While some tarantulas appear calm enough to handle, improper handling can stress the animal and create risks for both keeper and spider, especially with fast-moving or defensive species.
Old World tarantulas are fast, defensive species known for potent venom, advanced behaviors, and heavy webbing, requiring secure enclosure setups and experienced husbandry compared to most New World tarantulas.
Most New World tarantulas rely on irritating urticating hairs as a primary defense, while bites are relatively uncommon and typically occur only when a spider feels cornered or severely stressed.
Although tarantulas can bite defensively when threatened, most species are shy animals that prefer retreating over confrontation, with New World tarantulas relying more heavily on urticating hairs than venom for defense.
How often should you feed a tarantula? Learn the ideal feeding schedule for slings, juveniles, and adults, along with tips on prey size, recognizing when your tarantula isn't hungry, and avoiding overfeeding to keep your spider healthy.
Wondering if your tarantula needs supplemental heat? Learn the ideal temperature range for pet tarantulas, when heating is actually necessary, common heating mistakes to avoid, and the safest ways to keep your spider comfortable year-round. This guide explains how room temperature, seasonal changes, and proper enclosure placement affect tarantula health and behavior.
New World and Old World tarantulas differ dramatically in temperament, venom potency, defensive behavior, speed, and husbandry, making the distinction one of the most important concepts in tarantula keeping.
The Cobalt Blue Tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) is a stunning Old World species known for its electric-blue legs, heavy webbing, and defensive temperament. Native to Thailand and Myanmar, this fossorial tarantula reaches 5–6 inches and is best suited for experienced keepers.
Native to the deserts of the American Southwest, Arizona Blonde Tarantulas are calm terrestrial spiders known for their hardy nature, slow movements, and exceptionally long lifespan in captivity.
The Cameroon Red Baboon Tarantula (Hysterocrates gigas) is a massive Old World species from the humid rainforests and river systems of West Africa. Known for its powerful burrowing behavior, impressive size, and unusual tolerance for wet environments, this fascinating tarantula offers experienced keepers a unique glimpse into one of Africa's most remarkable subterranean predators.
The Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria fasciata) is a stunning arboreal species native to Sri Lanka's tropical forests. Discover its natural habitat, appearance, behavior, enclosure requirements, feeding, and expert care recommendations in this comprehensive species and care guide.
The Lowland Ivory Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria subfusca) is a spectacular arboreal species from the warm tropical forests of Sri Lanka. Learn about its natural habitat, appearance, behavior, enclosure requirements, feeding, humidity, and expert care in this comprehensive species and care guide.
The Sarawak Red Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus everetti) is a striking arboreal species from the rainforests of Borneo. Known for its impressive size, reddish coloration, and lightning-fast movements, this advanced species offers experienced keepers a fascinating glimpse into life high in the tropical canopy
The Sabah Blue Earth Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus sp.) is a rare and stunning blue species from the rainforests of Malaysian Borneo. Known for its metallic coloration, remarkable speed, and adaptable behavior, this advanced-level tarantula offers keepers a fascinating glimpse into one of Southeast Asia's most captivating arachnids.
The Vietnam Silver Earth Tiger Tarantula (Ornithoctoninae sp.) is a large Old World fossorial species from Southeast Asia. Discover its natural history, care requirements, enclosure setup, feeding habits, growth rate, and why it has become a favorite among experienced tarantula keepers.
The Trinidad Dwarf Tarantula (Cyriocosmus elegans) is a small but captivating species known for its famous heart-shaped abdominal pattern. Discover its natural history, care requirements, feeding habits, enclosure setup, and why it remains one of the hobby's most beloved dwarf tarantulas.
The Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) is a giant terrestrial tarantula known for its massive size, fast growth, and salmon-colored setae. Native to Brazil, this impressive species can reach 8–10 inches in leg span and is one of the largest tarantulas in the hobby.
The Colombian Giant Red Leg Tarantula (Megaphobema robustum) is a large New World terrestrial tarantula known for its bright reddish legs, impressive size, and unusual defensive kicking behavior. This care guide covers habitat, enclosure setup, feeding, humidity, and the natural history of one of Colombia's most fascinating tarantulas.
The Trinidad Olive Tarantula (Psalmopoeus pulcher) is a beautiful New World arboreal tarantula native to the forests of Trinidad. Known for its olive coloration, fast growth, and impressive web-building behavior, this species is a favorite among keepers seeking an active and rewarding arboreal tarantula.
The Togo Starburst Baboon Tarantula (Heteroscodra maculata) is a fast-growing arboreal Old World species known for its striking black-and-white bark camouflage and incredible speed. Native to the forests of West Africa, this advanced-level tarantula creates elaborate web retreats high above the forest floor and remains one of the most fascinating arboreal species in the hobby.