Proper enclosure setup is one of the most important parts of successful tarantula keeping, from substrate depth and ventilation to humidity, hides, and species-specific tank design for terrestrial, arboreal, and fossorial tarantulas.
Terrestrial and arboreal tarantulas differ dramatically in behavior, enclosure design, climbing ability, webbing habits, and how they use space within captivity and in the wild.
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.
The Electric Blue Tarantula (Chilobrachys natanicharum) is one of the most spectacular species in the hobby. Native to Thailand, this Old World tarantula is prized for its brilliant blue coloration, extensive webbing, and fascinating burrowing lifestyle. Explore its natural history, behavior, habitat, and captive care requirements.
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 Panama Blonde Tarantula (Psalmopoeus reduncus) is a beautiful New World arboreal species known for its golden coloration, rapid growth, and impressive web-building behavior. Native to the tropical forests of Panama, this species offers keepers an engaging look at life high above the rainforest floor.
The Singapore Blue Tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) is a massive Old World arboreal species known for its vivid blue coloration, extensive web-building behavior, and impressive size. Native to the tropical rainforests of Singapore and Malaysia, this advanced tarantula is one of the most spectacular display species in the hobby.
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 Indian Ornamental Tarantula, Poecilotheria regalis, is a massive arboreal Old World species prized for its striking black-and-white patterning, lightning-fast speed, and impressive 7–9 inch leg span. Native to the forests of India, this iconic tarantula thrives in tall enclosures with climbing space and is considered one of the most visually stunning display species in the hobby.
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.
Discover the Highland Ivory Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria subfusca), a spectacular arboreal species from Sri Lanka's cool mountain cloud forests. Learn about its habitat, appearance, behavior, enclosure setup, feeding, humidity, and expert care requirements in this comprehensive species guide.
The Fringed Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria ornata) is a giant arboreal species from the rainforests of Sri Lanka. Known for its intricate black-and-white patterning, yellow warning coloration, and impressive size, this advanced-level tarantula is considered one of the most spectacular members of the ornamental tarantula genus.
The Dominican Purple Tarantula (Phormictopus sp.) is one of the Caribbean's most striking giant tarantulas. Learn about its natural history, growth rate, temperament, enclosure requirements, and long-term care.
The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula (Nhandu cerradensis) is a large terrestrial species native to Brazil's vast Cerrado savanna. Known for its impressive size, subtle red and blue coloration, fast growth, and powerful feeding response, this hardy New World tarantula has become a favorite among intermediate keepers. Learn about its natural habitat, behavior, enclosure requirements, feeding habits, and long-term care.
The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty Tarantula (Dolichothele diamantinensis) combines brilliant blue coloration, intricate web-building behavior, and a manageable size. Learn about its natural history, habitat, temperament, and captive care in this complete species guide.
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 Golden Earth Tiger Tarantula (Melopoeus cf. schmidti 'Phong Nha-Ke Bang') is a fascinating fossorial species from Vietnam known for its golden coloration, impressive burrowing behavior, and lightning-fast feeding response. This advanced Old World tarantula rewards patient keepers with a glimpse into the hidden world beneath the forest floor.