Psychedelic Earth Tiger

Haploclastus devamatha Care Guide

Psychedelic Earth Tiger

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Haploclastus devamatha, commonly known as the Psychedelic Earth Tiger or Indian Rainbow Tarantula, is a stunning Old World fossorial species native to India. Known for its metallic iridescence and deep burrowing behavior, this species has long been a favorite among experienced keepers who appreciate its vibrant coloration and intricate webbing tendencies.

This species has undergone taxonomic revisions, and some hobbyists may still refer to it by previous names or common names. Historically, it was grouped with other Haploclastus species before being formally described as Haploclastus devamatha. It is also known by various common names, including Indian Violet Earth Tiger, Indian Blue Tarantula, LSD Earth Tiger and Devamatha Earth Tiger. Understanding these name changes is important for identifying this species in the hobby and distinguishing it from similar-looking Indian fossorial tarantulas.

Like other members of the Haploclastus genus, H. devamatha is a fast, defensive species with potent venom, making it unsuitable for beginners. However, for experienced keepers looking for a vibrant, fossorial species with incredible webbing behavior, this tarantula is a rewarding addition to any collection.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Haploclastus devamatha or Cilantica devamatha or Cilantica psychedelicus

• Common Names: Indian Rainbow Tarantula, Indian Violet Earth Tiger, LSD Earth Tiger, Polychromatic Earth Tiger

• Type: Fossorial (Obligate Burrower)

• Category: Old World

• Native Range: India

• Size: Up to 6” (15 cm) DLS

• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females ~12–15 years; Males ~3–4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Advanced

• Urticating Hairs: No

• Venom Potency: Strong (potentially medically significant)

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

The taxonomy of Haploclastus devamatha has been a subject of debate and revision over the years. This species first gained attention in the early 2000s due to its striking iridescence and unique coloration. However, its classification has undergone multiple changes as researchers worked to correctly place it within the tarantula family tree.

Taxonomic Revisions

• 2014: Initially described as Thrigmopoeus psychedelicus in 2014, this species quickly gained the nickname "LSD Tarantula" due to its psychedelic coloration. However, another paper published just weeks earlier described the same species under a different name: Haploclastus devamatha.

• 2014: Since Haploclastus devamatha was published first, it became the senior synonym and the accepted scientific name, as per the rules of taxonomic priority.

• 2024: Zeeshan A. Mirza published a paper establishing a new genus, Cilantica, and reclassified this species as Cilantica psychedelicus. Mirza argued that H. devamatha should be considered nomen nudum (a name lacking sufficient taxonomic validity) due to missing ZooBank registration information, making it unusable for future research.

• Current Status: Despite Mirza’s reclassification, the World Spider Catalog (WSC) currently lists the species as Cilantica devamatha, maintaining the original species name but placing it in the newly established genus.

This back-and-forth in taxonomy highlights the ongoing nature of scientific classification and how newly available data and interpretations can lead to changes in accepted species names. While the World Spider Catalog currently recognizes Cilantica devamatha, the debate over its proper classification continues in the academic community.

This species is found in tropical forests of India, where it constructs deep burrows in compact soil and reinforces them with extensive silk webbing. Like other fossorial tarantulas, it spends most of its time underground, emerging mainly at night to hunt and maintain its burrow. In captivity, providing deep substrate, proper ventilation, and webbing anchors is crucial to replicating its natural habitat.

Tom Patterson of Hardcore Arachnids explains it very well on his website, which is where I got a lot of this information from. Click here to check out his website.

Behavior & Temperament

H. devamatha is a fast-moving, highly defensive species that will not hesitate to bite if disturbed. It lacks urticating hairs and instead relies on its potent venom and speed to deter threats. This species is an extensive webber, often creating thick silk layers around its burrow entrance.

Due to its aggressive feeding response and defensive nature, rehousing and enclosure maintenance should be approached with caution. This species is best suited for experienced keepers.

Housing & Substrate – Fossorial Setup

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Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: OG Sling Crib, 3” Tarantula Cube, 4” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate slightly damp but not swampy. Provide a tiny water dish if space allows or drip water onto webbing weekly.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Crib 360-4” Fossorial, 5” Hex Crib, 6” Tarantula Cube, 8” Cube

• Substrate: Fill ½ to ¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to support deep burrowing.

• Humidity: Let part of the substrate dry out while keeping one corner slightly damp by overflowing the water dish occasionally.

• Additional Features: Cork bark or dried leaves as web anchors.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: 8” Hex Crib, Crib 360-8” Fossorial, 12” Tarantula Cube, 18” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least ½–¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Additional Features: A deep burrow setup is essential. I like to add some branches or plants so they can web up around their burrow entrance as well.

Tarantula Cribs offers the best enclosures—use code TTC10 for 10% off.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)

• Humidity: 50–60%

• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent stale conditions.

• Water Dish: Keep one filled and overflow occasionally to maintain a moisture gradient.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Breeding Haploclastus devamatha in Captivity

(general outline, specifics under revision)

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Males: Reach maturity in 2–3 years.

• Females: Reach reproductive maturity in 4–5 years.

• Pairing: Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure at night, ensuring multiple escape routes for him.

Mating Process

• Males initiate courtship with palp drumming and leg tapping.

• If receptive, the female will allow insertion before retreating.

• Males should be removed immediately after mating to prevent potential predation.

Egg Sac Production

• Females produce an egg sac 4–6 months post-mating.

• Egg sacs contain 80–200 eggs.

• Maintain 75-80°F (24-27°C) with high humidity (75-80%).

Raising Spiderlings

• First instar spiderlings emerge 6-8 weeks post-sac.

• Feed pinhead crickets or fruit flies every 3-4 days.

• Provide high humidity with proper airflow.

Challenges & Considerations

• H. devamatha’s speed and defensiveness make pairing tricky.

• High humidity balance is critical to avoid dehydration or mold growth.

• Ethical breeding is crucial to reducing wild collection and sustaining this species in the hobby.

Final Thoughts

Haploclastus devamatha is a visually striking fossorial tarantula with brilliant iridescence, deep burrowing behavior, and intricate webbing tendencies. While its care requirements are manageable for experienced keepers, its defensive temperament and potent venom make it unsuitable for beginners. This species is best appreciated as a display tarantula, allowing its elaborate burrows and webbing to be observed without frequent interaction.

Due to its complex taxonomic history and conservation concerns, supporting captive breeding efforts is essential to reduce the need for wild collection and ensure a sustainable population in the hobby. If you’re looking for a rare, high-energy fossorial species with a unique appearance, H. devamatha is a fantastic addition to a well-maintained collection.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs (TTC10 for 10% off), and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For legal captive-bred tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (TTC10 for 10% off).