Care Guilds

QUICK ANSWER — WHAT DOES POECILOTHERIA METALLICA NEED? P. metallica needs a tall arboreal enclosure (minimum 12"W x 12"D x 18"H for adults), cork bark tube anchor points for web systems, temperatures of 75–85°F, humidity of 65–75% RH, a permanent water dish at the base, and prey every 10–14 days for adults. It does not tolerate handling. This species requires an experienced keeper. Enclosure: Tall arboreal, cross-ventilated, cork bark required Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C) daytime Humidity: 65–75% RH — tropical monsoonal species Feeding: Every 10–14 days (adults); every 4–5 days (slings) Experience level: Advanced — not appropriate for beginners Venom: Old...

Pterinochilus murinus — the Orange Baboon Tarantula, universally known in the hobby as the OBT — is one of the most widely kept Old World terrestrials and one of the most reliably defensive tarantulas you will encounter. Native to a broad range across eastern and southern Africa, this compact, fast-moving species builds elaborate silk tube systems, feeds aggressively, and will strike at perceived threats with very little provocation. Four distinct color forms exist: OCF (Orange Color Form), RCF (Rufescens Color Form), BCF (Brown Color Form), and DCF (Dwarf Color Form). Care requirements are nearly identical across all four. What differs...

Tliltocatl albopilosus — the Curly Hair Tarantula — is one of the most consistently recommended beginner species in the tarantula hobby. Native to the tropical scrubland and dry forest edges of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, this compact terrestrial species combines forgiving husbandry requirements with a calm, slow-moving temperament that tolerates handling better than almost any other tarantula. Its defining feature — a dense coat of long, golden, distinctly curled setae covering the body and legs — makes it immediately recognizable and genuinely striking under light. Reclassified from Brachypelma albopilosum to Tliltocatl albopilosus in 2019, it remains a cornerstone species...

Quick Answer Cyriocosmus elegans (Trinidad Dwarf Tiger) is a beginner-friendly New World dwarf tarantula from Trinidad and Tobago. Keep in a small terrestrial enclosure with 2 inches of substrate, temperatures of 72-82F, and moderate humidity around 65-75%. Feed appropriately sized small crickets or dubia roaches every 7-10 days for adults. Mild venom, has urticating hairs, and reaches only 1.5-2 inches DLS at full size. Download the Free Care Sheet (PDF) Shop Trinidad Dwarf Tiger Tarantulas Introduction Cyriocosmus elegans makes a case that bigger is not always more impressive. This dwarf tarantula from Trinidad and Tobago tops out at roughly 1.5-2...

⌛ Quick Answer Chilobrachys natanicharum (Electric Blue) is an advanced Old World fossorial tarantula from Thailand. Keep in a terrestrial enclosure with 4‑6 inches of substrate, temperatures of 75‑85°F, and moderate humidity around 60‑70%. Feed appropriately sized crickets or dubia roaches every 7‑14 days depending on life stage. This is a fast, defensive species with medically significant venom — display only, no handling. ↓ Download the Free Care Sheet (PDF) 🛒 Shop Electric Blue Tarantulas Introduction Few tarantulas have caused as much excitement in the hobby as Chilobrachys natanicharum. When photos of this species first circulated online, many experienced keepers...