Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian.
This care sheet covers a variety of tarantula species, including:
Terrestrial tarantulas are a group of several species of tarantulas that come from subtropical to desert climates in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Unlike arboreal tarantulas, who live in trees, terrestrial tarantulas live in or on the ground. Some burrow under the surface and live underground, while others hide under leaves or bark. In general, terrestrial tarantulas are less aggressive and more easily handled than arboreal tarantulas; therefore, they are recommended for new tarantula pet parents.
Care difficulty | Moderate |
Average Life Span | Depending on the species and with proper care, up to 30 years for females and up to 7 years for males |
Average adult size | 2–10 inches, depending on species |
Diet | Carnivorous/insectivorous |
Minimum habitat size | 5 gallons for one adult |
Provide an appropriately sized and shaped habitat at least three times as long as the tarantula’s leg-span and two times as wide as their leg-span to accommodate normal behavior and exercise. Terrestrial tarantulas require a horizontally oriented habitat that is wider and longer than it is tall. The minimum habitat height for a terrestrial tarantula is the length of the animal. Habitats should have a tight-fitting, solid top to prevent escape with multiple ventilation holes that are small enough to prevent escape but large enough to prevent claw entrapment. Screen-meshed tops are not recommended for adult tarantulas, as they can easily get their claws caught in them and become badly injured. Commercially available habitats that open with doors on the side also are available for housing spiders.
Spot-clean the habitat daily to remove droppings and discarded food.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the habitat at least once a month, or more often if needed:
A well-balanced tarantula diet consists of: · Appropriately sized live insects, such as gut-loaded (recently fed) crickets, mealworms, superworms, hornworms and roaches. Some larger species may eat thawed frozen pinkie mice.
Things to remember when feeding your tarantula:
Handling tarantulas is not recommended. They are nervous and become stressed easily. If feeling threatened, they may flick urticating hairs, bite or even run and fall. A short fall can cause a serious or even fatal injury.
When tarantulas molt, they lie on their back with their feet up in the air. Juveniles molt about four times a year and adults once a year. They may stop eating up to two weeks before a molt; do not disturb them during this time. Be sure to remove all live food from enclosure, as even a cricket could harm them during this period.
Tarantulas are available for purchase at your local Petco location. Please call ahead to check availability.
Because terrestrial tarantulas are generally territorial, they are best housed individually. Do not house different invertebrate species together.
Red flags (if you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian)
Health Issue | Symptoms or Causes | Suggested Action |
---|---|---|
Dehydration | Slow moving, shriveled appearance | Consult your veterinarian and ensure proper humidity by misting the habitat more frequently and by providing well-hydrated prey |
Falls, injuries | Bleeding | Consult your veterinarian immediately |
Bumps, blemishes, bald spots or other obvious skin abnormalities | May be caused by trauma, parasites, tumors or excessive hair flicking from stress | Consult your veterinarian immediately |
Is a tarantula a spider?
Yes, tarantulas are spiders and members of the family Theraphosidae; however, they are hairy bodied and usually larger than most other spiders.
What do tarantulas eat?
Tarantulas eat a variety of insects such as roaches, crickets, mealworms, superworms and hornworms. Larger tarantulas can eat thawed frozen rodents.
How long do tarantulas live?
The life span of a tarantula will vary by species and gender and is typically 7–30 years.
Where do tarantulas live?
Some live in the desert, and others are found in the tropics, depending on the species. They can be found in burrows, under logs, under vegetation and in small crevices in rocks. Arboreal species will be found on trees within the foliage.
How many eyes do tarantulas have?
Like other spiders, tarantulas have eight eyes—two larger eyes in the middle of their head are surrounded by three smaller eyes on each side. Despite all these eyes, they have poor vision and depend on sensitive hairs on their legs to orient themselves.
How many legs does a tarantula have?
Tarantulas have eight legs and two pedipalps (the pair of appendages that tarantulas use to sense things in their environments and in reproduction).
Can tarantulas swim?
Yes, tarantulas can swim; however, they are not excellent swimmers, and placing your tarantula in water is not recommended. Use shallow water bowls to prevent them from drowning.
Ask a Pet Care Center employee about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee.
Because invertebrates such as tarantulas can cause skin irritation by flicking their urticating hairs and by transmitting irritating venom through bites, minimize handling your tarantula, and always wash your hands before and after handling your invertebrate or their habitat contents.
Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physicians before purchasing or caring for invertebrates and should consider having a pet other than an invertebrate. Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about invertebrates and disease.
The information on this care sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is sick, or you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
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