Types of tarantulas – which one to choose?

The world of tarantulas is much more diverse than you might think. Giants, colourful beauties, peaceful diggers and fast tree spiders move around on their eight legs. Wondering which type of tarantula to choose? You’ve come to the right place. Read the article and find out which species of tarantula is best for beginners.

The largest tarantulas – true giants

Want something impressive? Then you’re looking for a giant. And at the top of the list is the largest tarantula in the world, Theraphosa apophysis. The leg span of this horned predator – as it is known in Polish – reaches 30 cm. That’s the height of an A4 sheet of paper. It can weigh over 150 grams, which is almost as much as your smartphone. It is an impressive animal, but it requires a large, humid terrarium and proper care. It will probably be too demanding for a beginner. But don’t worry, there are other large species:

• Theraphosa apophysis – similar to Goliath (another giant), but slightly easier to breed.
• Lasiodora parahybana – giant hairy tarantula, a fast-growing giant from Brazil, more active but easier for intermediate keepers.

Not sure which species of spider is best for beginners? You can find out everything you need to know on our website. There is one important thing to remember: large tarantulas need more space and stable conditions. For example, changes in humidity or temperature affect them more than smaller species.

The most beautiful tarantulas impress with their colours.

Some of these large spiders attract attention more with their colour than their size. And the prettiest ones are also more demanding. As you can see, even among arachnids, beauty requires more attention.

Among the most impressive species you will find:

• Caribena versicolor – young multicoloured bird-winged snails are green, while adults shine blue-violet.
• Poecilotheria metallica – many people consider this spider, associated with a certain American band, to be the most beautiful, and it is certainly a rare blue tree spider.
• Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens – with orange legs and a green-blue abdomen (in young spiders, it is black and orange).

Also remember: the more colourful the bird spider, the faster, more skittish or demanding of a suitable environment it is. Something for something.

The most venomous tarantula – definitely not the one you want to start with

Every tarantula has venom. But the most venomous tarantulas are not suitable for beginners. It’s simply too risky. The more venomous species include, for example, Poecilotheria regalis or Pterinochilus murinus – the royal tarantula and the sun tarantula. Aren’t they beautiful? Their colours are as impressive as their names, and these arachnids are also fast. Some breeders also consider them to be quite aggressive.

Consider safer companions:

• Lasiodora parachybana (giant hairy crab),
• Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (blue-legged tarantula),
• Acanthoscurria geniculata (white-knee bird spider),
• Brachypelma emilia (Emilia’s long-legged spider).

They also have beautiful names and colours. If we have not convinced you yet, you should know that the bite of the above-mentioned spiders is painful and can lead to an accelerated heartbeat, which can sometimes be life-threatening. It is worth learning more about breeding and the venomousness of tarantulas for your own safety and that of others.

The most expensive tarantulas – when the price goes up

Some tarantulas cost more than a smartphone – fortunately, this is rare. Why such high prices? Because of their uniqueness. The most expensive tarantulas are rare in nature, difficult to breed, or exceptionally impressive. And most often, all of the above.

Examples of these expensive species:

• Poecilotheria metallica – fans of sharp playing will already recognise this beauty, which costs as much as a good case.
• Theraphosa blondi – the price of a Goliath starts at the equivalent of a decent pair of headphones.
• Haploclastus devamatha – you will also spend quite a bit here.

Interesting fact: in collector breeding, the prices of rare tarantulas can reach up to several thousand zlotys per specimen. Of course, this depends on the specific species and even the individual specimen, as well as the current availability of these spiders.

Tarantulas: arboreal species, terrestrial and subterranean – basic classification

So, you’re buying a tarantula? First, check what kind of lifestyle it leads.

Ground-dwelling birds

Ground-dwelling tarantulas live on the surface of the earth, often digging burrows, and are rather calm. Among them are those you already know:

• Lasiodora parachybana,
• Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens,
• Acanthoscurria geniculata.

These are the types that are worth considering at the outset.

Red-kneed tarantula – a description that will intrigue you

If you think Latin names are problematic, wait until you master the Polish ones. You’re in for a real challenge! Some tarantulas have several names, while others seem to depend on the preferences of their breeders. An example is the red-kneed tarantula, which is also called the orange-kneed tarantula.

Perhaps you should decide what to call it.

Tree-dwelling birds

Tree-dwelling birds live in tree crowns, are fast and require a tall terrarium with hiding places. Meet some of them:

• Caribena versicolor (multicoloured caribena),
• Poecilotheria regalis (royal tarantula).

Just right for those with more experience.

Underground birdhouses

Burrowing birds dig deep burrows and spend most of their lives in them. Not very sociable, but worth considering:

• Haplopelma lividum (cobalt tarantula),
• Chilobrachys natanicharum.

They require a thick layer of substrate and well-maintained moisture. Can you provide that for them?

Where do the names of bird catchers come from?

Interesting, difficult to pronounce and mysterious names are another of the fascinating facts about tarantulas. The Latin names of tarantulas sometimes sound funny, but they make sense.

Theraphosa blondi was named after the entomologist Friedrich August Blondi, who first described this species.

Poecilotheria comes from Greek words meaning “spotted beast”. The word “theria” in Greek also means snake.

Often, the name says something about the appearance, behaviour or place of origin of the species.

How to choose your bird?

When choosing a tarantula, don’t just look at colour or size. Consider how much experience you have and what conditions you can provide at home. For starters, calm, ground-dwelling species such as Brachypelma hamorii or Grammostola pulchra are best.

For more experienced breeders, arboreal or larger tarantulas will be an interesting choice, but then you have to take into account greater requirements and, consequently, higher expenses.

Read up and prepare well. This will ensure that your tarantula is not only impressive, but also a trouble-free companion.