Tapinauchenius rasti (Caribbean diamond)

Tapinauchenius rasti – Caribbean diamond tarantula

Origin: Dominica (Caribbean)

Size: 4–5 in. (10–13 cm) leg span

Lifespan: Females - 12 to 16 years / Males - 3 to 4 years

Lifestyle: Arboreal, makes silken retreats in cork bark or tree hollows

Appearance: Velvety black to dark brown with a faint purple/bronze sheen. Slender legs and sleek body. Juveniles lighter, darken with age.

Temperament & Behavior: Extremely fast and skittish, but not aggressive.

No urticating hairs – relies on speed as defense.

Care & Habitat:

Enclosure: Tall, well-ventilated arboreal setup with cork bark and climbing space.

Substrate: Moist but not wet; provide anchor points for webbing.

Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

Humidity: 70–80% with good airflow.

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other appropriately sized insects.