Neoholothele incei - Trinidad Olive Tarantula (Sling)

Trinidad Olive Tarantula (Neoholothele incei – Normal Form)

If you're drawn to behaviour-first tarantulas that constantly reshape their enclosure, the Trinidad Olive Tarantula delivers far more excitement than its size suggests. Native to Trinidad and Venezuela, Neoholothele incei is a dwarf terrestrial species with semi-arboreal webbing habits, famous for turning even the most straightforward setup into a dense, living silk network.

While its olive-tan colouration is understated, this species makes up for it with non-stop web construction, fast growth, and bold feeding responses. It's one of the best tarantulas in the hobby for watching tunnel systems evolve day by day, making it a favourite among keepers who love naturalistic and bioactive displays.

Skittish rather than defensive, the Trinidad Olive prefers speed and retreat over confrontation. Its compact adult size makes it ideal for nano enclosures, cluttered display tanks, and even carefully managed communal setups when raised correctly from slings. Hardy, affordable, and endlessly active, this species proves that "small" doesn't mean boring.

Why enthusiasts choose the Trinidad Olive

• Legendary heavy webber with dramatic tunnel systems

• Compact dwarf tarantula — perfect for smaller enclosures

• Fast-growing, hardy, and easy to establish

• Excellent display species for terrestrial and semi-arboreal setups

• Popular choice for communal experiments (advanced keepers)

Experience Level
Beginner to Intermediate
Hardy and easy to keep, but very fast when startled

Enclosure Type
Terrestrial with semi-arboreal webbing behaviour
Thrives in cluttered setups with plenty of web anchor points

Adult Size
2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) — dwarf species

Substrate
2–3 inches of moisture-retentive substrate
Coco fibre or topsoil blend, kept lightly moist

Temperature
72–78°F (22–25°C)

Humidity
70–80%
Maintain humidity while ensuring moderate ventilation

Décor & Setup
• Cork bark, leaf litter, moss, fake or live plants
• Provide lots of anchor points for webbing
• Shallow water dish (may be webbed over)

Feeding
• Crickets, small roaches, mealworms (appropriately sized)
• Slings: 2–3× per week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days
Fast, enthusiastic feeders

Temperament
Skittish and very quick
More likely to run than stand its ground

Handling
Not recommended
Speed makes handling unsafe

Lifespan
Females: 6–8 years
Males: 2–3 years

Special Notes
• Exceptional webbers — expect heavy silk coverage
• Ideal for nano and bioactive enclosures
• Communal housing is possible with experience and proper conditions
• Secure enclosure required due to speed

Add a Trinidad Olive Tarantula to your collection today and watch your enclosure disappear under layers of living silk.

Photo credit: Www.universoaracnido.com, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons