Guatemalan Tiger Rump (Davus pentaloris)

mall in size but bursting with color, Davus pentaloris is a Central American gem known for its vivid orange-and-black striping and fast, energetic movements. A must-have for keepers who love dynamic, eye-catching species that aren’t just another brown spider.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Guatemalan Tiger Rump

Scientific Name: Davus pentaloris

Origin: Guatemala, Mexico

Size: 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 10–12 years
• Males: 3–4 years

Temperament: Skittish, quick, but rarely defensive

Coloration

Jet black base color

Striking bright orange or fiery red tiger-striping across the abdomen

Legs can show blue, bronze, or purple tones depending on the light

Sling coloration is vibrant early — stunning even at small sizes

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial — will burrow and web

Substrate: 3–4 inches of moist substrate (coco fiber/topsoil mix)

Humidity: 65–75% — keep one side slightly moist

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

Decor:

• Cork bark hide, moss, and leaf litter
• Loves a naturalistic setup where it can dig and web
• Water dish recommended for adults

Expect heavy webbing and occasional tunnel construction.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Weekly

Very enthusiastic feeders — quick to pounce on prey

Why It's a Rising Star

Incredible bright pattern and bold colors

Small but full of energy — always fun to watch

Hardy and adaptable to a range of conditions

Fast growers compared to other small species

Gorgeous even as juveniles — no “ugly sling” phase!

Notes

Very quick — be cautious during rehousing

Skittish, but usually more prone to bolting than standing its ground

Needs good ventilation and moisture balance to prevent mold

Not for handling — too fast and fragile