Curly hair tarantulas are up to 2.8 inches (6-7 cm) long. They have a leg span up to 5.8 inches (14.5 cm). Their body and legs are covered with dark brown bristly hairs and longer golden hairs. High levels of substrate are recommended because tarantulas do climb and fall, and a fall from a few inches could be fatal.
Although tarantulas are venomous, their venom is rarely toxic to humans. Curly hair tarantulas are not poisonous but they are venomous. Their venom is similar to that of a bee and will trigger allergic reactions. When they feel threatened, they kick hairs off their abdomen with their hind leg and this hair will cause swelling and itching.
These arachnids have a dark brown coloration and long, curly hair covering their bodies. A distinct feature is that the first joint of its legs is brownish, while remaining leg segments are light brown or yellowish.
The Curly Hair Tarantula is a vital component of the food web in its habitat. Relationship with Humans: Historically, they were targeted for trade, leading to wild captures. Today, they are more bred in captivity. Their CITES listing ensures regulated trade to prevent overexploitation.
If you wait until your tarantula matures, sexing it will be easier. Mature males have a hook on their front leg underside. The male curly hair tarantula has a lighter coloring than the female. Since their growth rate is slow, they don’t reach full size until 5 years old.
In captivity, their lifespan is 5 years for males and up to 25 years for females. Like all tarantulas, the females live longer. Curly hair tarantulas are nocturnal hunters that lie in wait for prey in burrows.
These tarantulas have been very hard to find recently, selling for $120 or more. The Curly Hair tarantula is fast growing, with young reaching 3 inches within a year. Feedings must match this fast growth. Number 16 spider lived to 43 years, likely killed by a wasp. She outlived the previous 28-year record holder found in Mexico.
How often can you handle a curly hair tarantula?
The curly hair tarantula has a round body covered with long bristles that have a slight curl. Most bristles are dark brown to black, but some are golden. This gives the spider a bronze sheen. Curly hair tarantulas are ground-dwelling, burrowing spiders native to Central America. Many are bred in captivity for the pet trade. These spiders are calm, hardy, easy to care for. They require housing that mimics their natural habitat and live prey. While some handle their tarantulas, they are mostly hands off pets.
Curly hair tarantulas are insectivores, eating insects like roaches and worms. Young should eat every couple days while adults eat weekly. Remove uneaten insects. Some can be dangerous by burrowing or biting the tarantula.
They molt often, shedding their exoskeleton. Frequency varies over their lifetime and between sexes. Males live 5 years, females 20. Before molting, they stop eating and hide. After, they are active again.
Provide proper handling for their sensitive nature. Use gentle techniques like paint brushes instead of hands. Their calm disposition makes them great pets, but mishandling causes injuries.
Do curly hair tarantulas hide a lot?
The Curly Hair Tarantula is considered one of the very best species for beginners. It is slow-moving and docile, particularly as an adult. Growing to a legspan of some 5 – 6 inches, it has only modest requirements in captivity. The common name of this spider comes from the “fluffy” appearance it develops over time. While it may not be the most colourful species of tarantula in the pet trade, it does have a certain appeal with it’s unusual, “blow dried” appearance.
Curly hair tarantulas typically have a 6-6.5” legspan as adults. Their body has a dark brown-black base color with curled hairs that range from blond, auburn, or even gray-blue in color. Enthusiasts often describe them as having a “fluffy” appearance. Curly hair tarantulas are known for being a great beginner-level tarantula because of their hardiness and gentle, tolerant dispositions.
The curly hair tarantula or the wooly tarantula, is one of the most commonly kept pet tarantulas. Their cute appearance, calm demeanor and easy care makes them an amazing pet for anyone new to the tarantula or exotic pet hobby. Curly hair tarantulas are new world tarantulas that can be found in places such as Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Are curly hair tarantulas tropical?
Curly hair tarantulas are native to tropical forests in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are found in the crevasses of rocks and trees. Curly hair tarantulas are covered in long, curly bristles. The male lives about 5 years while the female lives about 20 years.
These tarantulas have round bodies with leg spans up to 15 cm. They are mostly nocturnal hunters preying on insects and small vertebrates. Their bites are not dangerous. Predators face threats from birds, reptiles and other spiders. Curly hair tarantulas play a role in ecological balance, controlling insect and small vertebrate populations.
Curly hair tarantulas belong to the arachnid class with eight legs. They are largely terrestrial, burrowing spiders that will occasionally climb. They have a dark brown or blackish body covered in long curly bristles with some pinkish-red hairs on their abdomen and legs. Compared to others tarantulas, curly hairs are usually docile and slow moving.
These tarantulas eat live insects like roaches, worms and crickets. Young tarantulas eat every couple days while adults eat weekly. Uneaten insects should be removed from the enclosure. Some insects can bite and harm tarantulas.
A 5-10 gallon tank with more ground space than height is suitable. Curly hair tarantulas get hydration from food and only need to eat once or twice monthly as adults. Proper care and handling ensures their health and well-being.