Tapinauchenius violaceus

Tapinauchenius violaceus hails from the lush rainforests of northern South America, chiefly French Guiana and surrounding regions. In their wild habitat, they make full use of the dense foliage, tree trunks and all the nooks and crannies that a good jungle provides. The climate is typically hot and muggy—think constant sauna with the odd torrential downpour thrown in for a laugh. These woods are teeming with life, so our violet friend knows how to stake out a comfy vertical hideaway to avoid hungry neighbours and make the most of the warm, humid air.

Adult Tapinauchenius violaceus typically reach around 12 to 15 cm in diagonal leg span, making them a fairly moderate-sized arboreal tarantula. Females tend to be more robust and may tip the size scales slightly over the males, who are a bit leggier and lighter in build. As spiderlings, they may be a bit dainty, but don’t be fooled—they fill out impressively as they mature.

This species is the definition of arboreal—meaning they prefer life off the ground, usually snug within a hollow or crevice in a tree. In captivity, T. violaceus loves to use vertical space, webbing itself elaborate silken retreats among cork bark and artificial foliage. Expect a display of agility and the odd vanishing act, as they zip from hide to hide faster than you can say 'where'd you go?' A well-furnished vertical setup lets them show off their true personality.

Females of this species can live a respectable 12 to 15 years in captivity with proper care, so buckle in for a long-term commitment. Males, on the other hand, tend to play the role of flash-in-the-pan heart-throbs—reaching maturity fast and usually surviving only a year or so post-maturity. If longevity is your aim, a female is the best bet for a longer relationship!

T. violaceus is blessed with a zippy growth rate, racing past many of its arboreal cousins. With regular feeding and good conditions, slings and juveniles shed their skins and shoot up in size before you’ve had time to update their enclosure. Cooler temps or sparse feeding will slow them down, but they’re generally eager to grow and show off their famous colouration fast.

Tapinauchenius violaceus is renowned for being skittish rather than aggressive. If disturbed, they’re more likely to leg it at warp speed than stick around to square up. Inexperienced keepers might feel their hearts skip a beat at this species’ rapid dashes and hair-trigger movements, but as long as you respect their personal space, they’ll keep calm (and so will you). Don’t expect cuddles—these are display spiders, not lap pets!

The sweet spot for this tarantula is 22–26°C (about room temperature, if you like things a little tropical). They’re not overly fussy, but will appreciate being kept at the warmer end of that scale for optimal growth and activity. A gentle heat mat on the side of the enclosure can help if your spider room gets chilly, but do make sure you’re not cooking your spood—these spiders hate overheating even more than a British summer! As always, best to monitor with a thermometer inside the enclosure rather than guess where your thermostatic luck lies.

Aim for humidity around 70–80%, which matches their rainforest origins nicely. This isn’t the time to slack on misting or let the water dish go dry! A large, overflow-proof dish is a must, and a light mist on the enclosure walls every few days will keep things suitably steamy. However, proper ventilation is just as crucial for this species—stale, stagnant air will have your Tappie tossing its toys in protest (or worse). Strike the balance between moist substrate and fresh airflow—the secret to a happy violet beauty.

Depending on the individual, T. violaceus can be a bold little show-off or a secretive ninja. Juveniles are usually out and about, eager to show off those purple tones, especially at dusk or after a good feed. Mature specimens tend to retreat into their web homes but can still be spotted peeking out from their silken tunnels, waiting to pounce on prey. Give them a well-structured home, and you’ll be rewarded with some lovely display moments.

While not quite on the same level as Avicularia or Psalmopeus, T. violaceus is a competent webber. Expect attractive silken tubes draped among foliage, corners or cork bark, often used as daytime retreats. Juveniles and adults both enjoy reinforcing their territory and making ‘renovations’. Webbing activity ramps up after a feed—or if they’re feeling particularly artistic. A well-positioned hide gives them a good starting spot for showy silken tunnels.

T. violaceus will readily take down a range of appropriately sized feeders. Slings thrive on pre-killed or small prey such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, while juveniles and adults can tackle larger house crickets, dubia roaches and the occasional locust. Aim to feed slings twice a week, juveniles weekly and adults every 7–10 days. Watch for the classic pounce and rapid grab—these spiders aren’t shy at dinner time! Be cautious not to overfeed; a plump abdomen makes for a pretty spider, but obesity and moulting issues aren’t funny for anyone. Always remove uneaten prey after 24 hours, as leftover bugs can annoy or injure your spider, especially after a moult.

Opt for a vertically oriented terrarium or faunarium that’s escape-proof (your nerves will thank you). Provide ample ventilation—cross-ventilation is best to avoid stuffy, stagnant air. Use 5–8 cm of slightly moist substrate (coco fibre is great), but the real star should be the climbing decor: cork bark tubes, branches and plenty of plastic siliage or silk plants to anchor those webs. A water dish should always be included, positioned so it won’t get completely webbed over. Make life easy on yourself and your spider: plan your layout for easy maintenance, with enough hides so your Tappie feels safe. Always check all corners before opening the lid—they’re quick as lightning and can surprise even seasoned keepers!

While not the most demanding tarantula, T. violaceus is best suited to intermediate or advanced keepers due to their speed, reactivity and tendency to teleport at the slightest disturbance. Beginners may find routine maintenance a 'blink-and-you-miss-it' challenge. If you’re comfortable with fast arboreals and enjoy creating vertical enclosures, you’ll find this species both rewarding and entertaining—but perhaps not one for your very first spider.

Tapinauchenius violaceus is a cracking arboreal species for those looking to add a bit of drama and gorgeous violet shimmer to their collection. Fast growth, beautiful looks and a display attitude (at least sometimes) make them a perennial favourite with seasoned keepers—and the relative lack of hair-flinging is a rainy-day bonus. Those rapid movements and penchant for creative webbing keep things interesting, but you need your wits about you! For hobbyists ready to handle their speed (and not the spider itself!), T. violaceus offers a rewarding glimpse into rainforest life every time you open the enclosure.