Cyriopagopus longipes — Vietnamese Earth Tiger (Sling)

A Powerful Old World Classic with Stunning Violet Undertones

The Vietnamese Earth Tiger Sling is one of the most respected and sought-after Old World tarantulas in the hobby. Cyriopagopus longipes combines impressive size, fascinating burrowing behaviour, and subtle yet beautiful colouration that can include shades of deep purple, violet, burgundy, and charcoal.

Known for its speed, intelligence, and powerful feeding response, this species offers a truly authentic Earth Tiger experience. While it may spend much of its time within its burrow system, every appearance reminds you why this species has earned such a strong reputation among experienced keepers.

For collectors seeking a large, impressive, and behaviourally fascinating tarantula, the Vietnamese Earth Tiger is an outstanding choice.

Why You'll Want This Species

• Beautiful violet, burgundy, and charcoal colouration

• Large, impressive adult size

• Fascinating burrowing and webbing behaviour

• Strong feeding response and active hunting instincts

• Highly sought-after Old World species

• A rewarding project for experienced keepers

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Cyriopagopus longipes

• Common Name: Vietnamese Earth Tiger

• Origin: Vietnam and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia

• Adult Size: Approximately 15–18 cm leg span

• Temperament: Defensive, fast, and highly reactive

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 12–15 years

  • Males: 3–5 years

Appearance

The Vietnamese Earth Tiger is admired for its rich, understated beauty:

• Dark charcoal to black body

• Violet, burgundy, or purplish tones on the legs and carapace

• Velvety appearance under natural lighting

• Long, powerful legs built for digging and ambush hunting

Its colours often intensify as the spider matures, creating a truly impressive adult specimen.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small burrowing sling enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup: Starter burrow and cork bark hide

• Tip: Provide a deep substrate from an early age to encourage natural behaviour

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small terrestrial enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 10–12 cm

• Setup: Cork bark hide, water dish, and deep substrate

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Medium terrestrial enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 12–18 cm

• Setup: Deep substrate, water dish, minimal disturbance

Adult

• Enclosure: Terrestrial burrowing setup with ample floor space

• Substrate Depth: 15–25 cm

• Setup Essentials:

  • Deep substrate for tunnelling

  • Water dish

  • Cork bark hide or starter burrow

  • Secure enclosure with good ventilation

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 70–80%

• Lighting: Low light preferred

• Ventilation: Good airflow while maintaining moisture in lower substrate layers

Feeding Guide

Diet:
Crickets, roaches, locusts, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

This species is known for explosive feeding responses and will readily ambush prey from within its burrow.

Behaviour & Handling

• Extremely fast and highly alert

• Builds extensive burrow systems

• Defensive when disturbed

• Frequently, webs around tunnel entrances

• Handling is not recommended

Like many Earth Tigers, this species is best appreciated through observation rather than interaction.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Potent (Old World species) — medically significant

• Visibility: Low to moderate

• Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced

• Speed: Very fast

This species is best suited to keepers who are comfortable working with defensive Old World tarantulas.

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Watch its beautiful violet tones develop over time

• Observe natural burrowing behaviour from the beginning

• Gain experience with one of Asia's most respected Earth Tiger species

• Raise a stunning adult specimen from its earliest stages

Ready to Add a True Earth Tiger to Your Collection?

The Vietnamese Earth Tiger Sling is perfect for collectors who appreciate powerful behaviour, subtle beauty, and the challenge of keeping one of the hobby's classic Old World species.

Secure yours today and experience the remarkable journey from tiny sling to formidable adult.

Photo credit: Oleg Kosterin, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons