SPECIES CARE GUIDE
Colombian Cesar Dwarf Tarantula
Thalerommata yukpa
ENVIRONMENT
Core care conditions
Use these ranges as a starting point and adjust for life stage, enclosure ventilation and observed behaviour.
HUSBANDRY OVERVIEW
At a glance
- Taxonomic group
- Arachnida
- Origin
- Colombia (Cesar Department)
- Lifestyle
- Terrestrial
- Adult size (diagonal leg span)
- 3-4cm
- Temperament
- Skittish
- Experience level
- Intermediate
- Visibility
- Mostly hidden
- Burrowing
- Heavy burrower
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Urticating hairs
- Yes
- Venom
- Mild
- Tarantula region
- New World
- Male lifespan
- 3-4 years
- Female lifespan
- 10-12 years
CARE NOTES
Keeping considerations
Originally hobby-known as Trichopelma sp. Colombia before formal description as Thalerommata yukpa in late 2024. Provide a secure starter burrow and reliable moisture gradient.
PRACTICAL HUSBANDRY
Day-to-day care
Diet & prey
Small live insects (e.g., flightless fruit flies for spiderlings, small pinhead crickets, or tiny roaches for juveniles and adults)
Feeding
Feed spiderlings and juveniles 2–3 times a week; feed adults once a week. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.
Enclosure
Small terrestrial enclosure or secure dwarf hatchling container (wider than tall)
Substrate
2–3+ inches of moisture-retaining organic peat moss or coconut coir mix
Ventilation
Good cross-ventilation to prevent stale air and mold growth
Hydration & misting
Provide a tiny, shallow water dish (such as a bottle cap for small specimens) and lightly dampen a corner of the substrate to maintain a moisture gradient
Handling
Not recommended for handling due to extreme speed and delicate, tiny size
Sex differences
Mature males feature tibial hooks and palpal bulbs; females are larger-bodied with longer lifespans
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Keeper notes
Incredibly fast and skittish; bolts instantly when startled and can easily escape due to tiny size
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the references
Care can vary by species, life stage and local conditions. Review multiple reputable sources before making husbandry decisions.
Last reviewed:
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