Beginner's Guide to Exotic Spider & Tarantula Care | Species, Equipment & Safe Handling | ブリちょく
Exotic Invertebrates| ✍️ BreederDirect Editorial
Beginner's Guide to Exotic Spider & Tarantula Care | Species, Equipment & Safe Handling
A beginner's guide to caring for exotic spiders, including tarantulas. This guide covers recommended species for beginners, selecting enclosures and substrate, feeding methods, molt care, safe handling, and regulatory compliance—all the essential knowledge needed for exotic spider care.
Key Takeaways
A beginner's guide to caring for exotic spiders, including tarantulas. This guide covers recommended species for beginners, selecting enclosures and substrate, feeding methods, molt care, safe handling, and regulatory compliance—all the essential knowledge needed for exotic spider care.
What Are Tarantulas & Exotic Spiders?
Tarantulas are not spiders of the family Ctenizidae, but rather large spiders belonging to the family Theraphosidae. Over 900 species are recorded worldwide, distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions. In Japan, some species are listed in the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) appendices, though many commonly available species are unregulated.
The rise in popularity of exotic spiders stems from several advantages: "they require minimal space," "they are silent," and "the appeal of observation rather than hands-on interaction." However, it's important to approach them not as traditional "pets" but as "living creatures to observe and care for."
Major Categories of Exotic Spiders
Category
Representative Species
Characteristics
Terrestrial Tarantulas
Burmese Earth Tiger, Mexican Red Knee
Burrowing behavior, easy to observe on ground
Arboreal Tarantulas
Poecilotheria genus (Indian Golden Ornamental, etc.)
Fast movements, stronger venom, advanced keepers
Old World Tarantulas
Cylindrotubus (Haploclastus genus)
Strong venom, compact, vibrant colors
Red-back Spider Relatives (decorative)
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Be aware of regulations, sales are limited
Recommended Species for Beginners
For tarantula beginners, terrestrial species with slow movements and relatively mild venom are ideal.
Grammostola pulchripes (Chilean Flame Tarantula)
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Body Length (adult female): ~12–14 cm
Temperament: Docile with slow movements
Lifespan: Female 20–30 years, male 3–4 years
Features: Desert-dwelling and drought-tolerant with simple water management. After molting, the species displays beautiful orange-to-pink coloration.
Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican Red Knee Tarantula)
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Body Length: ~11–13 cm
Temperament: Docile, though when irritated, it will kick off urticating hairs from its abdomen
Features: Popular for its striking black and orange appearance. Growth is slow, taking 5–7 years to reach maturity. Listed in CITES Appendix II (exports regulated; domestically bred individuals are available).
Acanthoscurria geniculata (Mexican Fire Leg Tarantula)
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Body Length: ~10–13 cm
Temperament: Relatively docile
Features: A beautiful terrestrial species with striking red legs. Relatively common in the trade and easy to obtain.
Enclosure & Environmental Setup
Choosing an Enclosure
For tarantulas, use a dedicated reptile enclosure or acrylic container.
Terrestrial Species Enclosure Requirements
- Width: At least 2–2.5 times the body length
- Height: Not critical (arboreal falls can cause fatal abdominal rupture in terrestrial species)
- Ventilation: Metal mesh on the top (avoid front ventilation for stability)
- Recommended Size Example (adult female): 30 cm × 20 cm × 20 cm
Arboreal Species Enclosure Requirements
- Height is critical (at least 3–4 times body length)
- Front-opening door preferred (reaching in from above can trigger defensive behavior)
Substrate Selection
For terrestrial tarantulas, deep substrate that allows burrowing is essential.
Substrate Type
Recommended
Characteristics
Peat moss + Vermiculite (1:1 blend)
◎
High moisture retention and malleability, optimal for burrowing
Coco husk (Coco chips)
○
Widely available, appropriate moisture retention
Bioactive soil
○
Minimal maintenance required (mites and small invertebrates coexist)
Pine chips, Wood shavings
×
Volatile organic compounds are harmful to spiders
Paper towels (short-term adult management only)
△
Clean but does not allow burrowing
Substrate depth should be at least equal to the adult's body length (5–8 cm for desert species, 10–15 cm for forest-floor species).
