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Davus fasciatus

🔤 Taxonomy

Davus fasciatus is the currently accepted scientific name. The name still appears in older hobby material as Cyclosternum fasciatum or Cyclosternum fasciatus.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

  • Cyclosternum fasciatum
  • Cyclosternum fasciatus

English common names used in the hobby:

  • Costa Rican tiger rump tarantula
  • Tiger rump tarantula

Trade labels for small tiger-rump tarantulas are often messy. Do not assume that an animal sold simply as “tiger rump” is this Costa Rican species; Davus pentaloris and locality-labeled forms are commonly confused.

📌 Description

Davus fasciatus is a small terrestrial New World tarantula from Costa Rica. It is valued for its contrasting abdominal pattern, compact size, and busy ground-level behavior.

Adult size is usually around 8-10 cm legspan. Females are heavier and longer-lived than mature males, but this is still a small tarantula compared with large Brachypelma, Grammostola, or Lasiodora species.

This species is best kept for observation. It is not medically significant in the way Old World arboreal tarantulas are, but it can move quickly, kick urticating hairs, and disappear easily during maintenance.

🌍 Distribution

Davus fasciatus is native to Costa Rica. It is associated with warm Central American habitats where it can use leaf litter, soil pockets, and shallow retreats at ground level.

A practical captive setup should provide:

  • a low terrestrial enclosure
  • enough substrate for digging and retreat shaping
  • a hide or starter burrow
  • a moisture gradient rather than a wet enclosure
  • fresh water and good ventilation
  • limited fall height

Range map

⚖️ Legal status

Davus fasciatus is not currently listed in the CITES Appendices. No specific current listing for this species is typically applied in Annexes A-D of the EU wildlife trade regulations.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. Local rules on import, sale, transport, exhibition, and breeding may still apply.

Because this species is easily confused with other tiger-rump tarantulas, keep seller details, advertised identification, locality information if provided, and breeding records.

🤌 Husbandry

House Davus fasciatus alone in a secure terrestrial enclosure.

Spiderlings need small containers where prey and hydration can be monitored. Adults do not need a large enclosure, but the space must be usable: substrate, retreat, ventilation, and a shallow water dish matter more than decorative height.

Useful adult priorities:

  • Firm substrate
  • Starter hide or burrow
  • Good ventilation
  • Shallow water dish
  • Secure lid
  • Low fall risk

Avoid over-cleaning the retreat area. Light webbing, leaf litter, and a burrow entrance are part of the animal’s security.

💡 Lighting

Ambient room lighting is enough. UVB and basking lamps are unnecessary.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Aim for warm stable room temperatures:

  • Daytime: around 23-26°C
  • Night: slight drop acceptable

Avoid placing heat under deep substrate. A burrowing tarantula may dig downward, and bottom heat can remove the safe cool retreat.

💧 Humidity and water

Keep the enclosure moderately dry on the surface with a slightly moister area below or near one side. Slings and premolt juveniles should not be kept bone dry.

Practical rules:

  • keep fresh water available
  • dampen part of the substrate when needed
  • allow the top layer to dry
  • keep ventilation open
  • avoid a sealed wet cup

Good husbandry is a moisture gradient, not constant spraying.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or a mixed terrestrial substrate that holds a shallow burrow. Cork bark, leaf litter, and small anchor points help the spider settle.

Keep heavy decor stable and low. The enclosure should be escape-proof because this is a small spider that can use surprisingly small gaps.

🪳 Feeding

Davus fasciatus is insectivorous. Suitable prey includes:

  • small crickets
  • roach nymphs
  • small locusts where available
  • mealworms only in moderation

Spiderlings can take small prey every few days. Adults usually do well on suitable prey every 7-10 days, adjusted to abdomen size and molt cycle.

Remove uneaten prey quickly, especially in small containers or when the spider is hidden in premolt.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include dehydration in tiny slings, stale damp substrate, oversized prey, escapes, and failed molts after poor moisture management.

If a specimen seals itself in a retreat but remains rounded, it may be settling or preparing to molt. If it becomes thin, weak, or unable to right itself, check water access, lower substrate moisture, temperature, and prey disturbance immediately.

📌 Conclusion

Davus fasciatus suits keepers who enjoy small terrestrial tarantulas and careful observation. The main requirement is a secure, well-ventilated terrestrial setup with usable substrate and a modest moisture gradient.

📚 Sources and further reading