Cyriocosmus aueri (0.5 cm)

Appearance and Characteristics: Cyriocosmus aueri is one of the most sought-after species in the genus Cyriocosmus. It is a typical dwarf tarantula that reaches a small size, making it an excellent inhabitant of “Braplast”-type containers or small terrariums. Its coloration is strikingly contrasting—the carapace has a bright orange hue, and the dark abdomen features a distinctive, light-colored heart-shaped spot. The young spiders we offer are very energetic and have a huge appetite relative to their size. Behavior and Venom Despite its small size, C. aueri is a very active spider. Although it is a terrestrial species, it readily digs small burrows and lines the surrounding area with a dense web. It is a fast spider, but it usually chooses to flee rather than confront a threat. It has stinging hairs, but due to the spider’s size, removing them is not as troublesome as with its larger cousins. Its venom is weak, making this species safe even for less experienced keepers. Housing Conditions This species is native to the humid forests of Peru, so humidity levels should be maintained at approximately 75–80% in the enclosure. The substrate (e.g., coconut fiber or peat moss) should be kept slightly moist at all times, but not wet. A room temperature of 24–28°C is optimal. Due to the miniature size of the young, they should be fed small prey, such as cricket hatchlings or fruit flies.