Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula (Cyriopagopus sp.)

The Defiant Forest offers many tarantulas for sale, including the impressive Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula (Cyriopagopus sp.) is a striking example. Known for its deep purple tones, impressive size, and powerful fossorial behavior, this Southeast Asian tarantula is highly prized by experienced keepers who appreciate fast-growing earth tiger species.

Native to the tropical forests of Borneo, the Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula belongs to the Cyriopagopus genus, a group of Old World tarantulas famous for their speed, strength, and heavy burrowing behavior. These spiders construct deep silk-lined tunnels beneath the forest floor, spending most of their time hidden underground before emerging to hunt.

Because of its lightning-fast speed and defensive temperament typical of Old World tarantulas, the Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula is recommended for experienced tarantula keepers.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Cyriopagopus sp.
Common Name: Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula
Type: Fossorial / burrowing species
Origin: Borneo
Adult Leg Span: 6–7 inches
Temperament: Very fast and defensive
Growth Rate: Fast
Lifespan: Females 12–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Cyriopagopus species inhabit tropical rainforests throughout Southeast Asia where they construct deep burrows beneath roots, fallen logs, and forest debris. These underground tunnels provide protection from predators and maintain stable humidity levels.

The Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula spends most of its time inside these burrows, emerging primarily at night to capture insects and other prey moving across the forest floor.

Warm temperatures and high humidity similar to its natural rainforest habitat should be maintained in captivity.

Appearance

The Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula is admired for its powerful build and subtle purple coloration.

Typical characteristics include:

• dark brown to deep purple body tones

• thick legs adapted for digging

• robust terrestrial body structure

• large fangs typical of Old World tarantulas

After molting, the purple hues across the legs and body often become more visible.

Temperament

Like many earth tiger tarantulas, Cyriopagopus species are extremely fast and defensive. When disturbed, the spider will usually retreat quickly into its burrow.

Unlike New World tarantulas, the Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula does not possess urticating hairs, meaning it relies on speed and defensive biting when threatened.

Because of these traits, this species is best suited for experienced tarantula hobbyists.

Enclosure Setup

The Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula requires an enclosure designed for deep burrowing.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• deep substrate to allow tunnel construction

• cork bark or starter burrow entrance

• warm temperatures and high humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing deep substrate encourages natural burrowing behavior.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Cyriopagopus species feed on insects such as:

• crickets

• roaches

• other appropriately sized feeder insects

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–10 days depending on size.

The Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula often displays a fast and powerful feeding response.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through molting, shedding their old exoskeleton as they increase in size.

Before molting, the spider may refuse food and remain hidden inside its burrow. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

Because this species grows quickly, noticeable increases in size occur after molts.

Why Keep the Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula?

The Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula (Cyriopagopus sp.) is highly valued among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• beautiful purple coloration

• powerful fossorial burrowing behavior

• fast growth and impressive adult size

• fascinating Old World tarantula species

For experienced hobbyists seeking a fast, powerful, and visually striking burrowing tarantula, the Borneo Purple Earth Tiger Tarantula is an exciting addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, visit our Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and choosing the right species.

You can also browse our full collection of Tarantulas for Sale to explore dozens of fascinating species available at The Defiant Forest.