OMOTHYMUS SP. "SUMATRAN TIGER" (SUMATRAN TIGER EARTH TIGER TARANTULA) care guide

Omothymus sp. "Sumatran Tiger" Care Guide

🌍 Overview

• Origin: Sumatra (Indonesia)

• Type: Old World terrestrial/semi-fossorial

• Temperament: Defensive, very fast, may bite (no urticating hairs)

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 12–15+ years

  • Males: 3–5 years

• Experience Level: Advanced keepers only

🏠 Enclosure Setup

Size

• Spiderling: Small deli cup or vial

• Juvenile: ~1–2 gallon enclosure

• Adult: 5–10 gallon tank (or similar footprint)

Substrate

• Depth: 4–8 inches (important!)

• Use:

  • Coconut fiber (eco earth)

  • Topsoil (no fertilizers)

  • Mix with clay/sand for structure

👉 This species loves to burrow, so depth matters more than height.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• Humidity: 70–85%

Tips:

• Keep substrate slightly moist, not swampy

• Let top layer dry slightly between waterings

• Always include a water dish

🕳️ Hides & Decor

• Provide:

  • Cork bark (angled to encourage burrowing)

  • Leaf litter

• Expect:

  • Heavy webbing

  • Deep burrow construction

🥗 Feeding

Diet

• Crickets

• Roaches (Dubia, Red Runner)

• Mealworms / superworms (occasionally)

Schedule

• Spiderlings: 2–3 times/week

• Juveniles: 1–2 times/week

• Adults: Every 7–14 days

👉 Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

💧 Water

• Always provide a clean, shallow water dish

• Overflow occasionally to maintain humidity

⚠️ Behavior & Handling

• Do NOT handle

• Extremely:

  • Fast ⚡

  • Defensive

  • Prone to threat postures and bolting

If disturbed:

• Will retreat to burrow OR

• Stand ground and may bite

👉 Old World venom is medically significant (painful, muscle cramps, etc.)

🧼 Maintenance

• Spot clean regularly

• Full substrate change rarely needed (if mold/mites appear)

• Watch for:

  • Mold (too wet)

  • Dehydration (shriveled abdomen)

🐣 Molting Tips

• Signs:

  • Refusing food

  • Darkening abdomen

• During molt:

  • Do NOT disturb

  • Keep humidity stable

• After molt:

  • Wait 7–14 days before feeding

❗ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too little substrate (prevents natural behavior)

• Overhandling (dangerous)

• Letting enclosure dry out completely

• Poor ventilation (can cause mold)

👍 Quick Summary

• Deep, moist substrate

• High humidity + good airflow

• No handling

• Respect speed and attitude