Thrixopelma pruriens (Peruvian Green Velvet Tarantula) 0.5"

Thrixopelma pruriens (Peruvian Green Velvet Tarantula)

This awesome species offers a very unique coloration, with a metallic olive-green velvety body and legs that genuinely shimmer in the right light. Native to the arid regions of Peru and Chile, this species is an opportunistic burrower that also builds retreats using light webbing, especially when given cork bark or similar cover. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale, though be ready for a quick flick of urticating hairs if it feels disturbed.

Why do hobbyists keep Thrixopelma pruriens?

• Stunning Coloration: A metallic olive-green velvety body and legs with a genuine shimmer, one of the more vibrant Thrixopelma species.
• Fast Grower: Grows at a solid, medium pace with regular feeding.
• Great Display Species: An opportunistic burrower that tends to stay out in the open more than in its hide once it reaches a few inches.

How should Thrixopelma pruriens be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches about 4 to 5 inches at full leg span.
• Enclosure: Provide a roomy terrestrial setup with a few inches of soft substrate for digging, along with cork bark or similar cover to encourage retreat building.
• Temperature: Keep between 70 to 82 degrees F.
• Humidity: 60-75%. This species tolerates lower humidity reasonably well, but a water dish should always be available.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, or mealworms sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). If prey is too large, pre-kill it and remove any leftovers the next day. Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Docile but a ready hair-kicker, quick to flick urticating hairs with minimal provocation rather than bite.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Occasional Fasting: This species can sometimes go extended periods without eating, which is generally normal behavior rather than a health concern.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thrixopelma pruriens good for beginners?
Yes. The Thrixopelma pruriens is a terrestrial New World species with a calm disposition, simple care needs, and no medically significant venom. It tolerates a basic dry setup with a water dish and thrives in standard humidity. 

How big does a Thrixopelma pruriens get?
Females reach about 5 to 6 inches in leg span. Males stay smaller and more slender, usually topping out near 4 to 5 inches. Growth rate is moderate.

What is the common name for Thrixopelma pruriens?
The Peruvian Green Velvet tarantula. The name comes from the olive-green sheen on the carapace and legs, which appears most strongly right after a molt and fades as the spider enters premolt. 

What is the Thrixopelma pruriens’ temperament?
Docile and skittish. The Peruvian Green Velvet tarantula would rather retreat than threat-pose, and it kicks urticating hairs less readily than many New World terrestrials.

What is the lifespan of a Peruvian green velvet tarantula?
Females live roughly 12 to 15 years in captivity. Males live far shorter, usually 3 to 5 years total, since they stop molting after maturing and die within a year or so of their final molt.