Tarantula Care Guides & Species

Tarantula Care Essentials

If you want to keep a tarantula, you must know how to care for it. Every species has unique needs, temperaments, and other aspects you’ll want to keep in mind. Here you’ll find some essential info along with individual care guides for each species. Scroll down to find a care guide for your dream tarantula!

Tarantula Care Basics

Regardless of the species you’re keeping, there are some basics you should know. You’ll want to know what kind of environment suits most tarantulas and how to set up your enclosure.

To learn more about the essentials, read our complete guide to tarantula care basics and get started as a new tarantula owner. This guide will cover everything from terrarium selection and environment to food sources and what to expect when it comes time for your pet to molt.

Is Keeping a Tarantula Safe?

This is a crucial first question that’s great to ask! The answer really depends on the context—is it safe for you or safe for the tarantula? Also, the answer depends on your intentions.

In short, keeping a tarantula is perfectly safe. Tarantulas are venomous, but most species aren’t harmful to humans, and not handling your tarantula directly will keep both you and the spider safe from harm. If you only want to observe and care for your tarantula, it’s entirely safe to do so, especially with a docile species. And while you can handle gentler species, it’s generally not ideal.

Ultimately, if you want to be able to handle a pet, you’re better off getting something that’s more receptive to physical contact. Otherwise, you’ll do fine with a tarantula if your policy is “look, but don’t touch.”

How Much Does a Tarantula Cost?

Pet tarantula prices vary greatly, depending on the rarity of the species you want. You can find some common tarantulas on the market for around $25 to $30, but you could wind up paying up to thousands for rarer species.

The vendor you choose will also dictate how much you pay for a tarantula. Watch out for dealers peddling tarantulas for far more than they’re worth. Compare tarantula prices for the species you’re eyeing to get a better feel for its true value.

You’ll also want to consider the startup costs for your tarantula. You could pay a couple hundred for a decent-sized enclosure along with food. Thankfully, tarantulas aren’t big eaters and normally feed on small bugs that don’t typically cost much.

What is the Average Tarantula Lifespan?

Tarantulas can live for a long time, so be ready to commit! The lifespan of a tarantula generally varies depending on the gender.

Female tarantulas tend to live the longest, with a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years, with some living to a whopping 35! The reason female tarantulas live longer is their more relaxed lifestyle and behavior, as they tend to just stay in place.

Males, on the other hand, live for around 5 to 8 years at most. Once the males reach sexual maturity, they tend to seek mates, making them mobile and more prone to stress, which is taxing on them.

Should You Buy a Tarantula?

This is the Big Question you’ll want to answer before committing to buying. A tarantula may not require a lot of care to keep it happy, but be ready to keep it for several years or even decades. Be ready to maintain an enclosure and set aside a budget for tarantula food.

Once you’ve made your decision, you can decide which tarantula is right for you!

Tarantula Care Guides by Species

Choosing the right species is the first step to becoming a proud tarantula owner! Below you’ll find thorough tarantula care guides for just about every species out there. Learn about essentials like temperament, feeding habits, scientific names, and more!

Tarantula Care Guides