Haploclastus devamatha Care

Haploclastus devamatha Care

Species: Haploclastus devamatha
Common Name: Indian Rainbow Earth Tiger

The Indian Rainbow Earth Tiger (Haploclastus devamatha) is one of India’s most stunning fossorial tarantulas, famous for its vibrant blue, purple, and bronze iridescence that shifts beautifully under light. Native to the Western Ghats region, this species lives in humid forest soil and is known for its energetic webbing and defensive nature.

A true Old World gem, H. devamatha blends incredible coloration, fascinating burrowing behavior, and high-speed reactivity — making it a prized specimen among experienced keepers who appreciate both natural beauty and challenge.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Haploclastus devamatha
  • Common Name: Indian Rainbow Earth Tiger
  • Origin: Western Ghats, India
  • Adult Size: 11–13 cm (4.5–5 inches) leg span
  • Lifespan: Females 12–15 years; Males 3–4 years
  • Temperament: Fast, defensive, secretive
  • Experience Level: Advanced

Housing & Enclosure

As a fossorial species, H. devamatha needs a deep enclosure with compact substrate for burrowing. It often constructs an elaborate tunnel system lined with silk, extending from the base of the hide to the enclosure surface.

Recommended enclosure sizes:

  • Juveniles: 20×20×20 cm
  • Adults: 30×30×30 cm (12×12×12 inches)

Setup guidelines:

  • Provide 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) of compactable substrate
  • Include a cork bark hide or angled piece for a starter burrow
  • Maintain moderate cross ventilation to balance airflow and humidity
  • Keep a secure lid — this is a lightning-fast spider

Once settled, H. devamatha will web extensively around its burrow entrance, often creating beautiful silk “turrets.”

Substrate & Decoration

Recommended substrate:

  • Coco coir, topsoil, or peat moss — compacted firmly

Add:

  • Cork bark piece for structure
  • Moss and leaf litter to retain humidity
  • Optional plants or decor for natural aesthetics

This species prefers a stable, dark environment where it can dig deep and feel secure.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
  • Humidity: 70–80%

Lightly mist one side of the enclosure every few days. The substrate should remain slightly moist but never wet.

Provide a small water dish, even if webbed over. Mold can develop quickly in stagnant air, so maintain good airflow.

Feeding & Water

Like most Old World fossorials, H. devamatha is an aggressive feeder and will take prey with impressive speed.

Feeding schedule:

  • Slings: Every 4–5 days
  • Juveniles: Every 7 days
  • Adults: Every 10–12 days

Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, or locusts of appropriate size. Drop prey near the burrow entrance to trigger an ambush. Remove uneaten insects after 24 hours.

Always ensure fresh water availability and proper humidity balance.

Handling & Temperament

Handling is not advised. H. devamatha is a true Old World species with potent venom and a defensive disposition.

Typical behavior includes:

  • Rapid retreat when startled
  • Threat postures if cornered
  • Sudden bursts of speed when exposed

For enclosure maintenance:

  • Use long tweezers and catch cups
  • Move slowly and deliberately
  • Avoid bright light or vibrations

This species is best admired from behind glass, not from the hand.

Molting

Molting usually occurs inside the burrow.

Pre-molt signs:

  • Food refusal
  • Sealing off burrow entrances
  • Dull coloration

Do not disturb the tarantula during this period. After molting, wait 7–10 days before feeding to prevent injury.

Common Health Issues

  • Excess dryness: May cause dehydration or poor molts
  • Poor ventilation: Can lead to mold or mites
  • Disturbance: May trigger defensive stress

Stable temperature, humidity, and minimal interference are key to success with this species.

Breeding (Overview)

Breeding H. devamatha is possible but challenging due to their reclusive nature.

  • Pair only mature, well-fed individuals
  • Introduce the male carefully — the female can be highly aggressive
  • If successful, the female may produce a sac in 8–10 weeks with 100–150 spiderlings

Spiderlings are hardy and grow quickly in warm, humid conditions.

Quick Care Checklist

  • Type: Fossorial
  • Enclosure: Deep (30×30×30 cm)
  • Substrate: Compact coco coir (15–20 cm)
  • Temperature: 24–28°C
  • Humidity: 70–80%
  • Feeding: Crickets or roaches every 7–12 days
  • Handling: Not recommended — fast and defensive

Final Thoughts

The Indian Rainbow Earth Tiger (Haploclastus devamatha) is one of the most visually spectacular tarantulas native to India. Its vivid, oil-slick-like coloration and secretive, industrious nature make it a prized addition to any serious Old World collection.

Though it spends much of its time hidden, the glimpses of its shimmering violet-blue sheen as it emerges to hunt are breathtaking. For those who love observing natural burrowing behavior and intricate silk structures, H. devamatha offers both beauty and fascination in equal measure.

A perfect representative of the Haploclastus genus — mysterious, mesmerizing, and magnificently metallic.

© The Tarantula Vault
All information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
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