Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell.

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• Latter part of its name is derived from the location where it is believed to originate: Kaeng Krachan National Park in Thailand
• Adult female Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' are a uniform jet black with a gorgeous velvet sheen
• This species builds extensive, silk lined burrows

Name: Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' is commonly the Dark Earth Tiger Tarantula. This species has not been formally taxonified. It gets the name 'Kaeng Krachan' from a discovery made in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand's largest national park, in 2013. The name Chilobrachys is derived from Greek. Chilo- refers to the lips or the edge of something, and -brachys means 'short'. It's a descriptive term referring to the tarantula's relatively short and thick legs, which is a characteristic feature of the genus.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. We recommend against allowing your fossorial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1 inch. Females can grow to be up to 7 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 4 to 6 years in males, and 12 - 15 years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 6-10 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3-6 - 1/4 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As spiderlings, this species is a light sandy brown. By the time females mature, they are a uniform jet black with a gorgeous velvet sheen.

Social Behavior: Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species spends a lot of time in extensively silk-lined burrows.

Natural Range: Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' is found naturally in the wild in Thailand, specifically Kaeng Krachan National Park and surrounding areas.

History in the Hobby: Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' has been in the hobby for around a decade.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if Chilobrachys sp. 'Kaeng Krachan' from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!