Pterinochilus murinus RCF
Price range: £7.00 through £30.00
Likes to turn the enclosure into a construction site, then sulks behind silk walls whenever you need to check on it.
| Weight | 10 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3 × 3 × 5 cm |
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Pterinochilus murinus RCF is a seasoned favourite for those who appreciate sharp colour and sharper attitude. Native to East Africa, these terrestrial tarantulas are infamous for their relentless webbing and industrious burrowing, often transforming a plain enclosure into a silk-laden subterranean labyrinth. You’ll soon discover the decorative plant you added is merely fuel for their ongoing construction project.
Adult females reach an impressive 12–15 cm diagonal leg span and are as robust in build as they are in personality. Males run a bit slimmer and, as is hobby tradition, don’t linger long after maturity. Growth is reassuringly brisk if you’re generous with warmth and well-timed crickets—room temperature will suffice, so long as you don’t let things drift much below 19°C. Good airflow is key; forget heat mats and resist soggy substrate, as this species favours dry, well-ventilated conditions with a modest water dish for the occasional sip (or cricket drowning).
Not famed for sociability, P. murinus RCF is markedly defensive and surprisingly quick. Expect spectacular threat displays and the occasional flash of orange as they dash to safety or investigate new meals. They’re best admired from a respectful distance—handling is, frankly, best left off the care sheet entirely. Despite their reputation, they’re hardy, rarely fussy and can live well beyond a decade with proper care (if female).
Enclosures should prioritise security, depth of substrate (they’re compulsive diggers), and multiple anchor points for webbing. Minimal furnishing prevents cricket-induced chaos during feedings. Feeding is straightforward: juveniles eat often, adults slow down—just don’t leave leftovers festering in their architectural web work. Overall, this species is an ongoing spectacle for the hobbyist who enjoys nearly arboreal swathes of web, flashes of bold colour, and a tarantula that has absolutely no intention of sitting on your hand.
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Species care guide
Pterinochilus murinus RCF
Adult Size
12–15 cm leg span
Temperature
22–27°C
Humidity
50–60% RH
Temperament
If you like your spiders opinionated, OBTs are the pick for you! Notoriously defensive, they’ll readily show off a threat pose or dart for cover at the first sign of disturbance. They're quick – we're talking ‘across the enclosure before you’ve blinked’ quick – and will happily burrow or barricade themselves in elaborate webs. They’re not aggressive for no reason, just firmly not in the market for friends. Hobbyists enjoy watching their bossy personality and industrious home improvements from a safe distance.
Defence
Let’s be clear: this species is all about attitude. P. murinus RCF lacks urticating hairs, but more than makes up for it with a world-class threat pose, aggressive drumming, and the occasional short, sharp dash. Their venom is potent and not something to trifle with—bites, though rare if you’re careful, are to be avoided. Always respect their space during maintenance, and have secure, escape-proof enclosures. In short: look but absolutely do not touch.
Visibility
For a notorious recluse, OBTs are surprisingly good at popping out at the most inconvenient times. You may go days without seeing more than a flash of orange, but come mealtime (or at night), they’re often right out on show, inspecting their domain or fixing the thread count on their web. Their elaborate webbing adds year-round visual interest, and the bold colouration is always a delight when they do emerge for the odd sprint or dramatic pose.
Experience Level
If you’re a newer keeper who loves the look but wobbles at the thought of speed and attitude, best wait until you’re more comfortable with rehouses and speedy spiders. For intermediate to advanced hobbyists who respect boundaries and love watching bold behaviours, they’re perfect. Not recommended for beginners, as their temperament, speed, and venom can quickly overwhelm novices.
Webbing
P. murinus is a master weaver. Expect a swirling labyrinth of silk tunnels, curtains, hammocks, and the odd sandcastle made of substrate and web. Their enclosures become interactive art pieces, continuously altered to suit the spider’s current whim. Webbing is both a defence mechanism and a highway system; they’ll strengthen walls, booby-trap entrances, and occasionally suspend prey from silk like a DIY horror movie scene. Providing plenty of anchor points makes for more dramatic displays.
