Curly Hair Tarantula Care
Curly Hair Tarantula
(Tliltocatl albopilosus)
The Curly Hair Tarantula is a calm, terrestrial species native to the rainforests and scrublands of Central America, particularly Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Its name comes from the long, slightly curled bristles covering its body and legs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. It's a great beginner tarantula due to its hardy nature and docile temperament.
Lifespan:
Females: 10–15+ years
Males: 4–6 years
Size:
5–6 inches leg span as adults
Temperament:
Generally docile and slow-moving. They may flick urticating hairs if threatened but rarely bite unless severely provoked.
Enclosure:
Minimum Size: 5–10 gallon tank or equivalent (shoebox size works for juveniles)
Horizontally oriented enclosure
Secure, well-ventilated lid
Provide a hide (cork bark, half log, etc.) and a shallow water dish
Substrate:
Minimum Size: 5–10 gallon tank or equivalent (shoebox size works for juveniles)
Horizontally oriented enclosure
Secure, well-ventilated lid
Provide a hide (cork bark, half log, etc.) and a shallow water dish
Lighting & Temperature:
Day Temp: 72–80°F
No special lighting required—ambient room lighting is sufficient
Avoid direct sunlight or heat lamps
Heating only needed if room falls below 68°F consistently
Humidity:
Maintain 65–70% humidity
Light misting once or twice a week (avoid soaking the enclosure)
Ensure good ventilation to prevent mold
Food:
Insectivorous—feed crickets, roaches, or mealworms
Juveniles: every 2–3 days
Adults: once a week
Prey should be smaller than the tarantula’s abdomen
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Handling:
Can be handled gently but may flick hairs or become stressed
Use a soft brush or cup for transferring
Always handle close to the ground to prevent injury if dropped
Despite their spooky reputation, Curly Hair Tarantulas are often described as "lap spiders" by hobbyists due to their calm demeanor and tendency to just sit quietly when handled!