Scientific Name: Ephebopus rufescens
Common Name: Red Skeleton Tarantula
Origin: Brazil (Amazon Basin)
Classification: New World
Lifestyle: Fossorial (burrowing)
Appearance:
Named for its striking reddish-orange leg markings and darker contrasting body, which resemble a "skeleton" pattern.
Exhibits a velvety dark body with vivid reddish to copper leg banding, more pronounced in juveniles and subadults.
Like others in the Ephebopus genus, urticating hairs are located on the pedipalps, a rare trait in tarantulas.
Temperament:
Nervous and defensive, especially if disturbed in its burrow.
Will kick urticating hairs or retreat quickly rather than stand its ground.
Fast-moving and best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers.
Enclosure Tips:
Provide deep, slightly moist substrate (4–6 inches or more).
Include a starter burrow or hide.
Requires moderate humidity (around 70–80%) and temps of 75–80°F (24–27°C).
Notes:
Rare in the hobby and often confused with Ephebopus cyanognathus (Blue Fang) or Ephebopus murinus (Skeleton Tarantula).
Not as widely available as other Ephebopus species but visually striking.