The Curly Hair Tarantulas are one of the most popular types of pet tarantulas kept in the exotic trade.
While it is a relatively smaller tarantula species, there is much to learn about this arachnid and how to successfully care for it.
Read on for a comprehensive guide on caring for Tliltocatl albopilosus, including what kind of environment it needs, what to feed it, and how to handle and interact with it.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Curly Hair Tarantula, Honduran Curlyhair Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Tliltocatl albopilosus (formally Brachypelma albopilosum) |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: 4-5 years / Female: 8-25 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 5-6 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft - Moderate |
| Temperature | 78 - 86°F |
What Are Curly Hair Tarantulas?
Tliltocatl albopilosus (formally Brachypelma albopilosum) is a species of arachnids in the family Theraphosidae.
It is a moderately sized species of tarantula, growing to around a few inches in length.
Commonly known as the Honduran Curly hair Tarantula or Curly Hair Tarantula due to the unique setae (spines) on its legs and abdomen.
It is found in the tropical climates of Central and South America, ranging from Mexico to Costa Rica.
The spider’s colors range from light to dark brown with light yellow-orange legs.
This species is a great choice for invertebrate enthusiasts looking for a unique and interesting pet to care for.
What Do Curly Hair Tarantulas Look Like?
Tliltocatl albopilosus is a fairly small species of tarantula, only growing to a maximum of 5-6 inches.
These arachnids have a dark brown coloration and long, distinctively curly hair covering their bodies in an almost shaggy fashion.
A distinct feature of the Curly Hair Tarantula is that the first joint of its legs is often brownish in color, while the remaining segments of the legs may be light brown or yellowish.
The abdomen of the spider is usually white or silver in color, and they possess a powerful set of claws suitable for digging in their wild habitat.
A notable adaptation of this species is the unusual “window” feature on the back of its abdomen, which is a diffused dark patch that gives the tarantula a cryptic appearance in its wild environment.
Overall, the Honduran Curlyhair Tarantula is an interesting species with a unique physical look and remarkable adaptations that make it an intriguing pet.
Benefits Of Using Curly Hair Tarantulas
Having a Tliltocatl albopilosus in a vivarium adds a unique element to the setup.
Despite its small size, the Curly Hair Tarantula is a hardy species and easy to maintain.
It also doesn’t require a large enclosure, making it a great choice for anyone looking for an interesting pet that doesn’t take up too much space.
They are fairly active and will move around during the day, so they are great to watch while you relax.
Additionally, they can provide great benefits for the overall health of your enclosure by eating any insects and bugs it may have.
Curly Hair Tarantula Facts
Curly Hair Tarantulas are a small tarantula species native to Central and South America.
They typically have a docile temperament and can live for many years with proper care.
Tliltocatl albopilosus feed mainly on small insects with occasional offerings of fruits and vegetables.
Breeding is difficult to achieve in captivity but can be done with patience and care.
Habitat
The Curly Hair Tarantula is native to Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Their natural habitats vary between desert, grassland, and rainforest environments, and they tend to prefer habitats with plenty of foliage, and dry dirt.
Tliltocatl albopilosus are diurnal, meaning they are likely to be active during the day.
They are also known to burrow, so you can provide your tarantula with a substrate that allows them to do this.
Diet
When it comes to diet, Curly Hair Tarantulas are mostly insectivores in the wild.
They feed mainly on small insects, like crickets and flies, but can also eat other arthropods, such as woodlice.
These tarantulas are quite small, so they don’t require a lot of food.
In the wild, they can get by with just one or two meals a week.
Temperament
The temperament of Tliltocatl albopilosus can be pretty unpredictable.
While they are generally mild-mannered and stay well-behaved, they can become defensive and aggressive if they’re startled or threatened.
Curly Hair Tarantulas can also be territorial and may become hostile towards other animals and even humans.
For this reason, it’s best to handle them only when absolutely necessary and to do so with caution.
It’s important to remember that if a tarantula feels threatened, it may exhibit defensive behaviors like climbing walls, spider walking, or rearing up in order to deliver a nasty bite.
Lifespan
Curly Hair Tarantulas live for an average of 4-5 years as males, females typically live much longer at an average of 8-25 years.
The life cycle of this arachnid starts with the spiderling hatching from an egg.
When they are young they will molt every 3 to 8 weeks, but this slows down as they age.
After molting, the tarantula will reach full maturity, usually between 6 and 8 months.
After they reach maturity they will molt less frequently and eventually their lifespans will begin to decline.
Breeding
Tliltocatl albopilosus mate during autumn and winter, with the female being hesitant to mate but ultimately giving in to the male’s advances.
After mating successfully, the female will usually place her new eggs in a silken case or sac that she produces and then drag the sac around with her everywhere she goes.
The female remains with the eggs until they hatch, preventing any trespassers from damaging the eggs.
When the little tarantulas, or spiderlings, hatch, they are about the size of a grain of rice and will remain with the mother until they are ready to disperse.
