Description
Scientific Name: Cyriocosmus ritae
Common names: Peruvian Black & White
This is a super-cute and colourful dwarf tarantula species from the Cyriocosmus genus. They have all the fantastic coloration of the other Cyriocosmus species and even more with their black and white leg patterning.
Starting out as extremely tiny spiderlings measuring 3 or 4mm, they grow quite quickly if fed well and each maturity in 2 to 3 years. They are opportunistic burrowers and will make good use of deeper substrate to construct burrows and shelters that suit them. If you do provide less substrate, then make sure to offer them driftwood branches and other structure they can use to build webbed lairs.
Keep in mind that these are extremely tiny as slings and you will need access to tiny feeders like flightless fruit flies and pinhead crickets (which may even need to be pre-killed) so that your tiny Peruvian Black and White slings can feed. Springtails may even work if you have nothing else available. They are fantastic eaters and we’ve witnessed this species tackling prey like a wrestler, they really have a stout attitude for their size.
In general they are a pleasure to own and watch and are quite docile. A wonderful addition to your collection especially if you are a fan of dwarf tarantulas.