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Malaysian Earth Tiger Tarantula (Cyriopagopus schioedtei)
Omothymus schioedtei
The Cyriopagopus schioedtei, majestic and fearsome 'Malaysian Earth Tiger'. It is one of the most imposing, huge and colorful Asian tarantulas (legspan up to 7.9-8.7 inches). Unusually, it is a dual-adapted creature: the babies (slings) and sub-adults are fossorial (they dig in the wet mud), while the huge adults become purely arboreal (living in the cavities of tall trees). Adult females are Colossuses of a dark green/brown with the abdomen crossed by the classic tiger stripes ('Earth Tiger') and golden flashes on the legs. Adult males are of a dazzling and unreal Neon Green. Extremely fast, intolerant and provided with strong neurotoxic venom (no urticating hairs), it is a predator reserved solely for experts.
- Taxonomy
- Class:ArachnidaOrder:AraneaeFamily:TheraphosidaeGenus:OmothymusSpecies:Omothymus schioedteiFormerly known as:Cyriopagopus schioedtei
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
70 - 85 %
Day temperature
23 - 27 °C
Night temperature
21 - 24 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog lists Thailand and peninsular Malaysia as the distribution of Omothymus schioedtei. The cited taxonomic record does not characterise habitat or captive environmental conditions.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog accepts Omothymus schioedtei Thorell, 1891 in the family Theraphosidae. The cited record does not report a genetic result for this species.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited taxonomic record does not report species-specific behavioural observations; none are inferred here.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited taxonomic record does not report morphological measurements or sexual-dimorphism data; none are inferred here.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: World Spider Catalog identifies Omothymus schioedtei as an accepted theraphosid recorded from Thailand and peninsular Malaysia. This taxonomic record does not establish captive enclosure dimensions, substrate or a husbandry protocol.
Lighting and Heating: The cited record does not provide captive lighting or temperature parameters; none are inferred here.
Humidity and Hydration: The cited record does not provide captive humidity or hydration parameters; none are inferred here.
Feeding and Supplementation: The cited record does not provide a captive feeding or supplementation protocol; none is inferred here.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The cited record does not test cohabitation or establish compatibility criteria; no recommendation is inferred.
Health and Common Diseases: The cited record does not provide a veterinary or disease-management protocol.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Asia (Foreste pluviali monsoniche primarie della Malesia Peninsulare).
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- Carnivore
- The diet of Omothymus schioedtei primarily consists of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. In the wild, they are opportunistic ambush predators that will take down any prey they can overpower. Feeding should occur once or twice a week depending on the size and age of the individual. It is important to remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the tarantula. Fresh water must also be available at all times in a shallow dish.
- Adult size
- 20 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 20 cm. The Herpeton Academy — Omothymus schioedtei source reports a maximum adult measurement of 20 cm for this species, recorded as diagonal leg span (DLS). The taxonomic record consulted is Omothymus schioedtei. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- The lifestyle of Omothymus schioedtei revolves around creating and maintaining a suitable retreat, whether that be a deep burrow or an intricate web structure. Terrestrial species will spend significant time digging and moving substrate to form a comfortable living space. Arboreal types, on the other hand, will construct silken tubes hidden among foliage or bark. They lead highly solitary lives and will generally not tolerate the presence of other individuals in their territory outside of mating. A well-designed enclosure that mimics their specific natural habitat is essential for their overall well-being.
- Activity cycle
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Omothymus schioedtei is predominantly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. As dusk approaches, they typically emerge from their retreats to actively forage for food or wait in ambush. During the daylight hours, they prefer to remain hidden in dark, secure hiding spots to avoid predators and extreme temperatures. Maintaining a proper day-night light cycle in the enclosure helps regulate their natural circadian rhythms. Observing them under a dim red light at night can provide fascinating insights into their natural habits.
- Sociality
- Solitary
- It is an aggressively solitary and highly cannibalistic species. Specimens must be housed completely individually. They will not tolerate the presence of other tarantulas, and any forced cohabitation will quickly result in the death and consumption of one spider. They are intensely territorial of their web structures.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Omothymus schioedtei typically involves a delicate courtship process where the male drums on the ground to signal his presence to the female. Once the female accepts, the male carefully approaches to transfer sperm using his pedipalps. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing anywhere from fifty to several hundred eggs, depending on the species size. Incubation lasts for several weeks, during which the female fiercely guards the sac. Eventually, the spiderlings emerge and will soon disperse to begin their solitary lives.
- Venom level
- Moderately venomous
- It possesses highly potent, medically significant venom. A bite from this large species causes immediate, excruciating pain, severe muscle cramps, spasms, nausea, and systemic symptoms requiring potential medical attention. Safe, hands-off husbandry utilizing long tongs and careful enclosure design is an absolute necessity.
- Handling tolerance
- Display only
- Handling Omothymus schioedtei should generally be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the animal. Tarantulas are fragile creatures that can suffer fatal injuries from even a short fall. If manipulation is required for enclosure maintenance or rehousing, using a catch cup or the soft paintbrush method is highly recommended. Direct handling carries the risk of getting bitten or exposed to irritating urticating hairs. Prioritizing observation over interaction ensures the safety of both the keeper and the spider.
- Brumation
- Not required
- True brumation is not typically observed in Omothymus schioedtei, but they may experience a period of reduced activity during cooler winter months. During this time, they might retreat deeper into their burrows and significantly decrease their food intake. It is important to avoid overfeeding and to carefully monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters. Keepers should refrain from disturbing the spider to allow it to rest naturally. Normal activity and appetite will usually resume once ambient temperatures begin to rise again in the spring.
- Molting
- Periodic
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Omothymus schioedtei as it allows them to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Prior to a molt, the tarantula will often refuse food, become lethargic, and develop a dark patch on its abdomen. When the time comes, they will construct a molting mat of silk and flip onto their backs to begin extracting themselves from their old exoskeleton. Under no circumstances should they be disturbed or fed during this exhausting process. After molting, they need several days to weeks to fully harden their new fangs and body before they can eat again.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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