Ephebopus murinus(Skeleton Tarantula)Mature Females

💀 Skeleton Tarantula – Ephebopus murinus 💀

One of the most visually striking tarantulas in the hobby, the Skeleton Tarantula is instantly recognizable by its jet-black body and bone-white striping across the legs. Native to the rainforests of South America, this fossorial species is prized for its dramatic appearance and unique defensive behavior.

✨ Key Characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Ephebopus murinus

• Common Name: Skeleton Tarantula

• Appearance: Deep black coloration with high-contrast white or pale yellow “bone-like” stripes on the legs

• Size: Medium-sized; adult leg span approximately 4.5–5 inches (11–13 cm)

• Habitat: Rainforests of Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana

• Lifestyle: Fossorial and terrestrial; spends most of its time in deep, silk-lined burrows

⚠️ Temperament & Defense:

• Defensive and feisty; best suited for experienced keepers

• Unique among New World tarantulas for using urticating hairs from its pedipalps, flicked forward rather than from the abdomen

• Prefers retreating to its burrow over biting

• Handling strongly discouraged

🕳️ Captive Care Requirements:

• Enclosure with deep substrate to encourage burrowing and webbing

• High humidity (~80%) with good ventilation

• Temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s °F

• Feeds readily on insects such as crickets and roaches