
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cyriopagopus longipes
A long-legged earth tiger tarantula from mainland Southeast Asia. Formerly placed in Haplopelma, it is a burrowing species with a defensive temperament.
Cyriopagopus longipes (von Wirth & Striffler, 2005) is a tarantula of the family Theraphosidae, described in 2005 as Haplopelma longipes; the name means 'long legs'. In English it is called the Vietnam earth tiger tarantula. GBIF holds records from Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and it has been photographed in Cambodia. In Japan a form called 'Blue' from Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand, is also traded. The toxins Cl6a and Cl6b, which inhibit the pain-related sodium channel Nav1.7, were isolated from its venom and are used in research. Care information for the congener C. lividus describes these earth tigers as obligate burrowers kept at 20-26 C, highly defensive and quick to bite, with bites causing intense local pain, swelling and muscle cramping. It is an Old World tarantula best left to experienced keepers. In Japan specialist shops offer animals such as wild-caught stock from Thailand.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Primary sources giving its size or lifespan are scarce.
Origin
Mainland Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and nearby)
Lifespan
Little data
Size
Little data
Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
It is not a designated invasive species, an uncategorised alien species or a taxon needing an identification certificate in Japan, and it is not listed by CITES (September 2026). It is a non-native tarantula, so keep it in escape-proof housing and never release captive animals.
Sources: Ministry of the Environment: List of regulated alien species, including taxa needing an identification certificate (JA) / Species+ CITES query (not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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It is an obligate burrower, so fill between half and three-quarters of the enclosure with substrate, and add twigs or bark to anchor silk at the burrow entrance. Keep singly.
Species data are scarce. Care information for the congener C. lividus gives 20-26 C and moderate to high humidity, with damp but not waterlogged lower substrate.
Live prey such as crickets and roaches sized to the spider. If it stays in its burrow, place prey near the entrance.
Earth tigers in this genus are highly defensive and quick to bite, and bites cause intense local pain, swelling and muscle cramping. Never handle it; use long tongs for maintenance.
It can bolt from its burrow during maintenance, so use a lockable container. It is also sold under the old name Haplopelma longipes, so check the name, and never release captive animals.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
Vietnam earth tiger tarantula feeds on: Carnivorous (live insects such as crickets and roaches). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Vietnam earth tiger tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026