Temperature & Humidity Settings
Species Type
Ideal Temperature
Humidity
Desert species (Grammostola, etc.)
22–28°C
30–50% (dampen only one corner)
Tropical terrestrial species (Brachypelma, etc.)
24–28°C
50–70%
Tropical arboreal species (Poecilotheria, etc.)
25–28°C
70–85%
Use a heat panel placed on the side of the enclosure (avoid floor placement, as burrowing can bury it).
Feeding Methods
Tarantulas are carnivorous and should be fed appropriately-sized live prey or frozen food.
Recommended Food Types
- Crickets (two-spotted and house crickets): Most versatile with balanced nutrition
- Dubia roaches: Excellent digestibility, high nutritional value, minimal escape risk
- Mealworms: Supplemental only (high fat content makes them unsuitable as primary food)
- Frozen pinky mice: For large adult tarantulas once monthly
Feeding Frequency Guide
Life Stage
Frequency
Quantity
Juveniles (1–3 cm)
Once every 3–5 days
Cricket about 1/3 to half their body size
Subadults (3–8 cm)
1–2 times weekly
One to two crickets about half their body size
Adults
1–2 times weekly (fasting before molt)
One to three crickets about half their body size
Appetite decreases before and after molting. Remove uneaten prey (especially crickets) within 24 hours, as cricket bites can be fatal to molting spiders.
Molt Care
Tarantulas undergo molting (ecdysis) to shed their exoskeleton as they grow. Molting is the most critical period, requiring proper support.
Signs of Pre-Molt
- Decreased appetite, refusing food (1–4 weeks prior)
- Darkening of the abdomen (new exoskeleton shows through)
- Lying still on its back (immediately before and during molt)
During-Molt Precautions
- Do not touch or move the enclosure
- Remove any remaining live prey immediately
- Ensure water availability (dish or dampened substrate)
Post-Molt Care
- Leave completely undisturbed for 24–48 hours while the exoskeleton hardens
- Do not feed for one week after molting
- Provide water 2–3 days after molting
Safe Handling & Precautions
Tarantulas are not commonly handled for entertainment purposes. Most species perceive excessive handling as stress and will resort to defensive behaviors (kicking off urticating hairs or biting).
Handling Precautions
- Move slowly and avoid sudden movements
- Do not handle at heights (risk of abdominal rupture from falling)
- Avoid handling before or after molting, or after feeding
- Do not handle highly venomous species (Poecilotheria genus and certain Acanthoscurria lineages)
Dealing with Urticating Hairs
Many New World tarantulas kick off abdominal hairs when threatened. If these hairs contact skin or eyes, they cause intense itching. Rinse immediately with water; if eye contact is suspected, consult an ophthalmologist.
Regulatory Compliance
Before acquiring exotic spiders, regulatory requirements must be verified.
Invasive Species Act: Certain venomous spiders like the redback spider are designated invasive species; their possession and sale are prohibited
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendices: Many Brachypelma species are listed in Appendix II (permits required for import/export)
Animal Welfare and Management Law: Commercial breeding requires Class 1 animal handler registration
When purchasing, verify the animal is captive-bred (domestic or legally imported wild-caught), and source from reputable breeders and retailers.
Summary
Exotic spiders and tarantulas are gaining attention as modern pets due to their characteristics: "silent," "non-destructive," and "space-efficient." Beginners should start with docile, hardy terrestrial species (Grammostola, Brachypelma, etc.), develop proper equipment maintenance and safe handling habits, then progress to more advanced species. Confirming regulatory compliance and maintaining ethical sourcing practices are fundamental to enjoying this hobby long-term.
