Skeleton Leg (Ephebopus Murinus)

Ephebopus murinus is equal parts style and attitude — famous for its skeletal leg striping and notorious for its speed and reactivity. It’s a tropical rainforest species that loves to burrow but won’t hesitate to come up swinging when disturbed. A great choice for intermediate keepers who want something with flair and fire.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Skeleton Tarantula

Scientific Name: Ephebopus murinus

Origin: Northern South America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)

Size: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 12–15 years
• Males: ~3–4 years

Temperament: Skittish to defensive, fast and reactive

Coloration

Deep chocolate brown body

Creamy white striping along the femur and tibia — bold skeleton look

Copper or golden carapace with light iridescence

One of the most visually dramatic New World species

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Fossorial/terrestrial hybrid — loves to dig deep

Substrate: 6–8 inches of moist substrate (coco fiber/topsoil mix)

Humidity: 75–85% — thrives in high humidity environments

Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

Decor:

• Deep starter burrow or hide
• Moss, leaf litter, and a water dish
• Good ventilation is crucial to balance humidity and prevent mold
• This species burrows heavily and may web over the entrance — you’ll rarely see it unless it feels secure.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Voracious feeder — strikes quickly and drags prey into the burrow

Why It’s Legendary

Skeletal leg pattern is totally unique — instantly recognizable

Active and bold — not just a pet hole if conditions are ideal

Great webbing and digging behavior

High contrast coloration + tropical vibes

Perfect “wow” spider for intermediate hobbyists ready for more speed

Notes

Defensive — known to slap or bolt when disturbed

Not for handling

Prefers deeper setups with stable humidity

Can be quite reclusive if stressed or improperly housed

Needs attention to ventilation to avoid mold in high humidity