Defining Characteristics:
Name: The Curly Haired Tarantula is scientifically known as Tliltocatl albopilosus. This species' distinguishing feature is its long bristles that curl in a unique way, earning it the nickname "curly-haired" tarantula. T. albo was formerly Brachypelma albopilosum.
Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Being a primarily terrestrial species, the floor space of an enclosure is more important than it's height. A 10 gallon or 12x12 footprint glass terrarium makes a great enclosure, as do large critter keeper type cages. Make sure the enclosure has a secure mesh top to allow for ventilation.
Considering they love to burrow, the curly hair tarantula should be provided with at least 3-4 inches of substrate. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are all good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! If you'd like to go bioactive and utilize a clean-up crew of springtails and isopods, or you want to use live plants, we recommend Josh's Frogs Tropical BioBedding.
For this species, horizontal décor that the curly hair can take cover under is needed. Cork bark is an excellent choice as it doesn’t promote mold or bacterial growth, and doesn’t break down as easily as other types of wood. Include at least two different pieces of cork bark, ideally one of them being a cork bark tube to allow the spider an easy hiding place where it will feel safe.
Josh's Frogs sells a variety of tarantula kits that makes setup and care simple.
Temperature (°F): Temperatures should be kept around 75-80 degrees. If temps in your home are too low, a low wattage under tank heat pad can be utilized. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.
Humidity: Curly hair tarantulas are a grassland dweller and require a higher level of humidity. 70% relative humidity is ideal for this species. If the enclosure gets too dry, the tarantula can have difficulty molting, and this can lead to the disfiguring or even death of your spider.
To keep conditions humid, keep a small water dish or bottle cap full of water available at all times. The enclosure can also be misted, but be careful not to mist the spider—this can agitate the spider and result in bites or escape attempts. Misting can be down along the walls of the enclosure so it is absorbed by the substrate. Additionally, you can mist some of the webbing to allow the spider multiple places to get water. Reverse osmosis, distilled, or spring water can be used. If using tap water, make sure to use a quality water dechlorinator.
A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments.
Size: At the time of sale, these animals are at least 1/2 of an inch. Adults of this species range from 4-6 inches, both male and female.
Age: Curly hair tarantulas can be quite long-lived in captivity. Males live about 4 years, and females can easily live 20+ years if cared for properly!
Feeding: Our curly hair babies are eating 4-5 D. hydei fruit flies once per week. Slings should be offered food every 4-7 days, while adults can go a week, 2 weeks or more before it will accept a feeding.
We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.
Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.
Sexing: Due to age, Tliltocatl albopilosus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.
Coloration/Patterning: The curly hair tarantula, characterized in part by its chubby body, is adorned with dark brown to black hair that initially appears lighter during its younger stages and gradually darkens as it matures. Its body showcases a golden-bronze glow attributed to extensive gold hairs, notably dense on its hind legs.
Social Behavior: This tarantula is a terrestrial, burrowing species native to the neotropics. The juveniles tend to be a bit on the shy side, but as they mature this species will spend more and more time out in the open, although they may always retreat quickly to a burrow if surprised or threatened. This species does possess urticating hairs that can be flicked when the tarantula is alarmed. As they age, this species generally calms down and tolerates occasional handling.
History in the Hobby: This species has existed in the pet trade for decades and were once imported in huge numbers. Now on the CITES Appendix II list, virtually all curly hairs, including those sold at Josh's Frogs, are produced in captivity.
Links of Interest:
Still not sure if Curly Hair Tarantulas from Josh's Frogs are the right pet invertebrate for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!
After placing an order containing a live animal, you will receive a scheduling email containing our JotForm scheduling link to schedule your new pet's delivery date.
With this scheduling link, you will be able to schedule your order's delivery up to 30 days in advance. You will be able to choose a date of delivery for Tuesday-Saturday (Saturday arrival depends on the carrier's service availability) with the estimated time of arrival generally being 12pm, or 4:30pm for more rural areas. Overnight lows must be above 40°F to ship directly to you (or above 30°F for FedEx Ship Center/UPS Customer Center pickups) as well as below 90°F by estimated time of arrival.
If you require further assistance, or prefer to talk to one of our Customer Service agents, please feel free to reach out to our [email protected] email or our phone line 1-800-691-8178.
Based on 5 reviews
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The tarantula came packaged securely. I was contacted before it was shipped to make sure the address was correct and that the weather was safe. I've had them for a few months and they are thriving!
One of the best tarantulas for a beginner based on my current knowledge. Docile and fuzzy when they are mature. Please always do thorough research before getting a pet. The Tarantula Collective has great info, but you can never go wrong with multiple sources. I'm so excited to see my tliltocatl albopilosus (honduran curly hair) and gramastola pulchripes (choco golden knee) grow up. Here's to hoping they're female, but I will love them either way.
Came healthy. Secure . Very happy
I just bought one and they are amazing Inamed one Rosie and the other gizmo!
But I just wanted to give a review on the species. I bought mine as a sling. He was the size of a dime, and now he's all grown up(about the size of my hand). I love him so much, VERY docile and has never kicked hairs at me. Im sad he's a male because his lifespan is shorter than a females, but im enjoying my time with him. I want to get another curly hair sling. This is the best beginner species, you wont be sorry.
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