Photo from SpiderShop.UK

The Anqash Tiger Rump, Anqasha picta Pocock, is a unique and beautiful dwarf member of the New World tarantula subfamily, Theraphosinae. This species is native to high elevations [2500m (7500')] of the Cordillera Blanca (part of the Andes range) in the provinces of Huaylas and Yungay of the region of Ancash, Peru. Their abdomen has a highly unusual and striking reverse tiger stripe pattern, with a broad orange chevron overlying a black base color. The carapace ranges from lustrous tan to dark gray.

A denizen of high-elevation, cool, subtropical rocky savannahs, grasslands, and woodland areas, this terrestrial fossorial (burrowing) species likely builds scrape-like silk-lined burrows under rocks. Although A. picta should have a slow growth rate and a generally good feeding response, they may fast for periods of time and so are probably best for keepers with intermediate to advanced experience levels. This species is likely skittish but should have a gentle disposition and is best not handled.

There is limited information available on the husbandry of A. picta. They likely fare well when maintained at cooler temperatures (upper 60s F) than lower-elevation tarantulas. Mature A. picta can be kept in terrestrial, cross-ventilated enclosures wider than deep with a several-inch layer of organic, airy substrate. The substrate should be barely moist for spiderlings to dry for larger juveniles and adults. A secured cork hide with a cavity or cave beneath should be added to encourage A. picta to initiate its scrape-type burrows. The Anqash Tiger Rump is a beautiful and uncommonly encountered dwarf tarantula that you should not pass up!

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