New World vs Old World Tarantulas: What’s the Deal?

If you spend any time researching tarantulas, you will quickly encounter the terms “New World” and “Old World.” These labels refer to where tarantula species originate geographically, but they also hint at important behavioral differences that every keeper should understand.

New World and Old World tarantulas differ in temperament, defensive strategies, and husbandry considerations. For beginners especially, understanding this distinction can help determine which species are appropriate to keep.

If you're new to the hobby, you can learn more about proper enclosure setup and husbandry in our complete Tarantula Care Guide.

What Are New World Tarantulas?

New World tarantulas originate from the Americas, including North America, Central America, and South America.

These tarantulas evolved in environments ranging from deserts to tropical rainforests, and many of the species commonly kept in the hobby come from this region.

Examples of New World tarantulas include:

• Grammostola pulchripes (Chaco Golden Knee)

• Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican Red Knee)

• Aphonopelma chalcodes (Arizona Blonde)

• Tliltocatl albopilosus (Curly Hair Tarantula)

These species are among the most popular tarantulas for keepers because they tend to be calm, slow moving, and relatively forgiving.

Urticating Hairs: The Unique Defense of New World Tarantulas

One major trait that separates New World tarantulas from Old World species is the presence of urticating hairs.

These microscopic barbed hairs are located on the abdomen. When threatened, the tarantula may kick these hairs into the air using its hind legs.

The hairs can cause irritation to predators and may produce:

• itching

• skin irritation

• eye irritation

For the tarantula, this defensive strategy allows it to deter threats without needing to bite.

Because of this, New World tarantulas are generally considered more beginner-friendly.

What Are Old World Tarantulas?

Old World tarantulas originate from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

These species evolved without urticating hairs and rely on different defensive strategies when threatened.

Examples of Old World tarantulas include:

• Poecilotheria species (Ornamental Tarantulas)

• Haplopelma species

• Pterinochilus murinus (Orange Baboon Tarantula)

• Heteroscodra maculata (Togo Starburst)

Old World species are often admired for their striking colors and patterns, but they also tend to be faster and more defensive than their New World counterparts.

Defense Without Urticating Hairs

Because Old World tarantulas lack urticating hairs, their primary defense mechanism is speed and biting.

When threatened, Old World species may:

• retreat extremely quickly

• display threat postures

• bite defensively if cornered

Their venom is also generally considered more medically significant than that of most New World species.

For this reason, Old World tarantulas are usually recommended for experienced keepers rather than beginners.

Temperament Differences

While every individual spider is unique, general behavioral trends exist between the two groups.

New World tarantulas are often:

• slower moving

• calmer in temperament

• more likely to rely on urticating hairs for defense

Old World tarantulas are typically:

• extremely fast

• more defensive

• prone to rapid retreat or threat displays

This difference is one reason why beginners are often advised to start with New World species.

Husbandry Differences

Despite behavioral differences, the basic care requirements for New World and Old World tarantulas are often quite similar.

Both groups require:

• appropriate enclosure size

• proper substrate

• fresh water

• adequate ventilation

However, Old World species often require more secure enclosures because their speed and climbing ability make escape more likely.

Which Is Better for Beginners?

For new keepers, New World tarantulas are usually the best choice.

Their calmer behavior, defensive hair mechanism, and generally milder venom make them easier to manage and less intimidating for someone entering the hobby.

Many of the most famous beginner species belong to this group, including the Chaco Golden Knee and Mexican Red Knee.

Old World species, while fascinating, are typically better suited to keepers with more experience handling fast-moving and defensive spiders.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between New World and Old World tarantulas is one of the first steps in learning about tarantula husbandry.

New World species rely on urticating hairs for defense and tend to be calmer and easier for beginners. Old World species lack these hairs and instead rely on speed and stronger venom to protect themselves.

Both groups contain incredible animals that showcase the remarkable diversity of the tarantula world.

If you're interested in starting your journey with these fascinating arachnids, explore our available Tarantulas for Sale and learn more in our complete Tarantula Care Guide.

New World and Old World Tarantulas are distinct based on their geographic distribution, behavior, and certain physical characteristics.
 

Geographic Distribution: New World tarantulas are native to the Americas, including North, Central, and South America, while Old World tarantulas are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Behavior: New World tarantulas generally possess urticating hairs, which they can flick as a defense mechanism. These hairs can cause irritation when they come into contact with skin or mucous membranes. Old World tarantulas, on the other hand, lack these urticating hairs but tend to rely on speed and venom as their primary defense mechanisms.
 

Physical Characteristics: The two groups also differ in terms of physical characteristics. New World tarantulas typically have weaker venom compared to Old World species. Additionally, certain differences in the structure of their fangs and other anatomical features can be observed.

Furthermore, there are differences in their terrarium requirements due to varying environmental needs based on their native habitats. New World tarantulas are commonly found in the humid rain forests of the Americas, while Old World tarantulas are often associated with drier habitats and may require different temperature and humidity levels in captivity.
 

It's important to note that while these are general differences, there can be exceptions within each group, and there is a wide diversity of species within both New World and Old World tarantulas, each with its own unique traits and adaptations.