Thrixopelma pruriens – Peruvian green velvet tarantula

The spider is dark brown to black with a subtle greenish, metallic sheen on the carapace and legs, best seen after a moult and in daylight. The setae are short and velvety, hence “velvet”. The species name “pruriens” means “itching” and refers to its urticating hairs.

Adult females reach a leg span of about 11–13 cm. Males are slimmer and carry tibial hooks after the final moult.

The species was described in 1998 as Thrixopelma pruriens. Its origin was long uncertain: older sources gave Chile, others Peru. Recent work revised the Chilean records, and the World Spider Catalog moved the species to Ewok and now lists Peru as its range.

Listings and the Terra Market catalogue use the name Thrixopelma pruriens. If you see Ewok pruriens, it is the same species.

An adult female needs an enclosure with a floor of about 30 × 25 cm. Use 6–10 cm of mostly dry substrate with one slightly moist corner. The spider uses a cork hide and sometimes digs beneath it.

Keep the gap between substrate and lid small. A hide, a water dish and a few decor items are enough.

The species handles 20–26°C and dry conditions well. A permanent water dish is enough as a moisture source. An overly humid, stuffy enclosure does not suit it.

Good ventilation matters more than misting. Keep a slightly moister patch of substrate for juveniles.

Juveniles eat small crickets or roaches every 5–7 days, adults every one to two weeks. Adult females sometimes refuse food for long periods, especially before a moult.

Growth is slow. Females mature after several years and are long-lived, often well over ten years.

Thrixopelma pruriens is usually calm and often sits in the open. When disturbed it is more likely to kick urticating hairs than to bite. The name “pruriens” is no accident: the hairs can itch noticeably after skin contact.

Do maintenance with tongs. Handling always risks a fall and contact with urticating hairs.