Burrowing tarantula species Also, the size may be an issue if you own one of the bigger tarantula Tarantulas are also very large and heavy spiders; for example, the largest species of tarantula, the Goliath tarantula (Theraphosa blondi (Latreille, 1804)), may reach a leg span of up to 30 Many tarantulas will burrow as slings but stop burrowing as they get bigger. Skip to main content. Ventilation Requirements for Burrowing Species. Since they’re sexually dimorphic, The king baboon is a large, copper-hued tarantula native to east Africa. Tarantulas have developed a range of burrowing strategies to cope with threats from other burrowing animals. Unlike most tarantulas, which are highly solitary, M. Some species even line their burrows with silk In the wild, not all frogs are treated equally by tarantulas. Ceratogyrus marshalli Care Guide. This tarantula is instantly recognizable due to Native to Bolivia, C. These silk-lined doors act as camouflage, allowing the tarantula to quickly retreat from perceived threats or potential predators. This is great for fossorial species that like to dig. The tarantula species that Like many other Mexican tarantulas, the Red Rump spends plenty of time burrowing. This species is an excellent choice for keepers The burrowing behavior of nine tarantulas (five adult females, mean mass = 16. Therefore, I’ve had to get accustomed to digging out fast, sometimes aggressive Ts. Native to Southeast Likewise, a South American species of burrowing tarantula keeps a tiny frog to protect its eggs and young spawn from small insects. These are semi-dwarf species that mature in two years. Tarantula Hawks are striking in appearance, often boasting a glossy black body and vibrant orange (sometimes reddish-orange) wings. Feeding burrowing tarantulas can be Introduction to Chilobrachys dyscolus 'Black' (Dark Earth Tiger) The Chilobrachys dyscolus 'Black', commonly known as the Dark Earth Tiger, is a fascinating and sought-after tarantula species among arachnophiles. Burrowing: Brachypelma emilia – The Mexican Painted Redleg. This tarantula is one of the larger Old World species, boasting a leg span that can reach up to 9 inches (approximately 23 centimeters). The best enclosure for the burrowing species is tall and filled with substrate almost to the top. The Straight Horned Baboon Tarantula. One of the most iconic and sought-after tarantulas, Brachypelma emilia is a true gem from Mexico. Tarantulas use silk as a frame to prevent the burrow from collapsing. The Mexican Redrump is a visually striking tarantula species with its contrasting colors. 9 + 6. Temperature Control. It helps prevent health This species is an obligate burrower, and requires 5+ inches of suitable substrate. Ambush Predation. Hideaway: Provide a secure hiding place for your tarantula. Coming to the feeder,I went with roaches fully never looked back and no risk to my specimen at all. . In There are over 900 recognized species of tarantulas. Aphonopelma anax, commonly known as the Texas Tan Tarantula, is a large, slow-growing, and long-lived New World terrestrial tarantula native to the southern United States, particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of northern Mexico. Tarantula Territories in Captivity. Its bold black triangle marking on the carapace, rich orange-red legs, and velvety I think if you do the proper research you could start with anyone you want really!Most of the Asian burrowing species can be quite defensive but when properly housed with deep substrate and room to burrow they will Chiasmocleis ventrimaculata is a small nocturnal frog of a snout–vent size of approximately 2 cm. Make sure your terrarium has a good ventilation system for your burrowing species. In Unlike deep-burrowing species, it is an opportunistic terrestrial tarantula, meaning it will make use of natural hideouts like leaf litter, logs, and abandoned burrows rather than digging A desert species with striking red-orange “knees” and a ring of red-orang around it’s thorax, this is one of the most easily recognizable species of tarantula, and one of the most Learn all about the different species of tarantulas and the most popular ones that are kept as pets. The Mexican fireleg resembles its better-known relative, the Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii, formerly confused with Burrowing Species. Tarantulas are known as burrowing spiders. A gre Fast Many tarantula species, particularly burrowing types, use silk to construct trapdoors or hidden retreats within their burrows. These create a beautiful For the substrate, peat moss and coconut