Back in July of 2019 it was my pleasure to add four Trinidad dwarf, sometimes referred to as “heart butt” tarantulas (Cyriocosmus elegans) into the Wild Hearts family. I took them in as adults and sadly in early 2023 I experience my first tarantula death when Bolt, one of my dwarf tarantulas, passed away. I’m sad to report that as of 7/19/2024 we’re down another Wild Heart. When I was doing my rounds and feeding my tarantulas, I found that Malcolm the dwarf tarantula had passed.
So by now you may be wondering, how long do Trinidad dwarf tarantulas typically live?
Dwarf Tarantulas
Trinidad dwarf tarantulas are, as their name suggests, a small species of tarantula native to Trinidad, Tobago, and Venezuela. They are a new world species that, even as adults, remain quite small. They typically only obtain a diagonal leg span of up to 2 inches for females. Males are usually even smaller. Unlike many other species of tarantulas that are slow to mature, Trinidad dwarf tarantulas grow and mature rather quickly.
Trinidad Dwarf Tarantula Lifespan
Female Trinidad dwarf tarantulas can live up to around 7 years. Males are not as lucky, and typically only live about 2 years.
These adorable little spiders have adapted a live fast, die young life strategy. Well, they die young for tarantulas at least. Did you know that female tarantulas of other species can sometimes live over 20 years?
By the age of between one and two years old, most Trinidad dwarf tarantulas will already be full grown and sexually mature. This process takes longer in species of tarantulas with longer lifespans.
Rest In Piece Malcom
Like my other Trinidad dwarf tarantulas, I got Malcolm in 2019. I didn’t know it yet at the time, but I somehow seemed to have ended up with all female spiders. My little heart butts were already fully grown when I got them, so they were probably at least a year old, if not two. I had Malcolm for just over 5 years, meaning they were likely six or seven when they passed.
My experience with this tarantula species in regards to lifespan, so far, seems to be that the average of up to around seven years for females seems accurate. It makes me a bit sad, I must admit, because I currently have two other dwarf tarantulas that I’ve had for just over 5 years now. Losing Bolt last year, and now Malcolm, makes me wonder how much time I have left with my remaining two (Uno and Paris).
I’ll update this post when I have anything new to report. Maybe I’ll luck out and end up with the longest lived Trinidad dwarf tarantula ever?
Everything You Could Want From A Tarantula In A Small Package!
If you know anything about me, you’ll probable know that the longer a pet’s lifespan the better as far as I’m concerned. I hate losing my pets. But I do understand why someone might want to keep a tarantula species with a shorter average lifespan. Not everyone wants to take on a potentially 20 year plus commitment when they’re looking to get a tarantula.
These guys are especially awesome if you’re looking for a pet tarantula with a shorter lifespan that doesn’t take up too much space. They are like tarantulas lite! But despite being small and having a shorter lifespan, these little ones are really fun to keep. I’ve found mine to be quite active, more so than my larger tarantula species, thus a bit more interesting to watch.
Do you have a tarantula, whether it’s this species or something different? How old is your fuzzy spider friend?
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