Davus pentaloris Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination! Today we’re shining the spotlight on a little tiger-striped dynamo Davus pentaloris, better known as the Guatemalan Tiger Rump Tarantula. With bold patterning, energetic behavior, and compact size, this species brings a ton of character into the hobby
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Davus pentaloris
Common name: Guatemalan Tiger Rump Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / opportunistic burrower
Native to: Southern Mexico & Guatemala
Adult size: ~3.5–4.5″ diagonal leg span (dwarf/compact compared to larger species)
Temperament: Generally docile but quite skittish, quick to bolt, may flick urticating hairs if startled
Lifespan: Females ~11+ years, males ~2.5–4 years (depending on conditions)
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate (great for keepers comfortable with quick little species)
Fun Fact: Those striking orange/black “tiger-runt” markings aren’t just for show — this tarantula loves to web, burrow, and decorate its home like a tiny architect in stripes!
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, Davus pentaloris lives in warm forest-floor habitats with leaf litter and soft soil, where it will dig shallow retreats or adopt existing hides.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Small acrylic or plastic box, ~3× leg span width
• For juveniles: Medium enclosure, ~3–4× leg span width
• For adults: Larger terrestrial box, width 3–5× leg span — but keep height modest to avoid dangerous falls
• Orientation: Wider than tall — favor horizontal expansion
• Security: Tight-fitting lid, good ventilation, no escape gaps
Substrate
Use about ⅓ to ½ 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 75–85°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 60-70% Lightly moisten one corner of the substrate. Don’t overdo it!
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep the bottom layer slightly damp and the top layer dry it mimics how they’d burrow into cooler, moist soil in the wild.
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
This species is compact but lively. It’s not usually aggressive, but it’s quick and reactive.
• Spiderlings: Very skittish, fast to retreat, likely to dig or hide rapidly
• Adults: More settled but still very active; will web out, explore, and hide
• Handling: Not recommended; its small size and speed make handling riskier than larger, slower species
Observation tip:
If you notice increased webbing or blocked hides, it often signals an upcoming molt. Give your spider privacy and avoid disturbing it during that time.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
The Guatemalan Tiger Rump is a striped, spirited, and delightful little tarantula — perfect for keepers who enjoy watching active behavior rather than handling. With its compact size and bold patterning, it makes a visually striking display specimen. Give it a comfortable home, proper substrate, and good feeding routine, and it’ll thrive and entertain for years.