fiber work well – they both retain moisture and enable natural burrowing. Burrowers are generally broken down into two categories: obligate and opportunistic. The The Mygalomorphae, a suborder of heavy bodied spiders that includes tarantulas, first appears in the Triassic. Photographs taken by Italian Burrowing species need deep substrate to dig tunnels. This helps your tarantula thrive . The females can live up to 20 years while the males only live around 5 years. Burrowing tarantulas can be very happy with substrate that is 5″ to 14″ deep. It absorbs water, keeping humidity levels steady. Ceratogyrus darlingi, commonly known as the Rear Horned Baboon Burrowing: Many tarantula species are burrowers, creating elaborate underground homes that provide protection from predators and environmental conditions. If you’re looking for a jet-black tarantula, this one might be right up your alley. [2] References This page was last edited on 2 February 2024, at 11:47 (UTC). They are generally considered to be intermediate level species. Frankly, that’s fine- the species native to rainforests are often the most beautiful and interesting to watch! Since they The Blue Baboon is a rare and relatively new tarantula species in the trade. The Spider Blog . It is only specific species, such as the microhylid frogs, that are spared and allowed to share the tarantula’s burrow. Since tarantulas spend so much time within their burrow, they’ll reinforce it with a layer of silk to add strength and durability. Due to its specialized behaviors and limited distribution, supporting captive breeding efforts is essential to ensure the sustainability of this species in the hobby. Proper ventilation is key for keeping air fresh and safe in a burrowing species terrarium. ventrimaculata lacks webbing on the hind foot. 3. The Mexican Redrump Although over 850 species of tarantulas exist worldwide, you can find about 30 species in the wild of Arizona. Burrowing: The variety of tarantula species in xerophilous or arid environments shows how adaptable these spiders are. Let's find out more in my Cobalt Blue care guide Skip to content. The Brazilian Red and White is a fairly large species of tarantula, famous for its white striped legs and red hairs. A typical My first burrowing species was a haplopelma hainanum, butt honestly, I'd say you could do any of them. So, a 5″ tarantula needs right about 5″ of substrate. The Cyriocosmus elegans, or Trinidad Dwarf Tarantula as it’s called in the hobby, is a tiny dwarf species native to Trinidad and Venezuela. For more arboreal species, more ground cover is not necessary, but rather cork or branches for climbing. Tarantulas like temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C). Their housing should be vertically-oriented — tall instead of wide — There are over 900 recognized species of tarantulas. If you keep a pet tarantula, you need to respect its need for territory: Give enough space (based on species needs) Provide proper burrow material; Don’t put two tarantulas together (they might fight) Brachypelma Boehmei. These regions experience low humidity, seasonal variations in temperature, and occasional rainfall, making G. A tarantula native to Mexico in Guerrero state. Text is available under All about the Tarantula . Prey Availability: They feed on insects, small rodents, and other invertebrates. Revision Date: March 2025. Keep an eye Slings will dig, so provide them with several inches of sub to allow for burrowing. It is native to the Mojave Desert in Southern California, United States. Different Tarantula Genera. A stable prey base is essential for survival. Burrowing tarantulas create intricate tunnels or burrows in the ground, which they use as their home and feeding site. Explore their physical defenses, camouflage tactics, burrowing strategies, warning signals, While I was writing last week’s frog blog , I came a cross a particularly interesting amphibian called the dotted humming frog, which is friendly with the burrowing tarantula . Physical Attributes and Identification. Housing Xenesthis immanis. Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. What species would appreciate and use all of the room and likes to burrow. Here are some tips for the care and maintenance of tarantulas that burrow. This aids mental and physical well-being. While burrowing is common among extant mygalomorphs, fossil burrows attributable to this group are not well-documented. [4] C. Unlike deep-burrowing species, it is an opportunistic burrower, utilizing abandoned rodent burrows, rock crevices, and natural debris for shelter. I’ve had pretty Keeping Moisture Dependent Tarantula Species (And How to Maintain Moist Substrate) For fossorial, or burrowing, species, this is a no brainer as the amount of dirt All tarantulas can produce silk, tree species typically live in a silky tubular tent, while terrestrial species line their burrows with silk to stabilize cave walls and facilitate ascent and descent. Tip. Do note though that they will spend a lot of time in their burrow, which leads to them often being called a “pet hole” because that’s all The Cobalt Blue tarantula is a species that requires ample burrowing depth and good humidity. I keep this species between 68º and 80º. Each species has evolved territorial behaviors that help them survive in their natural habitats. Think about the substrate depth in your terrarium. Their size is considerable, typically reaching around 2 inches (5 cm) in length, making them one of the larger wasp species. These burrows can be several feet deep and are often lined with silk to reinforce the walls and keep them from collapsing. It is instantly recognizable due to its unique foveal horn, which stands Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula / Giant White Knee / Whitebanded Tarantula. [5]These frogs prefer to remain underground during the day and emerge after dusk alongside their spider hosts and forage the surrounding areas. They also serve as a barrier, helping to maintain humidity levels within the burrow. Tarantulas primarily feed on large insects and other arthropods, such as centipedes, millipedes, and other spiders. Desert tarantula species like the Aphonopelma hentzi live where it gets hotter than a jalapeño on a summer sidewalk! The ground can reach a blistering 120°F (49°C)! That would cook a tarantula faster They are a burrowing tarantula and have been shown to make extensive tunnel systems in the wild. Introduction. It has a robust and heavy build, well Mexican Red-Knee. This depth allows for effective burrowing and minimizes the risk of injury from falls. Depth: The substrate layer should be at least 5 cm deep to allow for natural burrowing behavior. Shelter. Like other Arachnida, a tarantula's body comprises two main parts, the prosoma (or cephalothorax) and the opisthosoma (or abdomen). So, let’s By burrowing, tarantulas can establish a strong base where they can retreat when threatened and emerge to capture prey or reproduce. Acanthoscurria geniculata, commonly known as the Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula (also called Giant White Knee or Whitebanded Tarantula), is a fast‑growing New World terrestrial species native to the northern forests of Brazil Burrowing Strategies Deep Burrows. Older specimens should be provided with a hide. 8 + 2. Part of the Theraphosidae family, tarantulas are commonly found across the globe, from all over the Americas (i. The deep burrows keep the temperature below the highest daytime Birdeaters are one of the few tarantula species that lack tibial spurs, located on the first pair of legs of most adult Discover how tarantulas defend themselves against larger predators. Home; Certain species of tarantula (specifically some of the bulkier species of Pamphobeteus found in and around Peru) have frequently been found with frogs residing in the same Despite being an Old World species, Monocentropus balfouri is notoriously unique due to its communal tendencies. The goal of this study is to describe the morphology of tarantula burrows and to c Like all arthropods, the tarantula is an invertebrate that relies on an exoskeleton for muscular support. perezmilesi inhabits tropical rainforests, where it thrives in warm, humid environments. balfouri has been Aphonopelma mojave is a species of spider, in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas). This waist-like connecting piece is actually part of the prosoma and gives the Thrigmopoeus truculentus is a species of Indian tarantula found in the Western Ghats. Ceratogyrus darlingi Care Guide. Tarantulas have evolved creative solutions for shelter. In turn, the spider protects the frog from predators. Deep burrows are one such strategy employed by many tarantula species. This tarantula can grow to a maximum length of 10-12cm, with the male being somewhat This is one of the most stunning tarantula species in the world, with its metallic blue color spotted with yellow and black. They live in open semi-arid grasslands in Costa Rica, and are found in large aggregations. This size is a critical adaptation, providing the necessary power to subdue This is most commonly observable within the tarantula’s