Feeding
Juvenile and adult P. murinus RCF are not picky eaters and will snatch up most appropriately sized live prey – crickets, locusts, dubia roaches or mealworms are all on the menu. Slings do well on appropriately tiny crickets or fruit flies. Feeding slings 2–3 times a week and juveniles twice a week is a safe bet; adults need only once every 7–14 days. Obesity isn’t a worry for this species, but overfeeding can spoil substrate and attract pests. Always remove uneaten prey after 24 hours (especially if your spider’s feeling antisocial and hidden away). With a legendary feeding response, expect lightning-fast pounces and the odd magic trick as food vanishes into the web.
Enclosure Recommendations
A secure, escape-proof enclosure is non-negotiable—a 30x30x30cm terrarium works well for most adults, giving space for deep substrate (8–12cm), a starter burrow or cork bark hide, and ample room to web. Plastic or glass is fine so long as ventilation is excellent; cross and top vents keep things fresh. Keep furnishings minimal to avoid tripping hazards during feeding or cleaning (OBTs are not sentimental). Use a sandy, well-draining substrate and anchor points like twigs or cork bark for webbing. Always include a sturdy water dish, checked regularly. Consider a catch cup ready for maintenance—they can be unpredictable!
Final Thoughts
Pterinochilus murinus RCF is not just a tarantula; it’s a lifestyle. Their vibrant colour, architectural webbing and larger-than-life personalities make them a centrepiece for any collection—just don’t expect them to ever want a cuddle. Despite their attitude, they’re hardy, fascinating, and low-maintenance if you know what you’re doing. They thrive with minimal fuss but absolute respect for their space. Come for the colour, stay for the spectacle, but make sure you’ve got your wits (and your catch cup) about you. A ‘hands-off’ showstopper that’s not for the faint-hearted, but endlessly rewarding for those up to the challenge.
Species-specific FAQs are not available yet.
Shipping & Live Arrival (DOA) Policy
At The Spoodoire, the safety and wellbeing of our tarantulas always comes first. Every spider is packed with care using secure containers, insulation when needed, and appropriate ventilation to help ensure safe travel.
Shipping Information
- We currently ship within the UK only.
- Live animals are shipped using approved next-day delivery services where possible.
- Orders are usually dispatched Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.
- We may delay shipping during periods of extreme hot or cold weather for animal welfare reasons.
- Customers will receive tracking details once their order has been dispatched.
Please ensure somebody is available to receive the parcel on the first delivery attempt.
Live Arrival Guarantee (DOA Policy)
We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee on all tarantulas provided the following conditions are met:
To qualify for a DOA claim:
- The parcel must be accepted on the first delivery attempt.
- We must be contacted within 1 hour of delivery confirmation.
- Clear photographs/videos of the unopened container and specimen must be provided.
- The tarantula must remain in its original packaging until reviewed.
If a DOA is confirmed, we will offer either:
- A replacement specimen (where available), or
- Store credit equal to the value of the animal.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Situations not covered by the guarantee
The Live Arrival Guarantee does not cover:
- Incorrect shipping information provided by the customer
- Delayed collection or missed deliveries
- Parcels redirected or left in unsafe locations
- Issues caused by extreme weather after delivery
- Stress-related behaviour, moulting, or temporary lethargy following transit
- Unsuitable temperatures.
Please allow your tarantula time to settle after arrival. Many spiders may remain motionless or defensive immediately after shipping, which is completely normal.
Weather Delays
We reserve the right to postpone shipping if temperatures are considered unsafe for transport. We would rather delay a parcel than risk the health of the animal.
Questions?
If you have any concerns about your order, packaging, or new eight-legged roommate, feel free to contact us and we’ll always do our best to help.
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