Chinese Black Earth Tiger
The Chinese Black Earth Tiger is a large, burrowing tarantula found only on south-facing slopes of Hainan Island in China, prized for its striking dark brown to black coloration. Though it closely resembles related species in appearance, it carries a potent neurotoxin known as Hainantoxin, making it a highly venomous species recommended only for experienced keepers. As a fossorial spider, it digs deep burrows and spends much of its time hidden from view, rarely coming out into the open. Alert, fast-moving, and formidable in both looks and behavior, it offers a rewarding challenge for keepers who already have solid experience with Old World tarantulas.
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Apply as a breederChinese Black Earth Tiger key facts
- Care level
- Advanced
- Lifespan
- Females 16-20 years / males 3-5 years
- Size
- Body about 6cm (female), leg span about 20cm
- Temperature
- 20〜22℃
- Humidity
- 70〜80%
- Diet
- Large live insects such as crickets and roaches
- Temperature & Humidity
- Aim for 20-22C and 70-80% humidity, cooler than the Southeast Asian members of the genus.
- Enclosure
- It digs deep burrows, so use thick substrate in a tall top-opening enclosure. It lines the burrow with silk.
- Diet & Feeding
- Offer large crickets and roaches. It detects prey through silk alarm lines radiating from the burrow entrance.
- Temperament & Venom
- It has no urticating hairs. Its venom contains hainantoxins and is lethal to laboratory animals in small doses, so it must never be handled.
- Notes
- It looks much like C. schmidti and is hard to tell apart from trade names or photographs. It is also handled under the old name Haplopelma hainanum.
About Chinese Black Earth Tiger
A large burrowing tarantula found only on the steep, south-facing slopes of Hainan Island, China. It carries potent Hainantoxin venom and grows to a leg span of about 20cm, making it a species recommended for experienced keepers only.
7 things to know before welcoming a Chinese Black Earth Tiger
1A Highly Venomous Species
The Chinese Black Earth Tiger carries a potent neurotoxin called Hainantoxin, making it a genuinely dangerous species to keep. It requires solid experience and careful handling, and is not recommended for first-time tarantula owners.
2A Burrowing Species
In the wild, this species digs and lives in burrows underground. Providing a deep substrate layer in captivity lets it dig its own retreat and behave naturally.
3Fast and Defensive
True to its Old World heritage, this tarantula moves quickly and reacts sharply to disturbance. It may raise a defensive threat posture, so avoid sudden movements or getting too close.
4Avoid Handling
Given its potent venom and defensive temperament, handling this species with bare hands is not recommended. Use long tongs or similar tools during maintenance to avoid direct contact.
5Seek Care If Bitten
If a bite occurs, seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting to see how symptoms develop. It helps to know in advance where to go and who to contact in case of a bite.
6Grows Quite Large
Adults reach a leg span of about 20cm, making this a substantial-sized species. Plan for a roomy enclosure that accounts for its full leg span.
7Often Stays Hidden
Being a burrowing species, it spends much of its time hidden in its burrow or under cover. Keepers should expect a quiet, low-visibility pet rather than one that's frequently out and about.
Frequently asked questions about Chinese Black Earth Tiger
- Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?
- A.The Chinese Black Earth Tiger is considered an advanced-level species due to its potent venom and defensive temperament. It is not recommended for first-time tarantula keepers.
- Q.What happens if I get bitten?
- A.As a highly venomous species carrying Hainantoxin, a bite can cause significant symptoms, and reactions vary from person to person. If bitten, seek medical attention promptly rather than waiting to see how it develops.
- Q.Can I handle it with bare hands?
- A.Handling with bare hands is not recommended, given its potent venom and defensive nature. Use long tongs or similar tools during enclosure maintenance instead.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.Adult females reach a body length of about 6cm, with a leg span of roughly 20cm. It's one of the more substantial Old World tarantula species in terms of size.
- Q.Is this species covered by CITES?
- A.The Chinese Black Earth Tiger is not covered by CITES.
Learn more about Chinese Black Earth Tiger in the encyclopedia
View Chinese Black Earth Tiger encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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