Cyriocosmus ritae
-Peruvian Black & White

Adult Size: 4 to 5.5cm

Type: New Word, Opportunistic Burrower, Webber

Growth Rate: Medium/Fast

Temperament: Docile and Calm

Lifespan: Females (7 to 10 years) | Males (2 to 3 years)

Origin: Brazil

Recommended Climate: 26-28°C (Summer), 22-24°C (Winter)

Recommended Humidity: 60-80%

Basic Enclosure Requirements: Fossorial setup with at least 4 x the size of the spider in horizontal space, 10cm to 15cm or more of substrate for adults and 3cm to 5cm for slings to allow for burrowing with the customary shelter and a water dish.

Photo Credit: L.R. Tarantulas and more

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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.