Psalmopoeus victori / Darth Maul Tarantula Care Sheet

Psalmopoeus victori

Psalmopoeus victori is a New World arboreal (tree-dwelling) tarantula.  Hailing originally from Mexico, this species is known under two different common names; the Darth Maul tarantula or the Mexican Half-and-Half. Both these names do a good job of describing the appearance of this species.  The Darth Maul name springs from the fact that this is …

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What Happens if You Disturb a Molting Tarantula?

What Happens if You Disturb a Molting Tarantula?

Molting is one of the single most dangerous times in a tarantula life. The formerly fearsome predator becomes almost defenseless for hours or even days.  Even a single cricket accidentally left in the cage can do enough damage nibbling at your tarantula to cause its death.  When your tarantula is molting, therefore, you want to …

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What Does Tarantula Poop Look Like?

What Does Tarantula Poop Look Like?

You finally Googled it didn’t you? You were so intrigued you decided to search for “what does tarantula poop look like?”. Don’t worry – you’re not the only one 🙂 And I’m not going to disappoint you. After 25+ years of keeping tarantulas you’re about to learn everything you wanted to know about tarantula poop …

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Do Tarantulas Have 10 Legs?

Do Tarantulas Have 10 Legs?

One common question asked about tarantulas is whether they have 10 legs. It seems a lot of these searches recently are coming from Animal Crossing players, who have noticed that the tarantulas featured there seem to have 10 legs. Why is that? Do tarantulas really have 10 legs?  If you’ve ever wondered the same thing …

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What Is an Old World Tarantula?

What Is an Old World Tarantula?

Old World tarantulas are tarantulas coming from the continents of Africa and Asia. This is in contrast to so-called New World tarantulas which are found in the Americas.  Whilst it might seem odd to classify tarantulas based on this very broad distinction of Old World tarantula vs New World tarantula there are some important reasons …

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Do Tarantulas Make Spider Webs?

Do Tarantulas Make Spider Webs?

Tarantulas do make spider webs, but they don’t look like the sorts of spider webs you might see in your garden.  Rather than spinning a large orb web, designed to catch flying insects that stumble into it, the spider webs laid down by tarantulas are more likely to be laid in sheets. These sheets, in …

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What Happens If You Drop a Tarantula?

What Happens If You Drop a Tarantula?

Dropping a tarantula can kill it, so this is definitely something to avoid at all costs. This is the key reason why most experts advise against handling tarantulas.  A tarantula that is suddenly startled may bolt away from the perceived danger, and in doing so may fall straight off your hand.  A tarantula that is …

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Mexican Fireleg (Brachypelma boehmei) Care Sheet

Brachypelma boehmei, commonly known as the Mexican Fireleg or Mexican Rustleg is truly one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the world. Hailing from the Western Pacific coast of Mexico, this is a “chunky” looking spider with brilliant orange legs and carapace, contrasted against black femurs and abdomen. Originally described by taxonomists Schmidt and Klass …

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Mexican Red Leg Tarantula (Brachypelma emilia) Care Sheet

The Mexican Red Leg tarantula, Brachypelma emilia, is a chunky, slow-moving and docile tarantula. Closely related to the Mexican Red Knee, Brachypelma emilia is an undeniably stunning spider. The combination of glossy black background, highlighted with bright on the carapace and legs, makes this one of the more colorful species. Combine this with their reasonably …

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Tliltocatl albopilosus / Curly Hair Tarantula Care Sheet

The Curly Hair Tarantula, Latin name Tliltocatl albopilosum, is considered one of the very best species for beginners.  The Curly Hair tarantula is slow-moving and docile, particularly as an adult. It is therefore easily handled.  Growing to a legspan of some 5 – 6 inches, it has only modest requirements in captivity. The common name …

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