Tarantulas are fascinating creatures that have captivated hobbyists around the world. While Old World (Africa and Asia) tarantulas tend to be more aggressive and defensive, New World (North and South America) tarantulas are often preferred by beginners and experienced keepers alike due to their calmer temperaments and fascinating behaviors. If you’re considering adding a New World tarantula to your collection, here are five of the best species to keep as pets.
1. Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
The curly hair tarantula is a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Native to Central America, this species is known for its characteristic curly setae (hairs), which give it a fuzzy appearance.
- Temperament: Generally docile and slow-moving, making it an excellent pet for handling (though minimal handling is always recommended).
- Care Requirements: They thrive in moderate humidity and temperatures between 70-80°F with a simple terrestrial setup.
- Feeding: They accept a diet of crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized insects.
- Lifespan: Females can live up to 20 years, while males typically live 5-7 years.
This tarantula’s hardy nature and forgiving care requirements make it a staple in the hobby.
2. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)
A classic in the pet trade, the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula is one of the most recognizable species thanks to its striking black-and-orange coloration. Found in Mexico, it has been a favorite among enthusiasts for decades.
- Temperament: Very docile and slow-moving, making it a perfect display species.
- Care Requirements: Prefers a warm and dry environment with a deep substrate for burrowing.
- Feeding: Crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches work well.
- Lifespan: Females can live over 25 years, while males typically reach 5-6 years.
This species’ vibrant colors and gentle disposition make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced tarantula keepers.
3. Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)
Often recommended as a first tarantula, the Chilean Rose is another staple in the hobby. Hailing from Chile, this species varies in color from brown to a beautiful rose hue.
- Temperament: Generally calm but can occasionally be moody.
- Care Requirements: Prefers a dry environment with minimal humidity.
- Feeding: A diet of crickets and roaches is ideal.
- Lifespan: Females can live up to 20 years, while males live around 5 years.
Due to its slow growth rate and low maintenance, this species is ideal for beginners looking for a hardy pet.
4. Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)
Often described as the “gentle giant” of the tarantula world, the Brazilian Black Tarantula is highly sought after due to its velvety jet-black appearance and calm demeanor.
- Temperament: Extremely docile and rarely defensive.
- Care Requirements: Similar to other Grammostola species, it prefers moderate temperatures and low humidity.
- Feeding: They enjoy a diet of appropriately sized insects.
- Lifespan: Females can live over 20 years, while males reach around 5-7 years.
While they are one of the more expensive species due to their slow growth rate, their stunning looks and gentle nature make them a favorite among collectors.
5. Arizona Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
Native to the southwestern United States, the Arizona Blonde Tarantula is an excellent pet choice due to its hardy nature and attractive golden-brown coloration.
- Temperament: Very docile, though some individuals may be skittish.
- Care Requirements: Adaptable to dry conditions with minimal humidity.
- Feeding: Crickets and roaches are suitable.
- Lifespan: Females can live up to 30 years, while males live around 5-8 years.
Due to their long lifespan and easy care requirements, these tarantulas make excellent long-term pets.
Essential Tips for Caring for a Pet Tarantula
Tarantulas are unique, low-maintenance pets that can live for decades with proper care.
Whether you’re a first-time keeper or an experienced arachnid enthusiast, understanding their basic care needs is crucial for their well-being. In this guide, we’ll cover the key aspects of tarantula care, from choosing the right enclosure to feeding and handling.
1. Choosing the Right Enclosure
The right habitat is essential for your tarantula’s health. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Size: A tank that’s about three times the leg span of your tarantula is ideal. Arboreal (tree-dwelling) species need tall enclosures, while terrestrial (ground-dwelling) species require more floor space.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is necessary to prevent mould growth and maintain humidity.
- Secure Lid: Tarantulas are excellent climbers and escape artists, so ensure the enclosure has a tight-fitting lid.
2. Substrate and Habitat Setup
A good substrate helps your tarantula feel safe and comfortable:
- For terrestrial species: Use 2-4 inches of coconut fiber, topsoil, or a mix of both for burrowing. You can buy a specialised spider mix at most pet shops.
- For arboreal species: Provide cork bark or branches for climbing.
- Hides: Every tarantula needs a place to retreat, like a half-log or coconut shell.
