Tarantula Care Sheet

Scientific/Latin Name
Primative SpidersTheraphosidae

Summary	"Tarantula" is the name commonly, but mistakenly, given to the largest and hairiest of all spider families (Theraphosidae). The true tarantula is the smaller Wolf Spider of Southern Europe. Tarantulas are widespread thoughout tropical and sub-tropical America, India, Africa and the Far East. They can be divided into three broad groups; Land Dwelling, Burrowing and Tree Dwelling (Aboreal). Tarantulas make fascinating pets, but it should not be forgotten that because of their size they are capable of inflicting a painful bite. All spiders, not just tarantulas, are venomous, but no tarantulas are known to have life threatening venoms to humans.
Essentials	2 - 3 foot Vivarium Tight, screened lid Plastic hiding box Beech Chips/Calci-Sand/Corn Chips Shallow, heavy dishes Rocks or logs Crickets (Wax worms or mealworms occasionally) Calcium-rich gut loading pellets, for crickets Calcium/D3 and multivitamin supplements Undertank heating required
Optional	Nocturnal incandescent bulb of appropriate wattage optional A mat-stat to regulate the undertank heater to help prevent burns
General	Although some species tolerate handling, this is not recommended. Not ust because of their capability to bite, but because they are capable of being fast moving and can fall or jump easily with the risk of fatally injuring themselves. Tarantulas are also capable of flicking hairs that can cause allergic reactions. If you are determined to handle your tarantula, then choose a docile species such as one of the Chilean Rose species (Grammostola rosea or Grammostola cala) or perhaps the most popular species kept in captivity, the Mexican Red Knee (Brachepelma smithi).
Housing	Tarantulas are best kept in secure glass of plastic containers. A container size of 12" cube is suitable for most species. With the aboreal species (Tree Dwellers like the Pink Toed Birdeater, Avicularia avicularia) a taller container may be used. For most species Vermiculite makes a suitable substrate, but a mixture of peat and sand can be used for burrowing species like the Costa Rican Zebra (Anphonopelma seemani). Tarantulas, in most instances, require a humidity between 65% and 80% depending on the species. The temperature for most speicies should be between 73F and 80F. It is important to remember not to place the container/tank in direct sunlight as glass/plastic tanks can heat up rapidly in the sun. Most tarantulas should be housed individually, although given enough space there are a few communal species.
Diet	All tarantulas are predators and their primary food is invertabrates (crickets/locusts). Larger tarantulas like the Goliath Birdeater (Therphosa Blondi), the largest spider in the world, will also feed on small rodents. Food should be offered every couple of days. Take care not to offer live insects or rodents that are too large for your tarantula or to leave uneaten food in the tank for more than a day.
Cleaning	All tarantulas are predators and their primary food is invertabrates (crickets/locusts). Larger tarantulas like the Goliath Birdeater (Therphosa Blondi), the largest spider in the world, will also feed on small rodents. Food should be offered every couple of days. Take care not to offer live insects or rodents that are too large for your tarantula or to leave uneaten food in the tank for more than a day.
Fertility	Tarantulas reach sexual maturity in around 2 to 3 years. Maturity is easily noticed in the males who's pepi-palps develop into "boxing glove" shaped organs that they use to fertilise the female. In some species Tibial Spurs can be found on the front pair of legs used to hold the female in position while mating. Unlike the females, the males will die soon after their moult to maturity regardless of whether they mate or not. The females however have a much longer lifespan and can live up to 15 years in some species.
Health	Tarantulas need to moult as they have and Eternal Skeleton (Exoskeleton) that will not grow. Prior to moulting the tarantula may stop eating for several weeks. Immeadiatly prior to moulting the tarantula wll lie on its back to facilitate the removal of old skin. NEVER disturb a tarantula prior or after the moulting proccess as this is the time when they are most vulnerable and easily damaged. Make sure there is no livefood in the tank during this time.
Warning	Tarantula are known for flicking hairs off thier abdomen with their back legs as a defence. These hairs can cause an irritating rash in humans but rarely cause any serious problems. Be careful not to get these hairs in your eyes.