Tliltocatl albopilosus (Curly Hair Tarantula) 0.5-0.75" (Pre Molt)

Tliltocatl albopilosus (Curly Hair Tarantula) 0.5-0.75"

(This group of animals is currently in premolt and may need some time before being able to be safely shipped)

The Curly Hair Tarantula, also called the curly haired tarantula, or Tliltocatl albopilosus (ex Brachypelma albopilosa), is a terrestrial tarantula found across Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Adults have a gray base, with dark gray legs, a gray carapace (head), and a gray abdomen, all covered in long, curly hairs, hence the name. Spiderlings do not start out looking like the adult, instead resembling other species in the genus until the long curly coat comes in around 2 inches, while the species only grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span. Like others in the genus, this species has a very long lifespan, with females reaching about 20 years while males live 3 to 5 years. This species is also very calm and forgiving, and one we recommend for beginner keepers or anyone who wants an easier keeping experience. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as a spiderling.

Why do hobbyists keep the curly haired tarantula?

• Distinctive Appearance: Long, wiry, curly hairs across the legs and abdomen give this species a shaggy, charming look unlike almost any other tarantula in the hobby.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and easygoing, more likely to flee or flick loose hairs than stand its ground, a big part of why it has stayed a favorite for so long.
• Great Display Species: One of the more active terrestrial tarantulas, frequently out and about rearranging its enclosure rather than staying tucked away.
• Beginner Species: One of the most popular beginner tarantulas in the hobby and often someone's very first tarantula. This species is very forgiving in its care for newer keepers who are still learning how to keep spiderlings and tarantulas.
• Iconic in the Hobby: One of the most commonly bred tarantulas in the hobby, which keeps it consistently available and easy to find.

How should Tliltocatl albopilosus be kept?

• Adult Size: Hatches at around 0.5 inch and grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span, so expect a couple of upsizes along the way.
• Enclosure: 6 by 6 by 4 inches, with 2 inches of substrate, sized ahead of the animal's current size, simple spiderling housing to start.
• Rehousing: Two more enclosures ahead at this slow growth rate: a 12 by 12 by 8 inch cage next, then an 18 by 18 by 12 inch cage after that, each stage lasting roughly 18 to 24 months.
• Temperature: Keep between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal range for most highland species like this one. Cooler temperatures are survivable, but increase the odds of trouble molting and growing, so we recommend staying in this range for the best results. Most keepers do not need any extra heating to hit it.
• Humidity: This is an arid species and should not be kept wet. Keep the substrate mostly dry, with a small damp corner or a shallow water dish so it never dries out completely.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: 3/16 inch cricket, roach, or mealworm, matching the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Docile, though a bit skittish, more likely to flee or flick loose hairs than stand its ground.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Easy to Care For: Forgiving and low maintenance, a big part of why this species has stayed a top recommendation for beginners for decades.
• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Tliltocatl albopilosus Curly Hair Tarantula spiderling, often nicknamed a baby tarantula or just baby spiders at this stage, measuring around 0.5 to 0.75 inch in diagonal leg span, which is the size given in the title, unsexed, with roughly a 50/50 chance of male or female. This is a well-started spiderling, past the very first size we offer. It is not showing the curly coat yet either, that starts coming in around 2 inches, so there is still plenty of change ahead to watch for.
• Looking for other sizes? This species is also available as a 0.33 to 0.5 inch Spiderling, a 1.5 to 2 inch Juvenile, a 2.5 inch Juvenile Female, and a 3 to 3.5 inch Sub-Adult.