Understanding Tarantulas and Their Proper Care

Tarantulas can be describe as a large hairy spider with big fangs and long legs. There are different species of this kind and currently 928 species of tarantula described by science. Many more yet to be discovered. Before you proceed in selecting a tarantula, you need to first understand their needs. You need to know their habitat on their natural environment to provide good housing for them. Meeting their requirements in feeding nutritious food such as roaches and crickets that are fed well. Maintaining enough humidity for different species of tarantula will prolong the life cycle of your  pet. Different species do have different needs so make sure you research first and ask for questions to your local pet stores about caring tarantulas.

Tarantulas can be divided into two types, terrestrial (ground dwelling) and arboreal (tree dwelling) species.

Terrestrial or ground dwelling tarantulas are from South and Central America. Examples of this species are the Chilian Rose (Grammostola rosea), the Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulcher), the Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma smithi), the Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum) and the Mexican Red Rump (Brachypelma vagans). These tarantulas are good for beginners because of their docile attitude and ease of care. Always remember in housing them, floor space is important than height of the enclosure. The minimum floor space is 1.5 – 2 times the leg span of the tarantula. The height should be enough for the tarantulas to flip over onto its back during molting.

Arboreal or tree dwelling tarantulas range from Mexico throughout Meso and South America and several of the Greater and Lesser Antilles Islands. They usually found on rain forest and needs high humidity and plenty of ventilation in keeping them in captivity. Housing them should have a cage with greater height than length or width. Height is more important than floor space. A good example of arboreal tarantula is the Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia). For this specie, you need to provide a shallow substrate with plenty of branches running towards the top of the enclosure. 

Knowing your tarantulas will help you understand their needs and will keep them alive longer and happier. . I will be posting different species of tarantulas on this site and their caresheets so keep on visiting my site, thanks.