• A female Ornithoctonus aureotibialis, a Thai golden fringe tarantula, poses on sandy clay.
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Buddha Bugs

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis (Thai golden fringe tarantula) 0.75"

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis (Thai golden fringe tarantula) 0.75"

$25.00 USD
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Species Overview

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis, commonly known as the Thai golden fringe tarantula, is a medium-sized fossorial tarantula native to Thailand. Mature females have a robust build and notably variable coloration. The carapace may range from olive-gray or bronze to nearly black and is often bordered by contrasting golden-orange hairs. The femora are typically dark brown to black, while the distal leg segments range from slate-gray to nearly black and display prominent golden hairs along the retrolateral surfaces of the patellae and tibiae of legs I and II. The abdomen varies from pale gray-brown to rich golden-brown, with darker longitudinal or transverse markings that may be faint in some individuals and strongly defined in others. Overall coloration and contrast can also change with lighting and molt condition.

This species is strongly sexually dimorphic. Mature males have a much slimmer body, proportionally longer legs, and generally paler coloration than females. The carapace is typically pale tan to gray-brown with darker radiating markings, while the abdomen is light gray-brown to beige and comparatively uniform. The legs have contrasting dark femora and much paler distal segments covered in long grayish hairs, while the diagnostic golden fringe present in females and immature specimens is absent.

In captivity, O. aureotibialis excavates extensive tunnel systems and reinforces the burrow and surrounding substrate with silk. Individuals generally remain concealed during the day but may wait near the burrow entrance after dark or respond rapidly when prey is detected. Like other Old World tarantulas, this species lacks urticating hairs and relies primarily on speed, retreat, and defensive displays when disturbed.

  • Common Name: Thai golden fringe tarantula
  • Native Range: Thailand
  • Life Habit: Fossorial
  • Adult Size: 5–6 inches in diagonal leg span
  • Lifespan: Males 3–4 years; females 10–15+ years under optimal conditions
  • Temperament: Fast and defensive
  • Care Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis Care

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis is a hardy species that adapts well to captivity when provided with ample substrate, a moderate humidity gradient, and a well-ventilated enclosure designed around its extensive burrowing behavior. Deep, compactable substrate allows the tarantula to establish a permanent retreat. Once a burrow has been established, routine disturbance should be minimized.

  • Enclosure: 2.5” cube or similar for spiderlings, upgraded as needed with growth; 10” x 10” x 10” or larger for adults
  • Substrate: Provide a deep layer of compactable, moisture-retentive substrate that holds its shape when excavated, with most of the available enclosure height devoted to substrate.
  • Temperature: 72–82°F
  • Humidity: Moderate ambient humidity is generally sufficient. Approximately 50% of the substrate, particularly the lower layers, should retain moisture to provide a humidity gradient while allowing the remaining substrate and much of the surface to stay drier. Avoid consistently saturated substrate, excessive condensation, and stagnant air.
  • Diet: Crickets, cockroaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects
  • Feeding: Spiderlings can be offered appropriately sized prey once or twice weekly. 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: Moisten part of the substrate as needed and provide water droplets on enclosure surfaces and webbing for spiderlings; larger specimens should have access to a water dish.
  • Routine Maintenance: Remove uneaten prey, monitor moisture levels, and spot-clean when necessary.

Natural History

Ornithoctonus aureotibialis was formally described by Volker von Wirth and Boris Striffler in 2005 from Thailand. The species epithet, aureotibialis, means “golden tibia” and refers to the characteristic golden-orange fringe along the retrolateral surfaces of the patellae and tibiae of legs I and II. This golden fringe is a diagnostic trait unique to O. aureotibialis among described members of the genus.

During fieldwork in 2025, we documented multiple specimens of different life stages in southern Thailand. The specimens occupied burrows excavated into embankments along a hiking trail at approximately 1,500 feet above sea level. The predominantly clay-based substrate was exceptionally cohesive, allowing the burrows to retain their structure under both moist and dry conditions. These observations confirm that the extensive fossorial behavior seen in captivity reflects the species’ natural ecology and suggest that incorporating a clay component into captive substrate may improve burrow stability and more closely approximate the cohesive, clay-rich substrates likely encountered throughout much of its natural range.

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% cancellation fee on all cancellations. For card payments, the fee is 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction; different payment methods may have slightly higher or lower fee amounts. 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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