Tarantulas
Tarantulas are large, long-lived and striking spiders for the terrarium.
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Why tarantulas are interesting
Tarantulas live in the tropics and subtropics worldwide. Females of some species live 15–20 years or more, while males live much shorter lives. Spiders grow by moulting and get bigger and more colourful with each moult.
Choosing a species
- Terrestrial species live on the surface and need a wide rather than tall terrarium.
- Arboreal species build silk tubes up high, so they need a vertical terrarium.
- Fossorial species spend most of their time in burrows under the substrate.
- American species defend themselves by flicking irritating hairs from the abdomen; Asian and African species lack them but are faster, more defensive and have stronger venom, so they are for experienced keepers.
Care
- A terrarium sized for the spider, with a hide and a layer of substrate; a water dish for adults.
- Temperature is usually 22–28 °C; humidity depends on the species.
- Food: crickets and roaches every 1–2 weeks; do not feed just before and after a moult.
- Do not handle the spider: a fall can kill it, and a bite or the hairs can be unpleasant for you.