Known for their large bodies covered in spiky hair and long, curved legs, it’s understandable why tarantulas creep some people out.
Tarantulas have very painful bites, but they are actually relatively harmless to humans as their bites are not venomous or poisonous.
Tarantulas can be found all over the globe, from Asia, to South America, and Africa.
There are believed to be at least 700 species of tarantula in the world, and while some people are scared of these spiders, they are commonly kept as pets.
Below we’ll take a look at the ten most common types of tarantula, but first let’s take a look at how you can differentiate tarantulas from other spiders(see also: The House Spider: Everything You Need To Know).
How Can You Tell A Tarantula Apart From Other Arachnids?
While tarantulas are commonly kept as pets, you can still find plenty of tarantulas in their natural habitats.
Their unique appearance makes them easy to spot.
Tarantulas are usually between 7 cm to 10 cm long, but larger tarantulas can grow up to 30 cm long.
Tarantulas will vary in color, size, and habitat according to their species.
However, every species of tarantula will share a couple of characteristics, such as brown or black bodies that are covered in dense hair (sometimes this hair is urticating, i.e. spiky).
Some species of tarantula will have stripy legs that make them easier to identify. Tarantulas are also known for their bite.
Tarantula bites can hurt, and while they are generally not venomous their bites can produce a mild venom that is comparable to a bee sting.
You can find a tarantula’s fangs below its eyes. Tarantulas also have retractable legs, and one of their legs will have 7 segments.
Mexican Redknee Tarantulas (Brachypelma Smithi)
The Mexican Redknee Tarantula is one of the most common types of tarantula to keep as a pet, and is probably the species people think of when they think of tarantula.
They can live up to 30 years and can grow to be around 5 inches. They have a calm temperament and don’t need a lot of space to lead a happy life.
Mexican Redleg Tarantulas (Brachypelma emilia)
Mexican Redleg Tarantulas can reach the age of 30, and they have a leg span of 6 inches.
Mexican Redlegs love to stay close to the ground, and are easily startled.
The ideal temperature for them is 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit and the ideal humidity rate for them is 65-70%.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas (Brachypelma Vagans)
A Mexican Red Rump Tarantula is the ideal pet and has a leg span of at least 5 inches.
Mexican Red Rump Tarantulas like to stick close together, so it’s recommended to buy two so they can keep each other happy.
Chilean Rose Tarantulas (Grammostola Rosea)
The Chilean Rose Tarantula goes by a few names such as the Chilean Common, Chilean Fire, Chilean Flame, and Chilean Rose Haired Tarantula.
If you’ve never owned a pet tarantula before, this species is a good place to start as they get on well with humans.
Its leg span is usually around 5 inches, and a female Chilean Rose can reach the age of 15.
They are quite calm tarantulas, and will thrive in a warm, humid environment.
Costa Rican Zebra Tarantulas (Aphonoplema Seemani)
The Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula is a little smaller than the Chilean Rose, with legs that are 4 to 4.5 inches long.
The Costa Rican Zebra likes to spend a lot of time exploring the ground.
Like other species of tarantula, the Costa Rican Zebra is speedy but has a calm temperament.
A female Costa Rican Zebra can reach the age of 20, and they thrive in an environment that is 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity.
Honduran Curly Hair Tarantulas (Brachypelma Albopilosum)
Sometimes known as a woolly tarantula, the Honduran Curly Hair Tarantula is tough, moves slow and grows fast.
Like other species of tarantula, they love to explore the ground and prefer smaller spaces.
They thrive in moderate temperatures with plenty of humidity.
Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantulas (Eupaleastrus Campestratus)
Many tarantula species hail from South America, and the Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula is no exception!
They are a tough tarantula species, and people often mistake them for another tarantula species – the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula.
The female Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula can reach the age of 25, and can have legs that grow 6 inches long. It also has a very calm temperament.
Pink Toe Tarantulas (Avicularia Avicularia)
Also called the Common Pink Toe, Guyana Pink Toe, Pink-Toed Tree Spider, and the South American Pink Toe, Pink Toe Tarantulas are unlike other tarantula species in that they don’t like exploring the ground.
The Pink Toe can grow up to 3.5 to 5 inches, and the female Pink Toe Tarantula can reach the age of 10.
It also requires a large space in order to thrive, and it prefers to climb rather than crawl on the ground.
Brazilian Black Tarantulas (Grammostola Pulchra)
As the name suggests, the Brazilian Black Tarantula is completely jet black all over.
It’s a striking species of tarantula thanks to its deep color and huge leg span.
A female Brazilian Black Tarantula can reach the age of 40 and has to eat about six crickets every week.
Desert Blonde Tarantulas (Aphonopelma Chalcodes)
A Desert Blonde Tarantula is more violent than other tarantulas on this list, and is also one of the fastest-growing tarantulas, meaning they need a big space in order to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Tarantulas may appear menacing to some and definitely freak people out, but they actually make low-maintenance, and friendly pets.
There are 700 species and 800 subspecies of tarantula – too many to include here!
But these are the 10 most common types of tarantula for people to keep as pets.
- What Should I Do If A Koala Bites Me? Safety Guide - 2024-05-30
- Are Kangaroos Born Without Hind Legs? A Fascinating Journey - 2024-05-30
- Animals That Look Like Squirrels - 2024-05-30