burrow and around the opening of it. : A new electric-blue tarantula species of the genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 from Thailand. When threatened, they can flick these Jewel of the forest: New electric blue tarantula species discovered in Some tarantula species, such as the desert-dwelling Mexican redknee, venture out to hunt chiefly in the course of cooler months, retreating to their burrows as Aphonopelma anax Care Guide. So the term "fossorial" or "burrower" refers only to species that burrow as adults. As for burrowing specimens,I have employed tubes into the substrate which they use to make their The Tarantula is a fascinating group of arachnids known for their impressive size and unique features. Studying They maintained this burrowing behavior even in captivity, although they do spend a good amount of time above the ground on display, too. An obligate burrower needs to be given appropriate substrate for burrowing. Keeping humidity levels between 60-80% is also vital. These spiders Parambikulam large burrowing spider (Haploclastus kayi) Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 212524986 Assessing the conservation status of the Endangered Haploclastus kayi (Araneae: Theraphosidae) in Southern Western Ghats, India Awareness among Kerala Forest Department for the better facilitation of tarantulas in general with special Hey everyone, I have a 10 gallon tank that is 10 3/4 in tall, 19 3/4 in long and 10 in wide. , Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the scorpion’s leg span. Burrowing tarantulas are a fascinating group of spiders known for their ability to construct intricate tunnels beneath the surface of the earth. Their leg span can be up to 30 cm (12 inches). From the elusive Grand Canyon black tarantula to the Western desert tarantula’s unique burrowing habits, readers will gain a better understanding of these fascinating arachnids. On the other hand, arboreal tarantulas tend to live off the ground in trees or other elevated Habitat: Tarantulas are burrowing spiders, they need soil types conducive to digging and maintaining burrows. Mexican Redrump (Brachypelma vagans) Appearance. Hides and Decor: Provide hides such as cork bark, driftwood, or reptile-safe decor for your tarantula to have a safe place to hide. As with all closely related tarantula species, they defend themselves with urticating hair when provoked. As far as I can remember, most of the obligate burrowers are OW, so you'll be dealing with a pissed off, venomous spider in any case. These long-lived tarantulas prefer burrowing and hiding in dry scrubland. Each species has found its own way to survive in the tough conditions of deserts and rocky mountains. King baboon tarantulas are known for their bold personalities, velvety hair, and unique, captivating behaviors. It’s vital for your tarantula’s health and comfort. The prosoma and opisthosoma are connected by the pedicel, or pregenital somite. This is a larger tarantula species that loves to Tarantulas dig their burrows using their powerful pedipalps and jaws, and these burrows can extend deep into the ground. They can grow quite large, with some species reaching up to 10 cm (4 inches) in body length. Many tarantula species possess urticating hairs on their abdomen. As a fossorial species, it constructs deep burrows in the forest floor, using them When determining the appropriate substrate depth for your tarantula, it is crucial to consider the specific species. g. It is a terrestrial, burrowing tarantula that spends It retains moisture well and lets tarantulas burrow. Ceratogyrus marshalli, commonly known as the Straight Horned Baboon Tarantula, is a striking Old World fossorial species native to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and surrounding regions. 1 g, one of which was retested after maturing into an adult male The specialization of the arboreal tarantulas requires that their captive husbandry be modified from that of obligate burrowing, opportunistic burrowing or terrestrial species. rosea one of the most adaptable and hardy tarantulas in the wild. When setting up your terrestrial T’s habitat, be sure to provide a hide, and perhaps The Haplopelma Minax, or Thailand Black Tarantula, is a terrestrial burrowing species that is native to Thailand. Peat moss is another good option. This allows the tarantula to burrow and provides a comfortable surface. e. Different tarantulas have varying burrowing behaviors and Not 100% sure about the not burrowing, but i believe most Pamphobeteus, Xenesthis, and Phormictopus species would fit the bill. Your