Chilobrachys huahini – Asian fawn tarantula
2 active listings · Spiders
- Category
- Spiders
- Origin
- Thailand — Southern Thailand (type locality area)
- Lifestyle
- Fossorial
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Venom potency
- Strong
About the species
Chilobrachys huahini is an Asian tarantula described by Schmidt and Huber in 1996. It is named after Hua Hin in Thailand, south of which the type specimen was collected. In the hobby it is known as the “Asian fawn tarantula” after its fawn-brown colouring. Adult females reach a leg span of about 12–14 cm. It burrows and at the same time builds extensive webs, and it is very fast and defensive. Like other Old World tarantulas it has no urticating hairs and defends itself by biting, and its venom is stronger than that of typical American species.
Care at a glance
Size
Females about 12–14 cm leg span
Enclosure type
Terrestrial with deep substrate and room to web
Substrate
12–15 cm, lower layer slightly moist
Furnishings
Cork, twigs as web anchors, water dish
Conditions
24–28°C, moderate humidity, ventilation
Characteristics
Very fast, defensive, heavy webber, potent venom
Current listings
Origin and distribution
Thailand — Southern Thailand (type locality area)
The species is endemic; its range is restricted to Southern Thailand (type locality area) within Thailand.
Appearance and size
Chilobrachys huahini has a fawn to light brown body, sometimes with a faint silvery sheen after a moult. The abdomen shows a darker mottled pattern. The colouring is subdued; the species stands out mainly for its webbing and behaviour.
Adult females reach a leg span of about 12–14 cm; males are slimmer. Like other Chilobrachys it can produce a hissing sound (stridulation) by rubbing setae on its chelicerae and pedipalps.
Origin
The World Spider Catalog gives the range as Thailand. The type specimen, a female, was collected in 1993 south of Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Some sellers also list Malaysia, but the catalogue does not confirm this.
The genus Chilobrachys includes many similar species from Southeast Asia, and names are often mixed up in the trade. Ask about the origin of the line when buying.
Enclosure and substrate
An adult female needs an enclosure with a floor of about 30 × 30 cm and 12–15 cm of substrate. The spider digs a burrow and runs an extensive web from its entrance over cork, twigs and walls. Within a few weeks much of the enclosure may be covered in silk.
The enclosure must be escape-proof with fine ventilation holes. Open it away from the burrow entrance.
Temperature and humidity
The ideal temperature is 24–28°C. Lower substrate layers should be slightly moist while the surface may dry out. The web helps the spider keep moisture in the burrow.
A permanent water dish is recommended, although it will soon be webbed over. Avoid a steamy enclosure without ventilation.
Feeding and growth
The spider grabs prey when it touches the web. Juveniles eat small crickets or roaches every 3–5 days, adults every 7–10 days. Remove leftovers woven into the web with long tongs.
Growth is fast. Males usually mature after about 1–1.5 years; females later, living well over ten years.
Behaviour and safety
Chilobrachys huahini is very fast and nervous. When disturbed it flees into its burrow, but it may also rear up, hiss and bite. Bites from Asian tarantulas can cause strong pain and systemic symptoms.
Work with long tongs, with the room door closed and a catch cup ready. Never handle this spider.
Good to know
Chilobrachys huahini has no urticating hairs, but it is very fast and defensive, and its bite can cause strong pain and systemic symptoms. Contact a doctor in case of a strong reaction; this page is not medical advice. The species is not listed in the CITES appendices; obligations may depend on the country and the transaction, and this information is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the name Chilobrachys huahini come from?
From Hua Hin in Thailand; the type specimen was collected south of the town.
Is Chilobrachys huahini suitable for beginners?
No. It is very fast, defensive and has stronger venom than typical American tarantulas. It is a species for experienced keepers.
Why does my tarantula hiss?
Chilobrachys can make a sound by rubbing setae on their chelicerae and pedipalps. It is a warning before defending.
What enclosure does Chilobrachys huahini need?
About 30 × 30 cm for an adult female, with 12–15 cm of substrate, web anchors and a secure lid.
Does it have urticating hairs?
No. Like other Old World tarantulas it defends itself with speed and biting.
Similar species
Written by the Terra Market team ·