- Humidity & Water: Keep a small water dish in the enclosure and mist lightly if necessary, depending on the species’ humidity needs.
3. Temperature and Humidity
Tarantulas thrive in moderate temperatures and humidity levels.
- Temperature: Keep the enclosure between 70-80°F (21-27°C). A heat mat is usually unnecessary unless your home is very cold.
- Humidity: New World tarantulas generally prefer 50-70% humidity, though some species, like the Brazilian Black, do well in drier conditions.
4. Feeding Your Tarantula
Tarantulas are carnivorous and eat a diet of live insects:
- Common Prey: Crickets, roaches and mealworms.
- Feeding Frequency: Young tarantulas (slings) should be fed every few days, while adults only need food once a week.
- Water Needs: A shallow water dish should always be available, even if they rarely drink from it.
5. Handling and Safety
While many New World tarantulas are docile, they should be handled sparingly.
- Minimise Handling: Tarantulas are fragile, and a fall can be fatal. It’s best to enjoy them as exhibition pets.
- Urticating Hairs: Some species, like the Mexican Red Knee, flick tiny irritating hairs as a defense. Avoid getting these in your eyes or on your skin.
- Gently Guide Them: If you need to move your tarantula, use a soft brush or let them walk onto your hand over a soft surface.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
Tarantulas are clean pets, but occasional maintenance is needed.
- Remove uneaten food: Leftover insects can stress or harm your tarantula.
- Spot clean waste: Use tweezers to remove any mold, leftover food, or waste.
- Change water regularly: Replace water in the dish every few days.
7. Molting: What to Expect
Molting is a crucial process where a tarantula sheds its old exoskeleton.
- Signs of Molting: A tarantula may refuse food, become sluggish, or lay on its back.
- During Molting: Never disturb your tarantula—it’s extremely vulnerable at this stage.
- After molting: Wait a few days before offering food again to allow the new exoskeleton to harden.
Tips for Feeding Your Tarantula
Tarantulas are fascinating pets that require relatively simple care, but their feeding needs can sometimes be a bit tricky for new keepers. Providing the right diet and feeding routine is essential for keeping your tarantula healthy and thriving. Here are some key tips to ensure your eight-legged companion gets the best nutrition.
1. Offer the Right Prey
Tarantulas primarily eat live insects such as crickets, mealworms, locusts, and dubia roaches. The size of the prey should be no larger than the tarantula’s body to prevent injury or stress. For smaller spiderlings, pinhead crickets or pre-killed insects can be offered.
2. Feed According to Age and Size
Young tarantulas (spiderlings) need to eat more frequently—about every 2-4 days—while juveniles and adults can be fed once or twice a week. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain and prolonged fasting periods, so it’s important to monitor their eating habits.
3. Remove Uneaten Prey
If your tarantula does not eat within 24 hours, remove any uneaten prey. Live insects left in the enclosure can stress or even injure a molting tarantula, as they may nibble on your pet during this vulnerable period.
4. Be Mindful of Molting
Tarantulas stop eating before molting, sometimes for weeks or even months. If your tarantula refuses food and its abdomen darkens, it may be preparing to molt. Do not disturb them during this time, and wait until the molt is complete before offering food again.
5. Provide Fresh Water
A shallow water dish should always be available for hydration, especially for larger species. For smaller tarantulas, lightly misting one side of the enclosure provides an additional water source.
By following these tips, you can ensure your tarantula stays healthy and stress-free. Observing their behavior and adjusting their diet accordingly will help you provide the best care possible for your fascinating arachnid friend!
Final Thoughts
New World tarantulas are excellent choices for those looking to enter the hobby or expand their collection. Their generally docile temperaments, striking appearances, and relatively simple care requirements make them ideal for keepers of all experience levels. Whether you prefer the fuzzy look of a Curly Hair Tarantula, the iconic beauty of a Mexican Red Knee, or the sleek elegance of a Brazilian Black, there’s a New World tarantula for everyone.
If you’re considering bringing one home, be sure to research proper husbandry to provide your tarantula with a comfortable and stress-free environment. With the right care, these amazing arachnids can become fascinating and rewarding pets for many years to come.
If you’d like to learn more about keeping a tarantula, you can book an animal experience with DJL Exotics! Our hands-on experience will allow you to learn about tarantula care, handling, and their fascinating behaviours from experts. Visit our website to book your session today!
