Lampropelma sp. “Nigerrimum,” commonly known as the Sangihe Island Black, is an arboreal Old World tarantula native to Indonesia’s Sangihe Island. It is highly prized for its jet-black coloration, impressive size, and striking defensive behavior. This species thrives in vertically oriented enclosures and exhibits strong webbing when comfortable.
Behavior and Temperament: Fast-moving, defensive, and skittish. Readily displays threat postures and is quick to bite if threatened. Not skittish in terms of fleeing—more likely to confront. Ideal for experienced keepers; not recommended for handling.
Habitat and Environment Needs: Requires an arboreal setup at least three times its leg span in height, with 5–10 cm of moisture-retentive substrate mixed with bark or moss. Maintain temperature between 24–28 °C and humidity around 70–85%, with good ventilation. Provide cork bark or vertical hides and a water dish; light misting twice weekly helps maintain humidity.
Feeding: Diet consists of crickets, roaches, mealworms, and similar live insects. Juveniles: feed every 3–4 days; adults: every 1–2 weeks, depending on abdomen size. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent stress or mold.
Additional Information: Rediscovered in 2007 after being thought extinct. Females may reach a leg span of 14–18 cm and live up to 15 years; males shorter (~5–9 cm) with shorter lifespan. Notable for rare gynandromorphic specimens exhibiting both male and female traits, fetching attention in exotic arthropod circles.
| Sangihe Island Black tarantula |
Lampropelma nigerrimum |
| Category: |
Old World |
| Type: |
Arboreal |
| Country of Origin: |
Indonesia (Sangihe Island) |
| Adult Leg Span: |
14–18 cm |
| Growth Speed: |
Fast |
| Defense Mechanism: |
Threat posture and biting; no urticating hairs; very fast movers |
| Diet: |
Crickets, roaches, mealworms, etc. |
| Temperature: |
24–28 °C (75–82 °F) |
| Relative Humidity: |
70–85% |
| Recommended Experience Level: |
Advanced |
Blue Fang Tarantula - Ephebopus cyanognathus1 ×R1500,00
