Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula (Ornithoctoninae sp.) – Live Tarantula for Sale

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula (Ornithoctoninae sp.) is a powerful Old World tarantula admired for its sleek silver-gray coloration and impressive burrowing behavior. Native to Vietnam and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia, this species belongs to the Ornithoctoninae subfamily, a group of fast-growing and highly defensive tarantulas known for their strength, speed, and heavy webbing.

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula displays a striking metallic silver-gray body that gives it a clean and elegant appearance compared to many other earth tiger species. Like other members of the Ornithoctoninae group, this tarantula is a skilled burrower that constructs deep underground tunnels lined with silk.

Because of its speed and defensive temperament typical of Old World tarantulas, the Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula is best suited for experienced tarantula keepers.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Ornithoctoninae sp.
Common Name: Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula
Type: Fossorial (burrowing species)
Origin: Vietnam
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, Ornithoctoninae species inhabit tropical environments throughout Southeast Asia where they construct deep burrows beneath soil, roots, and rocks. These burrows provide protection from predators and help maintain stable humidity levels.

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula spends much of its time inside these underground tunnels, emerging primarily at night to hunt insects and other small prey moving across the forest floor.

The warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity of its natural habitat should be replicated in captivity to support proper health and natural behavior.

Appearance

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula is admired for its sleek coloration and powerful body structure.

Typical characteristics include:

• metallic silver or gray body coloration

• darker legs and carapace contrast

• thick legs adapted for digging

• large and powerful fossorial body structure

The silver tones of this species often appear especially vibrant after molting.

Temperament

Like many Old World tarantulas, Ornithoctoninae species are extremely fast and highly defensive when disturbed. When threatened, the spider will often retreat rapidly into its burrow.

Unlike New World tarantulas, the Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula does not possess urticating hairs, meaning it relies on speed and defensive behavior for protection.

Because of these characteristics, this species is recommended for experienced tarantula keepers only.

Enclosure Setup

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula requires an enclosure designed for deep burrowing behavior.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• deep substrate for burrow construction

• cork bark or starter burrow entrance

• moderate to high humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing deep substrate allows the tarantula to construct natural burrows similar to those found in its native habitat.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Ornithoctoninae species feed primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula typically shows a powerful feeding response and captures prey quickly.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

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

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

Why Keep the Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula?

The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula (Ornithoctoninae sp.) is prized among experienced tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• sleek metallic silver coloration

• powerful fossorial burrowing behavior

• fast growth and impressive adult size

• fascinating Old World tarantula species

For experienced hobbyists seeking a fast and impressive fossorial tarantula, the Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula is a remarkable addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

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