At a glance the quick version
Leg span; females can reach 15 cm, males slightly smaller
Females live 12-15 years, males only 3-4 years
Looks how to spot one
hair
The body is covered in fine hairs. The carapace is coffee or golden coloured, the abdomen is small and brown, and the legs are black with yellowish stripes that look like a skeleton.13
Personality what they are like
This tarantula is fast and skittish. It is not aggressive but can be defensive, often raising its front legs and flicking urticating hairs when threatened. It prefers to flee rather than fight.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity needs. It spends most of its time in its burrow and does not require exercise. The enclosure should provide deep substrate for digging and a water bowl.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure humid (75-85% humidity) by misting the substrate once or twice a week. Avoid over-misting to prevent mould. Provide good ventilation.34
Home where they are happiest
A terrestrial, semi-fossorial tarantula that needs a tank with plenty of floor space and 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of moist substrate for burrowing. Temperature should be 24-27°C (76-80°F) with humidity around 80%. A water bowl and a hide are recommended.324
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Eats crickets, roaches, mealworms and other insects. Occasionally small mammals like mice can be offered, but only rarely. Feed once a week with appropriately sized prey.32
Company who they like around
Solitary. Do not house with other tarantulas. Handling is not recommended because it is fast, defensive and can bite. Its venom is mild but the bite can sting. It also flicks urticating hairs which can cause skin and eye irritation.13
The story where it all began
The skeleton tarantula was first described in 1837 by Charles Athanase Walckenaer as Mygale murina. It was later moved to the genus Ephebopus by Eugène Simon in 1892. Its common name comes from the skeleton-like yellow stripes on its black legs. It is a New World tarantula from South America and has been kept in the pet trade for many years, valued for its striking appearance and interesting burrowing behaviour.13
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Skeleton Tarantula. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Skeleton Tarantula?
Feed your tarantula once a week with appropriately sized prey. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on species, size and moult stage, so adjust as needed.32 Furry Diary plan
What does a Skeleton Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats crickets, roaches, mealworms and other insects. Occasionally small mammals like mice can be offered, but only rarely. Never feed anything that is not safe for invertebrates; always ask a vet or good breeder for specifics.32
How much space does a Skeleton Tarantula need?
It needs a tank with plenty of floor space and 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) of moist substrate for burrowing. A water bowl and a hide are recommended for comfort.324
What temperature, light or water does a Skeleton Tarantula need?
Keep temperature between 24-27°C (76-80°F) with humidity around 80%. Provide a water bowl and mist the substrate once or twice a week to maintain humidity. No special lighting is needed.324
How often should I clean a Skeleton Tarantula's home?
Spot clean weekly by removing leftover food. Furry Diary's plan suggests a full substrate change every 180 days. Avoid over-misting to prevent mould.34 Furry Diary plan
Can a Skeleton Tarantula live with others?
No, it is solitary and should not be housed with other tarantulas. Handling is not recommended because it is fast, defensive and can bite or flick urticating hairs.13
How long does a Skeleton Tarantula live?
Lifespan varies from 3 to 15 years, depending on care and sex. Males generally live shorter lives than females.34
Can I handle a Skeleton Tarantula?
Handling is not recommended because it is fast, defensive and can bite. Its venom is mild but the bite can sting, and it flicks urticating hairs that can cause skin and eye irritation. It prefers to flee rather than fight.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Ephebopus murinus en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, social needs, history, fun fact
- exotic-pets.co.uk: skeleton tarantula exotic-pets.co.ukused for origin, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics
- beyondthetreat.com: ephebopus murinus beyondthetreat.comused for length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- tarantuladen.co.za: skeleton leg ephebopus murinus tarantuladen.co.zaused for lifespan years, grooming or care, habitat needs
- britishspiders.org.uk: 140605 britishspiders.org.ukused for fun fact
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.