiger Rump Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

exoskeleton

A small, sturdy tarantula with a black carapace and legs. The abdomen is dark brown with vivid orange-red stripes and a central arrow or spade-shaped marking. The body is covered in fine hairs, and the legs have numerous long hairs.14

Personality what they are like

Generally calm and shy, preferring to retreat or hide rather than show aggression. It can be skittish, especially when young, and may kick urticating hairs or dash for cover if disturbed. Not considered medically significant to humans.356

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs. It is a terrestrial, opportunistic burrower that spends much time in its hide or burrow. Provide enough substrate for digging and a starter burrow. It will web around the burrow entrance. Not a handling animal; best kept for observation.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure clean and remove uneaten prey. Provide a shallow water dish and maintain a moisture gradient. Ensure good ventilation and a secure lid to prevent escape. Handle only if absolutely necessary, and with great care, as falls can cause injury.35

Home where they are happiest

A secure, well-ventilated terrestrial enclosure. Floor space matters more than height; a 20x20x20 cm or 30x20x20 cm enclosure is suitable for adults. Provide 10-15 cm of firm substrate (coco fibre or topsoil) for burrowing. Include a hide (cork bark or half flowerpot) and a shallow water dish. Temperature: 20-25°C (summer), 18-22°C (winter). Humidity: 75-85% with a moisture gradient. Keep the surface moderately dry and one side slightly moister. Not a handling animal; plan every opening around containment.356

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Feed small crickets, roach nymphs, small locusts, and mealworms in moderation. Prey should be no larger than the spider's abdomen. Spiderlings: small prey every few days. Adults: every 7-10 days, adjusted to abdomen size and moult cycle. Remove uneaten prey after feeding.35

Company who they like around

Solitary. House alone. Do not cohabitate. Not a pet for handling; it is best kept for observation. It is not venomous to humans in a dangerous way, but it can move quickly and kick urticating hairs. There are no known legal restrictions on keeping this species, but always check local regulations.31

The story where it all began

Davus fasciatus, the Costa Rican tiger rump, is a small tarantula from Costa Rica and Panama. It was first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1892. In the pet trade, it has often been confused with Davus pentaloris due to mislabelling, and true Davus fasciatus is rarely seen in captivity. Its striking orange-red abdominal markings and manageable size make it a sought-after species among enthusiasts, but its rarity in the trade means most specimens sold under this name are actually the similar Davus pentaloris.16

Recognised by the official bits

ITIS

Accepted species Davus fasciatus7

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Listed as Costa Rican tigerrump tarantula8