Although spiders can make many people run away in fear, Tarantulas are great pets. Tarantulas, which live in burrows deep in the ground and hunt prey instead of waiting for it to fly into their web, are generally gentle and docile. They are relatively easy to care for and take up very little space.
Over 800 Tarantula species have been documented around the world. There are approximately 30 Tarantula species that are native to the United States. Theraphosidae is large, hairy spiders with a leg span of up to 11 inches. They can be quite scary, but they are actually relatively harmless to humans. Their venom is usually weaker than that of bees, and you will only get a minor bite. They are a popular pet and one of the most loved spider species.
There are many species of Tarantulas, but only a few make good pets. Many of these species are best suited for experienced owners. This list contains the top beginner Tarantula species, which make excellent pets for arachnid lovers.
1. Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula
The Antilles Pink Toe, also known as Martinique Red Tree Spider is a popular Tarantula pet because of its gentle nature and unique coloration. These tree-dwelling arachnids reach approximately 5 inches in height and are predominantly black. They have unique pink-orange coloring at their legs. Females live for an average of five years, while males live up to ten years.
2. Brazilian Black Tarantula
The Brazilian Black is known for its jet-black appearance and velvety body. This is due to its gentle nature. Because of its long life span and gentle temperament, the Brazilian Black is a popular pet Tarantula. They will often flee instead of attacking. They are also one of the most sought-after species. It can take them up to 8 years before they reach full maturity.
3. Brazilian Pink Bird-Eating Tarantula
The Brazilian Pink Bird-Eating Tarantula, which can reach up to 11 inches in length, is the third-largest Tarantula. Because of their willingness to breed, large size, and docile nature, they are very popular. It can be hard to care for large Tarantula species, but the Brazilian pink is an exception. The adults are usually calm and gentle. Although they aren’t very venomous due to their large size and potential for serious mechanical damage, they can be quite dangerous.
4. Brazilian Red and White Tarantula
The Brazilian Red and White Tarantula are a large species. It is known for its red hair and white stripes. This spider is a popular pet because of its unique coloration and large size. However, they can be a bit skittish due to defensive urticating hairs and are not suitable for too much handling. They can live between 13 and 15 years.
5. Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula
The Brazilian Whiteknee, a popular Tarantula pet is predominantly black with distinct white bands on its legs. Males are usually smaller and have less distinct coloring. They can reach up to 3.5 inches long, while the females can reach up to 8 inches. They grow quickly and reach full maturity around four years of age. Although their venom isn’t very harmful, they can cause severe mechanical damage due to their large size.
6. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
Chaco Golden Knee, a large Tarantula species, can grow up to 8 inches in length. Because of their size and unique gold stripes along their legs, they are popular pets. They make great pets for beginners because they are gentle and calm spiders. Females can live up to 20 years while males usually live 5-6 years.
7. Chilean Rose Tarantula
Due to their striking colors and gentle nature, the Chilean Rose is a popular pet tarantula choice. They are also one of the most readily available species in America. Although females can live up to 20 years in captivity and are often kept as pets for a short time, it is possible that their lifespan could be much longer. They are affordable, readily available, and easy to maintain, making them an excellent choice for beginners.
8. Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula
The Costa Rica Zebra, also known as the Striped Kneed Tarantula is usually black with stripes at the joints. The average lifespan of a female Costa Rica Zebra is 20 years. They can reach 4.5 inches in length. These spiders are easy to care for but can be a bit skittish and fast-moving. This makes them less suitable for owners who wish to manage their spiders. They can be difficult to catch and are easy to startle so it is best not to handle them.
9. Desert Blonde Tarantula
Due to its large body and docile nature, the Desert Blonde is a popular pet choice. These spiders are relatively easy to care for, but they can be more aggressive than some other species. These spiders are wild-caught and not kept in captivity as they only reproduce once per lifetime.
10. Greenbottle Blue Tarantula
The Greenbottle Blue makes a great pet for beginners. However, it can be difficult to keep clean and should not be handled too often. These beautiful spiders have metallic blue legs and blue-green bodies and can reach up to 6 inches in length. They live up to 20 years and are active, fast-growing spiders.
11. Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula
The Honduran Curly hair spider is a round-bodied, long bristle-covered spider with curled ends. Although the hairs are mostly black and brown, some of them have a golden hue, which gives Curly Hair an overall bronze sheen. They make excellent pets and are calm and docile. Females can live up to 10 years in captivity. These spiders are very fearful and should not be handled often.
12. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula
The Mexican Red Knee is named for its distinctive red legs and black tips. This makes it a popular pet among arachnid lovers. They are a great choice for beginners as they are known to be one of the calmest and most docile Tarantulas. These spiders live up to 20-30 years, so it is worth investing in a long-term investment.
13. Mexican Redleg Tarantula
The Mexican Redleg closely resembles the Mexican Red Knee. It is popular among both novice and more experienced arachnid lovers. They take a long time to mature and can live to be 30 years old. Because they are so calm and docile, and because of their large size and striking coloration, they are considered to be an endangered species.
14. Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula
Pink Zebra Beauty is a slow-moving, docile and tolerant species of tarantula. This makes it a popular pet choice for beginners. They can grow up to 6 inches in length and are predominantly dark brown with yellow stripes along their legs. Females can live up to 25 years while males live on average for around 10 years.
Last Thoughts
Tarantulas are fascinating pets that make interesting and unique pets. However, some species are at risk of extinction because they have been captured for their pet industry. To ensure that these lovely creatures survive, we recommend buying spiders only raised in captivity if you want to enter the world of arachnids. Pet trade could lead to the extinction of many Tarantula species in the wild. Therefore, it is important to only purchase wild-caught species.
Finally, Tarantulas can live up to 20 years. Therefore, it is important that you do not take a Tarantula purchase lightly as they are a long-term financial investment.
What is the calmest tarantula species?
Brazilian Black Tarantulas are excellent for beginners. They are noted for their mild demeanor. These spiders are notorious for their volatility. While no tarantula should be held frequently, this species is recognized for being among the most peaceful and gentle.
What is an excellent starter tarantula?
Brazilian black, Chilean rose, Mexican red-knee, and curly-hair tarantulas are some of the best tarantula species for beginners. These spiders are reputed to be sturdy, docile, and tolerant to some handling.
What is the most frequent tarantula kept as a pet?
“The most frequent tarantulas in the pet trade are the Chilean rose tarantula and the Mexican red-kneed tarantula,” adds Dr. Keller. “Overall, they are very simple keepers, but that doesn’t imply that they don’t require care.” Prospective tarantula owners should be prepared to devote themselves to their pets in the long run.
Pink toe tarantulas are they friendly?
Because of their gentler nature, these are ideal for novices. They are wonderful pets to interact with and observe. Pink toes are less likely to flick uncomfortable hairs or bite; instead, they are more likely to flee from danger. Their placid disposition does not imply they are sluggish.
How hard is it to keep a pet tarantula?
Tarantulas are simple to care for and require little attention, but they must be consistent throughout their long lives. Tarantulas cannot be let outside if you are fed up with them. (With the internet, it is now possible to sell it to someone who is interested or consider donating her to the local Nature Center.
Can you hold a Goliath Birdeater?
The puncture alone is enough to induce agony, with or without the presence of venom. They are also capable of delivering a venomless bite, known as a dry bite. It is not advised to handle your Goliath birdeater with this information.
What happens if a Goliath birdeater attacks you?
Although deadly with inch-long fangs, the Goliath Birdeater’s bite will not kill a person. It will, however, hurt a lot, and has been, characterized as a cross between a wasp sting and pounding a nail into your hand.
What is the biggest spider that ever existed?
The researchers report in the journal Biology Letters that their specimen, Nephila Jurassic, would have had a leg spread of about 15cm. She is the world’s biggest fossil spider.
What kind of tarantula doesn’t bite?
Tarantulas of all species bite. They do not, however, prefer to bite people. It cannot be overstated that tarantulas will only attack humans as a last option. Although certain spiders are more aggressive and hostile than others, even those choose to flee rather than bite.