Where To Find Curly Hair Tarantulas
The Curly Hair Tarantula is native to Mexico and can be found in the lowlands near the Pacific coast.
It’s also known to inhabit parts of Arizona. It prefers to inhabit grassy or shrub-like habitats and may be seen on low foliage or tree branches.
Although they can be hard to find and capture in the wild, it is possible to purchase these tarantulas from reputable online companies.
These companies ensure their arachnids are ethically sourced and kept in optimal conditions.
It is good practice to do your research on any online vendor before making a purchase, as their practices may be unethical and could lead to an unhealthy tarantula.
A variety of Tliltocatl albopilosus morphs are now available from responsible vendors as well, offering even more variety in your pet spider.
Curly Hair Tarantula Care
In order to care for a Curly Hair Tarantula correctly, it is essential to provide it with an appropriate habitat, feed it the right food, maintain the temperature and humidity of the enclosure, and handle and interact with the tarantula correctly.
Pay attention to any signs of ill health including unusual behavior, rashes, or discoloration.
Keeping multiple tarantulas of this species together is not recommended.
Tank Requirements
The ideal environment for Tliltocatl albopilosus is a substrate about 2-3 inches deep of coco fiber soil, peat moss, and vermiculite, kept humid but not damp.
A ten-gallon or larger terrarium with air holes for ventilation is suitable.
A temperature of about 75-85°F should be maintained, and a heating pad can be placed underneath the terrarium for additional heat.
Using a combination of fluorescent and incandescent terrarium lighting is necessary to recreate a cycle of night and day, although direct UV light is not needed.
The pH level should be kept at around 6-7 and the water hardness should not exceed 5-6 dH.
An artificial or live vivarium plant, several hiding spots, and a shallow water dish should also be provided in the habitat.
What Do Curly Hair Tarantulas Eat?
Feeding your Curly Hair Tarantula can be a rewarding experience.
This species of tarantula is naturally a terrestrial feeder, meaning it consumes prey in the wild that lives on the ground.
Ideal prey for your spider includes crickets, roaches, moths, beetles, and mealworms.
When feeding Tliltocatl albopilosus, be sure to always offer food items of an appropriate size, as anything too large could be dangerous.
Occasional calcium supplementation can also be beneficial.
Offer food items no more than twice a week, depending on the age and size of your tarantula.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Curly Hair Tarantulas
When considering tankmates for Curly Hair Tarantulas, be sure to choose invertebrates that are of smaller sizes and will not attempt to consume the tarantula.
Some of the ideal tankmates include certain types of beetles, centipedes, and millipedes.
It’s helpful to note that these tankmates should be avoided if they require higher levels of moisture than Tliltocatl albopilosus needs.
Additionally, if you are looking to add some diversity to your curl-haired tarantula’s enclosure, another beneficial tankmate is pet isopods.
These animals create a unique and wonderful atmosphere for any enclosure by adding a delightful variety of colors and textures.
Not to mention, they clean and aerate the substrate, help keep humidity levels up, and provide the Curly Hair Tarantula with companionship.
Conclusion
Caring for Tliltocatl albopilosus, while daunting, can be quite straightforward and rewarding.
When done properly, this species should have a long and healthy life.
With this guide, you now have the right knowledge to ensure your pet tarantula is doing well.
Be sure to ask any remaining questions you may have or research more in-depth for further information on this special species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curly hair tarantulas (Tliltocatl albopilosus) are considered to have mild venom that poses little to no threat to humans, typically causing only minor discomfort or irritation if bitten.
No, curly-haired tarantulas are not aggressive. They are typically a docile species of tarantula and are not known for their aggressive behavior.
Yes, curly–haired tarantulas are considered good for beginners because of their relatively docile nature and lack of aggression. They are also known for being hardy and low maintenance, making them ideal for first–time tarantula owners.
Yes, curly–haired tarantulas can be safe to handle. However, since they are wild animals, it is recommended that you always take proper precautions when handling them. When doing so, make sure to use gentle movements and support their body with your hand at all times to avoid risking injury.
Yes, curly–haired tarantulas may dig and burrow in substrate. They mostly like to hide underneath pieces of decoration and make use of caves and shelters found in their enclosure for safety. Also, they may dig tunnels and form burrows in their substrate.
Yes, curly–haired tarantulas can eat pinky mice as part of their diet. However, it is important to only offer them the correct size and number of pinky mice that are appropriate for their age and size. Live prey should be offered once weekly or biweekly, depending on the size of the tarantula.
Regular misting is not necessary for curly–haired tarantulas. However, occasional misting can help to maintain higher humidity levels in their enclosure, which is beneficial for a healthy tarantula. Misting should be done no more than twice a week.
This will depend on the size and age of the curly–haired tarantula. Generally, a small or juvenile tarantula will eat around two to five crickets per week. An adult tarantula will eat around five to ten crickets per week.
There could be several reasons why your Curly Hair Tarantula is not eating, including stress, environmental factors, molting, or simply being in a fasting period, which is normal behavior for some tarantulas.