Last updated on February 1st, 2023 at 09:53 am
Are Curly Hair Tarantulas docile? Though temperaments can vary, most keepers agree that these tarantulas are some of the most gentle available…
Tarantulas make for great exotic pets. There are hundreds of different species of tarantulas to choose from, and curly hair tarantulas are among the most docile, beginner-friendly tarantulas for arachnid enthusiasts. These tarantulas are also known as woolly tarantulas or by their scientific name of “Tliltocatl albopilosus”. They may, at times, be referred to by their former nomenclature of “Brachypelma albopilosum”.
The curly hair tarantula is called so because it is characterized by a round body that is encompassed in long bristles with a slight curl. Male curly hair tarantulas are lighter than the females of this species.
In fact, the color of their hair is also one of the distinguishing features between the two curly hair tarantula types. The two types are the Nicaraguan Curly Hair Tarantula and the Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula.
The Nicaraguan curly hair tarantulas have lighter hair, with a darker shade of body compared to the Honduran variety, which has bronze-colored hair.
Some of the factors that work in favor of anyone who wishes to own and care for curly hair tarantulas are-
- This species is part of new world tarantulas, which are of a milder temperament
- They are docile unless they feel threatened
- They are relatively easy to care for and do not take up much space
New World Tarantulas are more docile
New-world tarantulas are distinguished from their old-world counterparts by factors such as geographical location and physical features.
For instance, new-world tarantulas exist in the western hemisphere, eg., The Americas. In contrast, the old-world tarantulas are in continents such as Asia, Africa, or Europe that are part of the eastern hemisphere.
The old-world tarantulas are not as hairy and are more agile compared to the new-world tarantulas. Another aspect that makes new-world tarantulas more appealing as pets is their mellow disposition.
In other words, curly hair tarantulas are a suitable choice for new as well as seasoned pet owners.
Here are a few quick facts that firmly establish the answers to the main question of this blog post, which is – are curly hair tarantulas docile and thus, good pets?
Are curly hair tarantulas friendly?
They are generally calm and do not bite. However, their natural defense mechanism of urticating hair can cause pain and irritation upon skin contact.
When you do take them out of their enclosure, careful handling so as to not make them feel threatened will be necessary.
Are Honduran curly hair tarantulas good for beginners?
The Honduran curly hair tarantula is definitely a good choice for newbie tarantula pet owners. They are the more widely known and raised hobby form of tarantulas.
This species is resilient, requires minimal care, and can be purchased easily. Their dietary needs can also be fulfilled without any difficulties via local pet stores.
How do you pick up a curly hair tarantula?
If possible, allow them to climb onto your hand voluntarily. Ensure steady, slow movement to bring them out of their enclosure.
Take care not to drop them as it leads to injuries. For this, it is best to remain in a seated position till the tarantula is safely deposited back into the terrarium.
In my opinion, you should never hold a tarantula more than a few inches above the ground. If they jump and fall, it can easily rupture their abdomen and kill them.
How often should I handle my curly hair tarantula?
Although they are docile in nature, it is best if handling is kept to a minimum. Even when you do handle them, do not do so for long periods of time.
Curly hair tarantulas are fascinating creatures. Unlike regular pets, though, they are more appropriate for observation than petting.
Why does my curly hair tarantula have a bald spot?
One of the reasons why minimum handling is appropriate for these tarantulas is that if they go into defensive mode and kick too much, they lose their hair.
This leads to them developing a bald spot on their abdomen. Although the hair does grow back, it happens when the next molting takes place.
Molting is a natural phenomenon in the growth process of tarantulas. They shed their existing exoskeleton and grow a new one as they become bigger.
What does it mean when a spider lifts its front legs?
Spiders are good mimics. They imitate the behavior of other creatures such as ants, and the lifting of their front legs can be a defense mechanism when they feel threatened.
Spiders often raise their legs, to give the appearance of being larger than they are and thus avoid becoming the prey of larger predators.
