Chinese Earth Tiger
Cyriopagopus schmidti
Cyriopagopus • Theraphosidae
Overview
**Chinese Earth Tiger** — One of the most commonly traded Asian tarantulas. Large, fast, and impressively defensive. Adults display golden-tan coloring with dark markings. One of several species sold as 'Chinese bird spider' in Asian markets.
⚠️ OLD WORLD SPECIES: No urticating hairs; fast and potent. Highly defensive and quick to bite. For experienced keepers only — not a beginner species regardless of its availability.
C. schmidti is a deep burrower requiring 6-8 inches of moist, compactable substrate. Keep the substrate consistently moist throughout; this is a humid-adapted species from subtropical Chinese forests. Mist regularly and always have a water dish available. A fast grower and voracious feeder. Burrow maintenance — removing shed skins, uneaten prey, etc. — requires careful technique due to the spider's speed and willingness to bite.
Husbandry Requirements
Temperature & Humidity
Temperature
75-85°F
Humidity
70-80%
Enclosure Sizes
Substrate
Feeding Schedule
Prey size: Appropriately sized prey (up to 2/3 body length)
Quick Stats
Type
fossorial
Adult Size
6-8 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Native Region
China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Hainan), Vietnam
Temperament
highly defensive, fast
Behavior
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