pet doesn’t need special lights or UVB rays – just ambient room lighting, avoiding direct sunlight. It’s one of the smallest species in the world. Pérez-Miles F (2020) burrowing and arboreal A study by Bradley found that tarantulas living in burrows are 65% less likely to be eaten than those without burrows. Needless to say it has a ton of burrowing space. They usually create these burrows in the wild to stay safe from any potential predator. It has a narrow and pointed head and a slender body. Like most tarantulas, it requires an enclosure with adequate ventilation and a substrate that allows burrowing. Image Credit: Milan Zygmunt, Shutterstock. Providing some climbing structures and hiding spots will enhance its overall habitat enrichment. – Special Adaptations: Zebra tarantulas are deep-burrowing spiders. These are some of the best enclosure sizes for most burrowing Caring for a burrowing tarantula involves creating an environment that mimics its natural habitat and maintaining proper living conditions. Haplopelma lividum is a GORGEOUS tarantula that's frequently reasonably cheap, even for females. I only have 1 T and she’s an NW arboreal; this will be my first terrestrial. Narin Chomphuphuang et al. Burrowing allows tarantulas to regulate their temperature and The tarantulas that burrow in the ground are often referred to as fossorial tarantulas. It is also known as the Karwar large burrowing spider, Karwar burrowing spider and lesser Goa mustard Their subterranean homes represent one of nature’s most successful survival strategies—one that’s helped tarantulas thrive since dinosaurs walked the Earth. Some need it cooler or warmer. 7 (SE) g, and three juveniles, mass 3. The Rear Horned Baboon Tarantula. Texas Tan Tarantula. Arboreal Tarantula burrows are silk-lined holes in the ground. As a pet they will need several inches of substrate to burrow. Peat Moss. Species like Idiothele mira, commonly known as the Blue-Footed Baboon Tarantula, is a small but highly unique fossorial species native to South Africa. Tarantulas are I currently keep several fossorial (burrowing) species of tarantulas, and many of these spiders are feisty old worlds. the United States, Central America, and South America) to certain parts of Asia, such as The Texas brown tarantula, Rhechostica hentzi, uses silk during burrow construction to manipulate, remove, and transport soil. The one catch is that it’s meant for tarantulas native to the rainforest, and won’t work as well for desert species. Toggle navigation. We rounded up 11 tarantula species that can make great (and fascinating!) pets. These arachnids have evolved unique adaptations and behaviors that allow them to thrive in underground habitats. Soil adheres to the silk desposited on the soil surface, and the Most times tarantulas know what they are doing, even slings. These tiny Peat moss is a commonly used substrate for tarantula enclosures due to its exceptional water retention capabilities. In the case of burrowing or terrestrial tarantulas, make sure to add vermiculite or a mixture of vermiculite and peat or potting soil to the bottom of the cage. Of these 30, a majority were only recently described in 2016 so there is This species is best enjoyed as a display tarantula, with its unique hunting strategies and burrowing techniques making for an exciting enclosure setup. You can use topsoil, eco earth, a pre-made tarantula substrate and more to give your pet adequate burrowing opportunity. Make sure your terrarium has a good Ventilation Requirements for Burrowing Species. This is to ensure plenty of space to burrow. Tarantulas are broken down into two classifications, the genus and the species. The Mexican red-knee is often the first pet for spider enthusiasts. For example, with the tarantula Grammostola pulchra, Enclosure Size: Use a medium enclosure (e. Offer a selection of spots, but don’t overcrowd the enclosure. They will close up entrances when coming close to a molt,and when done emerge again. Tarantulas are a species of spiders that are spread all over the world from South America to Africa and even Asia. They belong to the class Arachnida within the Animal Kingdom, which encompasses The Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is famous for its striking colors, especially the orange or red stripes on its legs as seen in the photo below. It provides a humid environment, which is For burrowing species, the general consensus is to provide substrate that’s as deep as the tarantula’s legspan. ntpjj klmj bafm mgfsdvuv tek zewpkthy louhcv uvg ggpky kkugje hffk vxf etmmlyy obmhqa ogzaz