🕷 Complete Tarantula Care Guide

Natural History, Enclosure Setup, Feeding, Molting & Long-Term Success

If you’re searching for how to care for a tarantula, what enclosure they need, how often to feed them, or which species is best for beginners, this complete tarantula care guide will walk you through everything.

Successful tarantula keeping starts with understanding one thing:

Tarantulas are not decorative pets — they are highly specialized predators shaped by millions of years of environmental adaptation.

When you replicate their natural habitat correctly, they thrive.

Understanding Tarantula Natural History (Why It Matters)

Tarantulas belong to the family Theraphosidae, a group of large, hairy spiders found across:

• South America

• Central America

• North America

• Africa

• Asia

Different species evolved in dramatically different ecosystems:

• Tropical rainforest canopy (arboreal species)

• Dry scrubland and savannah (terrestrial species)

• Deep burrow systems (fossorial species)

Their enclosure, humidity, and substrate requirements depend entirely on their natural origin.

If you ignore natural history, you create stress.
If you replicate it, you create longevity.

Types of Tarantulas: Arboreal, Terrestrial & Fossorial

Arboreal Tarantulas

Arboreal species live in trees and elevated structures.

They require:

• Vertical enclosures

• Cork bark tubes or upright hides

• Moderate to higher humidity

• Cross ventilation

Examples include many vibrant tropical species popular in display setups.

Terrestrial Tarantulas

Terrestrial species live primarily on the ground.

They require:

• Horizontal floor space

• Moderate substrate depth

• Stable humidity

• Dry-to-slightly-moist substrate gradient

These species are often recommended as beginner tarantulas.

Fossorial Tarantulas

Fossorial species are heavy burrowers.

They require:

• Deep substrate (3–6+ inches depending on size)

• Stable moisture in lower layers

• Minimal disturbance

Many defensive species fall into this category.

Tarantula Enclosure Setup (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose the Right Size Enclosure

General rule:

• 3–4x leg span in floor space

• Height depends on terrestrial vs arboreal species

Too large = stress
Too small = restricted behavior

2. Substrate Matters More Than Most People Realize

Your substrate is not decoration — it is the foundation of humidity control and structural support.

A proper tarantula substrate should:

• Hold light moisture without becoming swampy

• Allow burrow stability

• Resist compaction

• Avoid mold growth

For tropical species, maintaining a slight moisture gradient is important.
For arid species, most of the enclosure should remain dry.

Bioactive components can help regulate micro-environments naturally.

3. Hides & Structure

Every tarantula needs security.

Options include:

• Cork bark slabs

• Cork tubes

• Half-log hides

• Deep substrate for burrowing species

If a tarantula feels exposed, it will remain stressed.

4. Ventilation

Poor ventilation kills more tarantulas than low humidity.

You want:

• Cross ventilation

• Air exchange

• No stagnant air

Especially for tropical species, airflow prevents fungal growth.

Feeding Tarantulas Properly

Tarantulas are opportunistic predators.

What Do Tarantulas Eat?

• Crickets

• Roaches

• Mealworms

• Superworms

• Occasional hornworms (size appropriate)

Feed prey no larger than the spider’s abdomen.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings (slings):

• 1–2 times per week

Juveniles:

• Every 5–7 days

Adults:

• Every 7–14 days

Overfeeding is more common than underfeeding.

A tarantula with a slightly plump abdomen is ideal. A swollen abdomen is a fall risk.

Molting: The Critical Phase

Molting is when tarantulas shed their exoskeleton to grow.

Signs of pre-molt:

• Refusing food

• Lethargy

• Darkened abdomen

• Excessive webbing

During molt:

• Do NOT disturb

• Do NOT feed

• Do NOT mist directly

After molting:

• Wait 5–14 days before feeding (longer for larger specimens)

Their fangs must harden before they can safely eat.

Humidity & Water

Humidity is misunderstood.

You do NOT need constant high humidity for most species.

Instead, you need:

• A moisture gradient

• A water dish

• Slightly moist lower substrate (for tropical species)

Arid species prefer mostly dry substrate with a water dish available.

Standing swamp conditions are dangerous.

Temperature Guidelines

Most tarantulas thrive between:

68–78°F

They tolerate room temperature well.

Avoid:

• Heat lamps

• Direct sunlight

• Heating pads under enclosures

If your house is comfortable for you, it’s usually safe for them.

Beginner Tarantulas vs Advanced Species

If you’re new, start with species known for:

• Calm temperament

• Hardy constitution

• Terrestrial lifestyle

• Forgiving humidity range

Advanced species (especially many Old World tarantulas) may:

• Be more defensive

• Move extremely fast

• Have stronger venom

Experience matters.

Common Tarantula Care Mistakes

1. Over-misting

2. Poor ventilation

3. Too large prey items

4. Disturbing during molt

5. Excessive handling

Tarantulas are display animals — not handling pets.

Bioactive Tarantula Enclosures

Bioactive setups can work extremely well when done correctly.

Benefits:

• Microbial balance

• Waste breakdown

• Natural humidity stabilization

• Reduced mold risk

However, bioactive does NOT mean wet.

It means biologically balanced.

Leaf litter, hardwood components, and stable soil structure mimic forest floor ecosystems.

How Long Do Tarantulas Live?

Longevity depends on species and sex.

Females often live:

• 15–25+ years (some longer)

Males typically live:

• 4–8 years depending on species

Tarantulas are long-term commitments.

Shipping Live Tarantulas Safely

When buying tarantulas online, proper packing is critical.

Live tarantulas should be shipped with:

• Insulated liners

• Temperature stabilization

• Secure containment

• Weather monitoring

They are not inanimate products.

They require precision.

Final Thoughts: Replicate the Forest, Respect the Predator

The key to tarantula success is simple:

Understand where the species evolved.
Replicate that environment.
Avoid over complication.

Tarantulas have survived hundreds of millions of years.
Your job is simply not to interfere with that design.