Skip to product information
Cyriocosmus ritae — Peruvian Dwarf Tarantula
The coolest dwarf species in existence?
**Cyriocosmus ritae** is a petite, beautifully patterned dwarf species from Peru. Subtle metallic tones, a crisp abdominal heart patch, and surprisingly bold behavior make this one of the most charming tiny tarantulas you can add to a collection.
| Special Notices | |
|---|---|
| Dwarf species are small and quick—use secure enclosures with very fine ventilation. For care, feeding, and setup videos, visit my YouTube channel: UrbanTarantulas. | |
| Care Details | |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 75–85°F (24–29°C) |
| 💧 Humidity | ~75% with a slightly moist lower layer |
| Housing | |
| 🏠 Babies | Tall vial up to 5" × 2" with fine ventilation. FREE vial at checkout IF requested. Provide deep substrate for burrowing. |
| 🏠 Juveniles | Small terrestrial container with a few inches of substrate; they web heavily and create tight burrows. |
| 🏠 Adults | Compact enclosure with 3–4" substrate and good ventilation. Furnish minimally—this species prefers its own tunnels. |
| General Diet | |
| 🍽️ Crickets + roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster, Madagascar Hissing). Babies: baby crickets/roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill and leave; remove leftovers. We never use pinhead crickets—too little protein. Adults eat eagerly but require smaller feeders due to their tiny size. | |
| In-depth Facts | |
| 🕷️ Latin name | Cyriocosmus ritae |
| 📛 Common name(s) | Peruvian Black and White Dwarf Tarantula (unofficial common name) |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 75–85°F (24–29°C) |
| 💧 Humidity | ~75% |
| 📍 Locale | Peru |
| 🏷️ Category | Terrestrial–fossorial dwarf; heavy webber; shy but bold when feeding |
| 📏 Size | Females ~2.5–3" DLS; males slightly smaller |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs | New World—rarely kicks; very mild disposition for a dwarf. |
| ⏳ Growth rate | Moderate–fast for a dwarf species |
| 🧭 Life span | Females ~8–10 years; males ~3 years |
| 🍽️ Feeding | Enthusiastic micro-feeder; bold at the burrow entrance |
| 🎯 Recommended levels | Beginner-friendly for those comfortable with tiny species |
| Follow me on social media | |
| 🎁 Follow me on social media and receive an additional freebie* *Email me after you follow to let me know you’re a follower so I can include it. |
|
| Safety Disclaimer | |
| Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom. It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones. Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week. Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula. | |