Omothymus schioedtei

Omothymus schioedtei, or the Malaysian Earth Tiger, hails from the lush rainforests of Malaysia, especially on the Malay Peninsula and occasionally up toward southern Thailand. These gorgeous spiders make their homes among tall trees, thriving in the humid and warm lowland forests. In the wild, they’re found tucked away in tree hollows, behind loose bark, or within natural crevices, rarely venturing to the forest floor. Their natural habitat is warm (but not roasting), very humid, and shaded beneath thick leafy canopies. Afternoon downpours are the norm, and humidity stays high year-round, so these tarantulas are well-adapted to damp environments. Bring a brolly!

Females of O. schioedtei can reach an impressive 18 to 22 cm diagonal leg span, making them one of the largest arboreal tarantulas available in the hobby. Males mature somewhat smaller—often a bit leggier and more delicate in build—but even then, they’re hardly what you’d call dainty. Juveniles grow quickly but can appear spindly until they put on some adult size, so don’t panic if your young spider looks mostly 'knees' at first. Given space and time, they transform into true giants of the canopy.

This is a truly arboreal species, meaning it’s happiest off the ground, making elaborate silk retreats in vertical enclosures. In captivity, O. schioedtei will seek out whatever nooks or crannies you offer up high – cork bark tubes are much preferred, but in a pinch, they’ll improvise. Don’t expect it to pop down for a stroll on the substrate; it’s a spider of the heights and will web up its arboreal hide like a silk decorator gone wild. Upward mobility, skyscraper-style, is the order of the day.

Female O. schioedtei are the long-haul ladies of the species, commonly living 12–15 years (and sometimes more, if well cared for). Males, in contrast, live fast and die young—typically maturing in 3–5 years and rarely making it past a year or two after their final moult. As always, give your spider the best shot at a full, healthy life by keeping it properly housed, well-fed, and undisturbed in its retreat when possible.

Growth rate for O. schioedtei is best described as moderately quick, especially when compared to many other Asian arboreals. Slings and juveniles plough through molts faster with good feeding and slightly warmer temperatures. That said, they’re not exactly speed demons—the transformation from spindly spiderling to emerald green behemoth takes several years, but it’s well worth the wait. Diet, temperature, and overall husbandry play a role, so power-feeding and keeping them warm (within reason) will see you rewarded with a large adult sooner.

O. schioedtei are best described as regal and reclusive, with a side order of speed. They rarely display outright aggression but are extremely fast and skittish—think ‘ninja in green pyjamas’. Most spend their days (and nights) hidden in their silk palaces, venturing out only when absolutely necessary. If disturbed, they’ll make a break for it at Usain Bolt speeds. Threat postures are infrequent but impressive, as is their prowess at vanishing in a puff of silk if given half the chance. Respect their space and you’ll be rewarded with a stress-free cohabitation.

Aim for a cosy 23–27°C as your target temperature for O. schioedtei, mimicking their tropical rainforest home. A day or two at 21°C won’t bring the spider police calling, but avoid sustained drops below this. Likewise, don’t turn your enclosure into a sauna—overheating is far more problematic than the odd cooler spell. During winter in the UK, a thermostatically controlled heat mat or ceramic bulb can help keep things toasty (just don’t go sticking mats underneath glass!). Monitor regularly—if it feels like a mild spring day by British standards, you’re probably spot on.

This species loves its humidity, so aim for around 70–80% relative humidity. Achieve this by keeping part of the substrate slightly moist, misting the enclosure a couple of times a week (never soak it!), and always providing a clean water dish. Ventilation, however, is equally crucial: too little and you’ll invite mould and grumpiness; too much and humidity tanks. A balance of cross-ventilation—vents high and low—and occasional misting is ideal. If your enclosure fogs up for days or the substrate starts resembling a swamp, you’ve gone a touch too heavy on the ‘rainforest’ theme.

If you’re after a show spider, Omothymus schioedtei is a bit of an enigma. Much of its time is spent hidden deep within the safety of silk-lined retreats (wouldn’t we all, given the chance?). However, patient keepers are sometimes rewarded with glimpses of that iconic metallic green as the spider comes out during dusk or after a good meal. Careful enclosure design—think vertical hides and subtle lighting—can boost your odds of a sighting. While not the boldest display tarantula, seeing one in full glory is always a treat.

O. schioedtei is a prolific web artist, creating elaborate silken retreats in and around its chosen hide, particularly at the top of the enclosure. Webbing is extensive and functional, used to block off exits, anchor itself to walls, and sense the movement of prey (and, let’s be honest, clumsy keepers). Don’t be surprised if your enclosure soon resembles a haunted treehouse. Webbing provides the spider with a sense of security, so robust web-work is a sign your spider is content and well-adjusted. Enjoy watching its interior design skills develop over time!

Juvenile and adult O. schioedtei accept a wide variety of invertebrate prey—crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and the odd waxworm are all gladly received. Slings should be offered pre-killed pinhead crickets or small roach nymphs twice a week, increasing prey size and reducing frequency as they grow. Juveniles and adults can be fed every 7–10 days, but skip feeding during the lead-up to a moult (they’ll snub your cricket anyway). This is a species with a healthy appetite—watch for a rapid feeding response that’ll make you jump! Avoid overfeeding, as arboreal tarantulas can get chunky if you're not careful, and always remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury during moulting.

Think tall, not wide. O. schioedtei needs a vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of height (30–45 cm for adults is good) and lots of secure climbing space. Use a 15–20 cm deep substrate of coco fibre or peat mix to maintain moisture, and provide a big piece of cork bark that reaches nearly to the top as a hide—bonus points if you wedge it into a corner. Add artificial plants for extra climbing textures and a water dish big enough to keep humidity up. Cross-ventilation is essential to strike the balance between fresh air and humidity. Cover part of the substrate to hold moisture and avoid overmisting to prevent stagnation. These spiders appreciate some privacy, so make sure the main hide entrance is partially shielded from bright lights and inquisitive eyes.

Best suited for keepers of intermediate to advanced experience, O. schioedtei’s combination of speed, reclusiveness, and potential defensiveness means it’s not a starter spider. That said, with patience and respect, even a confident intermediate keeper can thrive with this species, especially if they understand the 'look, don’t touch' tarantula philosophy. It’s a crown jewel for those ready for one of the hobby’s great arboreals—just don’t expect cuddles.

Omothymus schioedtei is one of those 'bucket list' tarantulas—a commanding presence in any collection, provided you appreciate them on their terms. Their metallic green colouration and impressive size are a sight to behold, but they reward patience and respect rather than hands-on interaction. They’re not for the faint-hearted or those new to arboreals, but for intermediate to advanced keepers, they offer a fascinating blend of speed, webbing artistry, and shy beauty. Set them up properly, admire their elusive elegance, and you’ll have a rainforest jewel gracing your shelf for many years. Just don’t be offended if it only emerges at 2am for a snack.