How venomous is a Curly Hair Tarantula?
Curly hair tarantulas rarely bite. The venom from a bite, should it occur, is not fatal. It can, however, lead to other complications if the handler is prone to allergic reactions.
If pierced by the urticating hair, irritation and pain will occur. Taking the necessary precautions will lower the chance of this happening.
As a minimum, wash your hands thoroughly after handling or feeding the tarantula.
How do I know if my tarantula is happy?
There may not be visible signs that can prove this. In general, though, their behavior can be an indication of their comfort and happiness levels.
If they are eating well and are growing as they are meant to, they are happy in their current environment.
Why falls are dangerous for tarantulas
Tarantulas are terrestrial and burrowing creatures. Therefore, wide enclosures that are not too high are best suited for them. The exoskeleton that protects the organs of the tarantula can break if they fall from a height.
This can prove fatal to the tarantulas and must be prevented from happening.
Caring for curly hair tarantulas
Buying, Housing & feeding
Purchasing from a reputed seller will ensure you know its lineage and current health condition. They are inexpensive and be easily purchased.
The size of the tank must be big enough to let the tarantula move around and accommodate its physical growth. It should also be well-ventilated.
Maintaining the right temperature through the use of a heating pad and thermostat for measurements is vital. This is typically set at 75-to-85-degree Fahrenheit. Humidity also plays an important role. In some houses where it doesn’t get too cold in the winter a heat pad won’t be necessary. However, checking on and maintaining good humidity of around 65% is absolutely essential.
The right bedding makes all the difference. Usually, materials such as peat moss, coconut husk, and soil make up the base of the enclosure.
Tarantulas generally feed on crickets, mealworms and other insects that are small in size. They will also require a small dish of water. For a more detailed care description, head over to my Curly Hair Tarantula care sheet.
Other factors that affect the temperament of tarantulas
Although they are mild-tempered, there are a few other points to bear in mind when it comes to curly hair tarantulas and their temperament.
The species generally like to live in solitude. It is therefore better that they are not housed together with other tarantulas or spiders. They do lose their appetite when they are ready to molt. This need not be a cause for concern, though.
Keeping the terrarium clean and their living conditions at the optimum level also has a bearing on their temperament.
Interesting facts about tarantulas
- The name “Tarantula” is Italian. It comes from a port city there called “Taranto”, where wolf spiders were a common sight in medieval times.
- The bite of a tarantula was believed to heighten the impulse to dance in people. The term
- “Tarantella” was thus given to a form of peasant dance in the folklore of Taranto, Italy.
- The curly hair tarantulas sometimes rearrange the items in their living space by shifting things such as barks, to their liking. They like to re-decorate for comfort, like humans!
- In a year, a female curly hair tarantula can lay anywhere between 300-500 eggs. This may account for the healthy population of this species.
- Curly hair tarantulas are nocturnal. They like to hunt during the latter part of the day or at night.
FAQs relating to are Curly Hair Tarantulas docile
Why is my tarantula always hiding?
They are sensitive creatures. Their way of exhibiting stress may be in the form of hiding or burrowing themselves.
It can be because of changes to their environment, for eg. a new item is placed in their enclosure or if they are in the pre-molt stage. Although they are known to hide for long periods of time, without apparent reason.
Why is this spider shaking its butt?
Much like urticating hair is a defense mechanism for curly hair tarantulas, shaking their behinds can be a defensive stance when they detect imminent danger.
Other species such as the peacock spider, may use this to attract the female of the species through its moves.
Do spiders know when you are looking at them?
It is very much possible that they are able to see this. However, this ability exists only with a few species of spiders. An example would be jumping spiders.
Most are nearly blind and will therefore not realize it even if you are looking at them directly.
How big do curly haired tarantulas get?
Adult curly hair tarantulas can grow to a length of anywhere between 3 to 6 inches. They grow at a rapid pace so it doesn’t take long for them to reach their full size.
This is also why a sizable terrarium or tank that accounts for its growth rate is important.
