Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro
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Description
Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro - Jet-black dwarf tarantula with a golden heart on its abdomen
Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro (known as the Black Love Heart or Golden Heart Dwarf Tarantula) is a striking dwarf tarantula native to the Neotropical rainforests of South America. Its Spanish trade name oro negro - black gold - comes from the combination of a velvety jet-black body and a metallic, shimmering golden heart on the dorsal abdomen. Thanks to its miniature size, early adult coloration, and intricate webbing, it is a true centerpiece for any home nano-terrarium.
- Black Gold contrast without lateral stripes: Unlike its striped relatives (Cyriocosmus elegans, Cyriocosmus leetzi, Cyriocosmus fasciatus), this species lacks tiger-like striping on the sides of the abdomen - against a uniformly jet-black, velvety matte body and legs, a symmetrical heart glows in shades of gold, copper, and orange.
- Early coloration starting at instars L3-L5: While L1-L2 spiderlings (3-8 mm) are grayish-beige with a dark spot, the metallic sheen of the dorsal heart and deep black legs emerge as early as instars L3-L5.
- Miniature architect of underground burrows: Adult females reach a 4.5-6 cm legspan, constructing deep burrows lined generously with snow-white tripwire webbing inside compact 10-15 cm enclosures.
- Very mild venom and no CITES restrictions: Possesses venom harmless to humans (comparable to a mosquito bite or mild bee sting), and keeping this tarantula is 100% legal with no registration or permits required.
| Scientific and trade name | Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro (Cyriocosmus sp. "Oro Negro") |
| Common names | Black Love Heart, Oro Negro Dwarf, Golden Heart Dwarf Tarantula, Black & Gold Dwarf Tarantula |
| Origin | South America - Peruvian Amazon and the northwestern Amazonian biome (Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil) |
| Lifestyle and habitat | Terrestrial-fossorial (obligate burrower), strictly nocturnal and territorial, humid equatorial rainforests |
| Adult size | Female: 2.5-3.5 cm body length, 4.5-6 cm DLS (max. 6-8 cm), male: 2-2.5 cm body length |
| Growth rate and lifespan | Fast (maturity in 1-1.5 years, males in 8-12 months). Females live 6-8 years, males 1.5-3 years |
| Temperature and humidity | 23-26°C (73-79°F) during the day, 20-22°C (68-72°F) at night, humidity 65-75% (substrate moisture gradient and cross-ventilation) |
| Enclosure and substrate depth | 30-50 ml vial or deli cup with 2-3 cm substrate (L1-L3), 100-200 ml container with 4-5 cm (L4-L5), 10x10x10 cm or 15x15x15 cm terrarium with 5-8 cm (adults) |
| Defense and CITES status | Very mild venom, type III urticating hairs, high speed. Non-CITES and non-EU listed species (no registration required) |
Choosing a variant and first steps with your spider
From the dropdown menu, you can select the variant that matches your preferences - from a young spiderling (L1-L3), through a colored juvenile (L4-L5), to a larger specimen. To guide your tarantula safely through its first days, follow these four steps:
Step 1: Post-transit thermal acclimation - After unpacking the parcel, leave the closed container in a quiet place at 20-22°C (68-72°F) for 24 hours. Strictly do not heat the spider with a heating mat after transit to avoid increasing stress.
Step 2: Enclosure progression and ventilation - Keep L1-L3 spiderlings in a ventilated vial or deli cup of 30-50 ml (air holes 0.5 mm, substrate 2-3 cm). Move L4-L5 juveniles to a 100-200 ml plastic container (substrate 4-5 cm), and subadult or adult specimens to a 10x10x10 cm or 15x15x15 cm terrarium (substrate 5-8 cm). During transfers, always use long 25-30 cm tweezers and a soft brush.
Step 3: Safe hydration - For instars L1-L4, do not use deep water dishes that pose a drowning risk. Instead, apply a drop of water onto the webbing with a pipette and moisten one corner of the substrate twice a week. Introduce a shallow water bottle cap only for juveniles and adults.
Step 4: First meal after settling in - Feed the tarantula after 24-48 hours, once it has spun initial webbing. Choose a feeder insect measuring 50-100% of the spider's abdomen length (for L1-L3, the smallest 1-2 mm Turkestan cockroach nymph or a flightless fruit fly).
What terrarium and conditions should you provide for Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro to start?
An adult Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro requires a 10x10x10 cm or 15x15x15 cm terrarium with a 5-8 cm layer of damp coconut fiber or peat, a temperature of 23-26°C (73-79°F) during the day (20-22°C / 68-72°F at night), 65-75% humidity, and cross-ventilation (top and side).
