• A mature female Cyriocosmus elegans, a species of tarantula known as the Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula, poses on a decaying leaf.
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Buddha Bugs

Cyriocosmus elegans (Trinidadian dwarf tiger tarantula) 0.66"

Cyriocosmus elegans (Trinidadian dwarf tiger tarantula) 0.66"

$50.00 USD
$50.00 USD
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Species Overview

Cyriocosmus elegans, commonly known as the Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula, is a terrestrial dwarf tarantula native to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Guyana. Although adults typically reach only 1–2 inches in diagonal leg span, this species is among the most recognizable dwarf tarantulas in the hobby due to its distinctive tiger-like striping and heart-shaped urticating hair patch. Its small size, attractive appearance, and straightforward care requirements have contributed to its longstanding popularity among keepers interested in dwarf species.

In captivity, Cyriocosmus elegans readily constructs burrows and silken retreats beneath decor or directly in the substrate, often spending much of its time concealed. However, individuals may remain visible for extended periods, particularly during feeding or while maintaining the entrance to their retreat. Females are relatively long-lived for a dwarf tarantula and can thrive for many years under proper captive conditions.

  • Common Name: Trinidad dwarf tiger tarantula
  • Native Range: Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and Guyana
  • Life Habit: Terrestrial burrower
  • Adult Size: 1–2 inches in diagonal leg span
  • Lifespan: Males 1–2 years; females 6–8+ years under optimal conditions
  • Temperament: Skittish
  • Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Cyriocosmus elegans Care

Cyriocosmus elegans adapts well to captivity when provided with adequate substrate depth, moderate moisture, and good ventilation. This species is often recommended to keepers interested in dwarf tarantulas due to its manageable husbandry requirements and relatively small enclosure needs.

  • Enclosure: 3.5-dram vial, 1 oz condiment cup, or equivalent for spiderlings, upgraded as needed with growth; 4” cube or larger for adults
  • Substrate: Provide sufficient depth of moisture-retentive substrate to accommodate natural burrowing behavior. Coconut fiber, peat moss, topsoil, and similar substrates work well.
  • Temperature: 72–82°F
  • Humidity: Keep part of the substrate slightly moist while allowing other areas to dry between water additions. Avoid consistently wet conditions.
  • Diet: Fruit flies, crickets, cockroaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects
  • Feeding: Spiderlings can be offered appropriately sized prey one to two times weekly, with smaller specimens often benefiting from more frequent offerings. Juveniles and adults are typically fed every 7–14 days, with feeding frequency adjusted based on prey size, growth rate, and the condition of the individual animal.
  • Water: Larger specimens should be provided with a shallow water dish. Spiderlings and small juveniles generally obtain much of their hydration through prey and substrate moisture.
  • Routine Maintenance: Remove uneaten prey, monitor moisture levels, and spot-clean when necessary.

Natural History

Cyriocosmus elegans occurs in northeastern South America and Trinidad and Tobago, where it inhabits tropical environments and utilizes underground retreats and natural cover to avoid predators and environmental extremes. Like many terrestrial tarantulas, it relies primarily on ambush predation, waiting near the entrance of its retreat for passing prey rather than actively pursuing it over long distances.

Shipping

Shipping method for live animal orders:

For orders containing live animals, shipping is offered throughout the continental US (48 states) through FedEx Priority Overnight. Orders containing both live and non-live products may be shipped together or seperately, depending on the items in the order, their sizes, and whether everything can fit in a single shipment. Orders with live and non-live products which need to be shipped seperately will incur additional shipping costs for the separate USPS shipping of the non-live items. Shipments containing live animals are dropped off on Tuesdays or Wednesdays for next-day arrival. By default, we ship all packages held for pickup to the closest FedEx Ship Center to the order address, requiring in-person pickup at that FedEx Ship Center. Home delivery of live animal orders is possible; however, packages shipped for delivery rather than held for pick up are not eligible for LAG, and doing so is against our advisement and at the customer's risk. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.

