Product description

Melopoeus sp. "Purple Zebra" (Thai Purple Zebra Tarantula) One of the most visually striking Earth Tigers coming out of Southeast Asia, the Thai Purple Zebra features deep iridescent blue-purple legs that shimmer against a pale grey abdomen with bold dark zebra striping running across the entire body. The carapace carries the same cool grey-tan base with a subtle metallic sheen. Heavily built and leggy for a fossorial species, this one has serious visual presence even through enclosure glass. Native to Thailand and surrounding regions, this is a true deep burrower that spends most of its time underground, emerging at the burrow entrance to ambush prey after dark. Recently reclassified from Cyriopagopus to Melopoeus per the 2026 World Spider Catalog revision. Grab this Old World fossorial tarantula for sale today if you want one of the most uniquely patterned Earth Tigers in the hobby. Why do hobbyists keep Melopoeus sp. "Purple Zebra"? Coloration: Deep iridescent blue-purple legs with bold zebra striping across a pale grey abdomen. One of the few fossorial species where the coloration alone justifies the purchase. Feeding Response: A reliable nocturnal ambush predator that takes prey readily at the burrow entrance. Once established it feeds consistently and with purpose. Adult Size: Reaches around 5 inches with a heavy, leggy build that makes it one of the more impressive Earth Tigers when it does surface. Fossorial Behavior: A true deep burrower that will excavate elaborate tunnel systems given sufficient substrate depth. Watching this species build and defend its burrow over time is deeply satisfying. How should Melopoeus sp. "Purple Zebra" be kept? Adult Size: Reaches around 5 inches. Heavy-bodied and leggy with striking visual presence when seen at the burrow entrance. Enclosure: Fossorial setup with 2 times the leg span as footprint and 3 times as height, with substrate depth 2 to 3 times the leg span to support deep stable burrows. Prioritize depth over floor space. A secure lid is non-negotiable. Temperature: 75 to 80 degrees F. Stable room temperature works for most keepers. Humidity: Moderate to high. Keep lower layers of substrate slightly damp while allowing the top to dry. Never swampy. The moisture gradient gives them the choice they would have in the wild. Water: Provide a water dish near the burrow entrance. Fossorial species benefit from ambient moisture and will use a dish placed at substrate level. Diet: Crickets, roaches, and other feeders sized appropriately to the carapace (head). Feed weekly for spiderlings, every 7 to 10 days for adults. Temperament: Very defensive, fast, and prone to bolting. Best suited for experienced keepers. Observe through the glass. Are there any additional notes or considerations? Substrate depth matters: Needs depth of soil and good airflow to get fresh air into burrows and prevent mold growth. At least 6 to 10 inches of packable moisture-retaining substrate. Settling in: True burrowers will dig straight down given sufficient depth. A starter burrow against the enclosure wall helps them establish faster. Visibility: Less disturbance equals more surface visibility. Most specimens will be seen at the burrow entrance regularly once they feel secure. Uncommon: This species does not come around often. When stock is gone it may be months before more are available. Captive bred: Our animals are 100% captive bred. Listing Notes This listing includes multiple size options. Animals are unsexed, there is approximately a 5050 chance of male or female on most species.

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