Davus pentaloris (Guatemalan Tiger Rump)

The Guatemalan Tiger Rump Tarantula (Davus pentaloris) is a visually striking New World terrestrial species found in southern Mexico and Guatemala. It's easily recognized by its vivid orange or reddish-brown coloration accented with bold black striping, giving it a tiger-like appearance. Known for its relatively fast growth—often gaining nearly an inch annually—this species is classified as a "dwarf tarantula." Fully grown adults typically have a diagonal leg span ranging from 4 to 4.75 inches (10 to 12 cm).

For housing, a terrestrial setup about two to three times the spider’s leg span is ideal, with adults doing well in enclosures around 2–5 gallons. Provide a substrate layer of three to four inches made of packed coco fiber, topsoil, or a mix to support digging. A hide, such as a cork bark tube or half plant pot, should be included, though the spider will often web it to its liking. Adding anchor points like twigs, cork bark, or artificial plants encourages webbing and makes the enclosure more natural. Good ventilation is essential, and the enclosure should be kept shallow to minimize the risk of fall injuries.

The Davus pentaloris, also known as the Guatemalan Tiger Rump, thrives in an enclosure kept between 70°F and 85°F, with a warm side around 75-80°F and a cooler side near 70°F. It prefers humidity levels of 60% to 85%, ideally 75-85%, which you can maintain with light misting on the walls. Remember to let the substrate dry between mistings to avoid mold!