Cyriocosmus elegans Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re turning the spotlight on a tiny powerhouse — Cyriocosmus elegans, better known as the Trinidad Dwarf Tiger Tarantula. Despite its diminutive size, this species brings bold coloration, energetic behavior, and strong burrowing instincts. Perfect for keepers who love micros with personality.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Cyriocosmus elegans
Common name: Trinidad Dwarf Tiger, Valentine Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / fossorial (ground‑dweller)
Native to: Trinidad, Venezuela (tropical forest floor)
Adult size: ~2″ diagonal leg span
Temperament: Fast-moving, tends to retreat rather than confront, uses urticating hairs
Lifespan: Females up to ~7 years, males ~2 years
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate (small size but active behavior)
Fun Fact:
The “tiger” in its name comes from the bold black and bronze striping on its abdomen, and many keepers also call it the “Valentine” tarantula because of its heart-shaped abdominal pattern.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, C. elegans burrows in soft, forest-floor soil under logs, leaves, and other ground debris.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ¾ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 72-78°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 70-80% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Mist lightly or top up the water dish rather than soaking the whole substrate — this balances moisture while keeping things breathable.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
• Spiderlings: Very active; often seen digging or exploring.
• Adults: More reclusive — will retreat quickly into burrows when disturbed.
• Handling: Not recommended — they’re fragile due to their tiny size, and even a short fall can be dangerous.
Observation tip:
Look for webbing near the substrate surface or around decor — this species often makes small silk-lined burrows or tunnels.
Common Challenges
Maintaining proper humidity without over‑wetting the enclosure
Providing deep enough substrate for burrow construction
Managing their speed and fragility — even small falls can be harmful
Ensuring a secure enclosure — tiny spiders + quick movement = escape risk
Final Thoughts
Cyriocosmus elegans (Trinidad Dwarf Tiger) is a delightful little tarantula — small in size, but big on personality. Its distinctive pattern, lively temperament, and active burrowing make it a favorite even in limited space. If kept in a moderately humid, secure, and thoughtfully designed enclosure, this tiny gem can thrive and bring joy for years to come.