In the rainforests of the Amazon basin and the eastern foothills of the Andes, this species inhabits leaf litter beneath roots and decaying wood. It excavates burrows 10-20 cm deep, lining them heavily with dense, white silk that stabilizes the walls and acts as a tripwire network. As a starter hide, place a piece of cork bark on the substrate. In the damp corner, add Sphagnum moss to maintain a moisture gradient, and introduce white springtails into the substrate as a cleanup crew to protect the enclosure against mold.
What to feed Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro and how to plan its diet?
The diet is based on live feeder insects measuring 50% to a maximum of 100% of the spider's abdomen length: feed L1-L3 spiderlings twice a week with micro-feeders, L4-L5 juveniles every 4-5 days, and adult specimens every 7-10 days.
For instars L1-L3, offer flightless fruit flies, the smallest Turkestan cockroach nymphs (1-2 mm), or cut small mealworm larvae. Feed L4-L5 juveniles small Turkestan cockroaches, tiny Dubia cockroach nymphs, small banded crickets, or pre-killed mealworm larvae with a crushed head. Adult tarantulas readily take medium Turkestan cockroaches, juvenile Dubia cockroaches, and medium banded crickets. Before molting (pre-molt), the abdomen darkens, the golden heart dulls, and the spider seals its burrow entrance with webbing. Remove uneaten live feeder insects after 12-24 hours, and after a molt wait 5-7 days for spiderlings and 7-10 days for adults before feeding again.
Common mistakes in care and how to avoid them
- Bone-dry substrate or stagnant swamp without ventilation: Maintain a moisture gradient (keep the bottom layer consistently damp, never waterlogged) combined with mandatory cross-ventilation (top and side).
- Oversized enclosure for an L1-L3 spiderling: In a container that is too large, a tiny spiderling will struggle to find prey - follow step-by-step progression from a 30-50 ml vial to a terrarium.
- Leaving live prey inside during a molt: Remove uneaten feeder insects with tweezers after 12-24 hours so they do not injure a vulnerable molting tarantula.
- Attempting to handle the spider (handling): This is a very fast and skittish species meant strictly for observation - always work using 25-30 cm tweezers and a soft brush.
Taxonomy, revisions of the genus Cyriocosmus, and diagnostic traits
The genus Cyriocosmus (Theraphosidae, subfamily Theraphosinae, infraorder Mygalomorphae) was established by Eugène Simon in 1903 and extensively revised in the 21st century by Radan Kaderka and Fernando Pérez-Miles. Males differ from the genus Hapalopus by the divergent branches on the tibial apophysis and the prolateral superior keel (PS keel), while females are distinguished by spermathecae featuring a wavy or spiral neck set on a convex base. The abbreviation sp. denotes a population with a distinct phenotype awaiting formal species description.
Amazonian ecology, lifestyle, and sexual dimorphism
Arachnological sources (including The Spider Shop and The Tarantula Den) point to origins in Peru (Peruvian Amazon, similar to Cyriocosmus sp. Tambopata, Cyriocosmus pribiki, and Cyriocosmus aueri) and more broadly across the northwestern Amazonian biome. Unlike the nomadic Cyriocosmus ritae, this species is strictly territorial. Under direct light, the carapace displays a subtle coppery-bronze sheen, and the abdominal patch consists of type III urticating hairs. Adult males live 1.5-3 years and, after their ultimate molt, develop palpal bulbs on the pedipalps and tibial apophyses (hooks) on the first pair of walking legs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the venom of Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro dangerous to humans?
No, the venom of this New World tarantula is very mild and comparable to a mosquito bite or a light bee sting. However, because the spider is very fast and skittish, it is intended strictly for observation using 25-30 cm tweezers.
How does Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro differ from Cyriocosmus elegans and Cyriocosmus leetzi?
Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro stands out due to the complete absence of lateral tiger stripes on its abdomen. Its body and legs are uniformly jet-black with a velvety matte finish, creating maximum contrast with the golden-copper heart on the dorsal abdomen.
When does a young spiderling develop its black and gold colors?
The contrasting adult coloration appears very early. While L1-L2 spiderlings (3-8 mm) are grayish-beige with a dark spot, the metallic sheen of the golden heart and black legs emerge by instars L3-L5.
Does this tarantula require CITES certificates or official registration?
No, this species is not listed under CITES or EU wildlife annexes. You receive a tarantula from a 100% legal source with no need for local authority registration or permits.
Ready to enrich your collection with the authentic "black gold" of the dwarf tarantula world? Select your preferred developmental stage, add Cyriocosmus sp. Oronegro to your cart, and enjoy fascinating observations of its underground webbing architecture and the hypnotic contrast of its golden heart in your nano-terrarium!
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