There are around 900 species of tarantula known to man, and likely more that aren’t known yet. Spread over almost every continent in the world, including Europe, Australia, Africa, southern Asia, and both North and South America tarantulas are becoming more and more popular as pets every year.
As you might can imagine, of the 900 or so known species of tarantula, not every one is available as a pet, nor is every species suitable as a pet. some are extremely aggressive, some are too rare and not available, others can be too fast, too fragile, or too venomous and prine to biting.
I say too venomous, but i should also note that no deaths have ever been recorded as a direct result of a tarantula bite. Certain species of tarantula are large enough, and/or venomous enough to cause motor damage which can result in permanent injuries to the victim.
This site isn’t going to describe all 900 tarantula species in detail, instead it will focus on the more common and well-known species to help you choose, and subsequently care for, your pet tarantula.
Follow the links below to learn more about each species:
Suggested Beginner Species
- Grammostola pulchra – Brazilian Black
- Acanthoscurria geniculata – Brazilian white knee
- Brachypelma smithi – Mexican Red-Knee
- Brachypelma albopilosum – Curly Hair
- Brachypelma vagans – Mexican Red-Rump
- Grammostola pulchripes – Chaco Golden Knee (formerly Grammostola aureostriata)
- Grammostola rosea – Chilean Rose or Rose Hair
- Avicularia avicularia – Pinktoe
Note: You can click on the linked names in the list to learn more about that topic.
Species for Experienced Tarantula Enthusiasts:
- Avicularia versicolor – Antilles Pinktoe
- Lasiodora parahybana – Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater
- Grammostola pulchripes – Chaco giant golden-striped
- Haplopelma lividum – Cobalt Blue
- Aphonopelma seemani – Costa Rican Zebra
- Theraphosa leblondi – Goliath Bird-eating
- Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens – Green Bottle Blue
- Theraphosa apophysis – Pinkfoot Goliath
- Brachypelma emilia – Mexican Red Leg
Which species of tarantula are you interested in, i wonder?
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