We also offer expo pickup and a DFW local meet-up option so you can save on shipping. See Expo Schedule for details. 

Shipping method for non-live orders:

For shipments containing no live animals, shipping is available to all 50 states via USPS Ground Advantage or USPS Priority Mail. Non-live shipments will be sent directly to the address listed on the order, typically on the day the order is placed or the following day. 

What to expect after placing an order:

After you place an order on our website, we will contact you within 12 hours to provide the delivery date and the FedEx pickup location. Please respond and let us know if that works for you. The package will NOT be shipped until we have your confirmation. A tracking number will be provided on the day of shipment.

There will be times when shipping must be delayed due to weather, our schedule, or if a tarantula you ordered has recently molted or appears to be about to molt. You will be notified if that happens, and we will work out another date. 

Carrier delays happen, so please ensure you or someone you know will be available to pick up your package, even if it's 1-3 days late. 

Live Arrival Guarantee (LAG):

Buddha Bugs offers LAG but ONLY when the following conditions are met:

  • "Freebies" are not covered by LAG.
  • For the safety of the animals and to ensure the best chance of live arrival, orders must be shipped to your nearest authorized FedEx Ship Center and held for pickup to be eligible for LAG. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.
  • The package must be picked up from FedEx on the day it arrives; any time during the store’s opening hours is fine. Please bring a valid ID. Picking up packages on any day other than the day of arrival will void the LAG. 
  • In the unlikely event of a DOA, we require notice and evidence within 3 hours of pickup. You must provide a clear photo/video of the deceased specimen. Refunds will not include shipping costs, and replacements may not always be available.
  • ANY DEVIATION OF THIS CAN RESULT IN LAG VOID

Home delivery is available upon request, but LAG is not offered for shipments sent for home delivery if there is an authorized FedEx Ship Center within 60 miles of the customer's zip code, due to the unpredictability of this shipping method. This does not apply to customers who do not have a FedEx Ship Center near them that is authorized to accept live animal shipments; in these cases, orders will be shipped for home delivery, and LAG will be honored.

Due to the risk to the animals, even in circumstances where the customer accepts LAG being voided for home delivery shipments, we will not ship animals for home delivery at or above 90°F or at or below 35°F.

Please remember that FedEx DOES NOT reimburse Buddha Bugs for lost packages or the loss of any live animals. We take every precaution we can to ensure your new pets arrive safely. 

Returns & Refunds

 

Returns & Refunds:

We DO NOT accept returns on live animals.

Non-live animal products may be returned for a refund within 14 days of delivery. The product must be unused and in its original packaging. After we receive your return, refunds will be processed within 5-10 business days. Refunds will not include shipping costs. Used products will be rejected and shipped back to the customer when possible. 

You will be refunded immediately if any animal in your order arrives dead. Please see our Shipping Policy for LAG details.

For online purchases with local pickup, pickup at a show, or for purchases made at a show, the customer is responsible for inspecting the purchased items and verifying that they are to their satisfaction. If they are not, they must express any dissatisfaction before the sale is completed, as all sales are final. We are not liable for damages after the customer receives their items due to issues including but not limited to the customer mishandling transport and/or overheating animals. 

Cancellations:  

We require a ~3% (2.9% + $0.30) cancellation fee on all cancellations. This is a non-recoverable fee we are charged when processing your payment, and it is not refunded to us by Shopify when an order is canceled or a refund is issued. Canceling orders creates extra labor and costs on our end and reduces available stock for others who may be interested, so please make sure you are committed before placing an order.

If a product in your order is out of stock, we will contact you and offer the option to cancel part or all of your order. There's no extra fee for this; we apologize for any inconvenience.

Some Poecilotheria species cannot be shipped across state lines, as clearly stated in the product titles and product details. Please do not purchase if you live outside of Texas, or that portion/your whole order will be canceled and refunded immediately; you will also be charged a 10% cancellation fee, which will be deducted from the refund.

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