SPECIAL NOTE: USPS forbids shipping venomous spiders or scorpions in the mail.

Because of this, we ship these animals FedEx priority overnight for a flat fee of $39.99.

Defining Characteristics: 

• Easy to care For
• Great beginner tarantula
• Medium sized
• Terrestrial, burrowing species

Background Information: The Nicaraguan Curly Haired Tarantula is scientifically known as Tliltocatl albopilosus. It is very similar to our Curly Hair Tarantula, and the same species in fact, just a different locale. This Nicaraguan locale tends to be less common and a little fuzzier with a slight golden hue. This tarantula is a terrestrial, burrowing species native to the neotropics. Adults of this species range from 4-6 inches and feature curly hairs that cover their bodies. 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, include those sold at Josh's Frogs, are produced in captivity.

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.

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 12x12x12 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. Josh's Frogs sells a variety of tarantula kits that makes setup and care simple.

Being terrestrial and loving to burrow, the Nicaraguan Curly Hair tarantula should be provided with at least 3-4 inches of substrate. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

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, and ideally, have one of them as a cork bark tube to allow the spider an easy hiding place to feel safe in.

Water & Humidity: Nicaraguan Curly Hair Tarantulas are a grassland dweller and require a higher level of humidity and 70% relative humidity is ideal for these species. It is recommended that you have both a digital hygrometer and thermometer in your enclosure to monitor these conditions. If the enclosure gets too dry, the tarantula can have difficulty molting, and this can lead to death and disfiguring 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.

Heating & Lighting:

These tarantulas do not require any UV lighting or any heating lamps, just a day-night cycle. Be careful your spider's enclosure doesn't receive too much sunlight. Sunlight can cause temperatures to rise rapidly, cooking your spider in its home. A thermometer should be present in the enclosure, and temperatures should be kept around 75-80 degrees. This can be accomplished with a low wattage under tank heat pad during colder conditions.

Feeding: The Nicaraguan Curly Hair tarantula is a fast growing species, with spiderlings reaching 3 inches in a year. At time of sale they are eating a few hydei fruit flies a week, as they grow so should their prey. Slings should be fed every 4-7 days, adults should be offered food every 7-10 days. They will eat just about any feeder insect, though care should be taken to make sure that the feeder is about the size of their carapace or smaller.

As with all tarantula species in your care, remove any excess feeders from your enclosure after a day, and wait a week to resume feeding after your tarantula molts.

Age: Curly Hair tarantulas can be quite long lived in captivity. Males can live about 4 years, and females can easily live over a decade if cared for properly.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Nicaraguan 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!