The Best Tarantula Species for Beginners

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So, you want to buy a tarantula.

When I went searching for my first tarantula back in the late ’90s, the only information I could find on them was in exotic pet magazines and outdated books. Although there was plenty of information to be found on common species like G. rosea and B. smithi, many of the species I encountered at shows, some labeled with nonsensical common names, were enigmas. Back then, if you saw something that looked “cool”, you bought it with little concern to whether or not the species might be a bit too much for someone new to the hobby to handle. I’m sure several folks went home with animals that they they were ill-equipped to  care for (or that they became terrified of).

The Best Beginner Tarantulas Revisited — Updated Article and Video!

For more information on this topic, check out the updated article and video version by clicking on the link. This new version not only includes a YouTube video with all of the species listed, but I’ve added a few to the list. There is also a poll for folks to choose their top choice for best beginner tarantula. Check it out! 

B-hamorii-MAY

Today with internet, any information you need is just a mouse click away. With hundreds of websites, blogs, and forums devoted to tarantula keeping, it is much easier for the novice keeper to interact with other enthusiasts and access current information on the hobby. Nowadays, there is no excuse for ignorance, and it is the responsibility of the newbie to do his or her homework BEFORE acquiring a new animal.

Perhaps the first question one new to tarantulas should be asking is, “What is a good beginner tarantula species for me to start with?” There are a staggering number of species currently available in the hobby, and many of them have dispositions or husbandry requirements that render them unsuitable to novice keepers. Conversely, there are several species that make for excellent “gateway” pets into this addictive hobby.

To create the following list, I first drew from my own experience and observations. I then reviewed several forum threads on good beginner Ts from three different message boards and recorded the species that came up the most. Species have been selected on temperament, ease of husbandry and care, and cost and availability. There are certainly other species that would make good pets for the first-timer. If you feel that I missed your favorite, feel free to comment.

Now…onto the list.

1. Brachypelma albopilosum

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Photo by Kelly Swift from Swift’s Invertebrates, and amazing tarantula dealer.

Whenever one asks on the boards what the best beginner T is, the B. albopilosum is mentioned early and often. A gentle terrestrial with a medium growth rate, the “Honduran Curly Hair” is renowned for its calm disposition and ease of care. Reports of hair-kicking or threat postures are almost non-existent, and many report handling this T frequently and without incident. This species is very readily available in the hobby, with slings often given as freebies, so this is not an expensive species to acquire. Plus, their little curly hairs just make them so darned cute (they are always having a bad hair day).

Check out my B. albopilosum in the video below!

I keep my little guy with mostly dry substrate and moisten one corner. It is kept at room temps (70º to 84º) and it has been growing at a slow pace. Slings like to dig, so be sure to give them a few inches of substrate when they are smaller. Adults will normally remain out in the open, but a hide should be provided.

2. Euathlus sp. red

Euathlus sp. red

Euathlus sp. red

This dwarf species is the only one I can confidently refer to as “adorable”. Maxing out at about 3.5-3.75″, the Euathlus sp red is a calm, gentle, inquisitive species and a wonderful beginner T. Although I don’t normally handle my animals, this is a species I find myself making an exception for. Whenever I open their enclosures for maintenance, these curious little guys will calmly climb out of their cages and into my hand. Many times, they will curl up next to my thumb and just sit there. For one looking to ease into the hobby, there is no better ambassador. This is the tarantula I introduce to folks who have a fear of the animal.

So cute.

Husbandry for these little guys is easy. Dry substrate with a water bowl is sufficient; I overflow the bowl a bit, and I’ve observed that they will sometimes stand over the moist patch. They do fine at room temperature (my temps range from 70º to 84º throughout the year). I supply hides, but my girls rarely use them.

See this little gal in action in the video below!

Things to consider: If there is a downside to this species, it can be its propensity to fast during the cooler months. For someone new to the hobby, this could be cause for stress. Also, as slings they are VERY small. Finally, with Chili closing its borders to exporting tarantulas, the wild caught young adults that used to be readily available on the market will be drying up. As not many folks are breeding these in the US, the Euathlus sp. red is becoming very difficult to come by.

3. Eupalaestrus campestratus

E.-camp

Photo by Anastasia Haroldson from Net-Bug, a wonderful vendor.

Long overdue on this list, the E. campestratus (or “Pink zebra beauty”) has long been sought after by hobbyist for its pretty appearance and its consistently gentle temperament. Folks who keep this species gush about about its laid back personality and willingness to be handled. In researching this animal, I couldn’t find a single incident of one biting or kicking hair (although, they are certainly capable of both).

Like the other species on this list, the care for E. campestratus is quite elementary. As this species endures temps in the mid 60s in the wild, it’s a wonderful “room temperature” specimen. It should be provided with a terrestrial enclosure with mostly dry substrate. As this species does come from an area where it rains heavily for part of the year, a water dish should be provided for a bit of extra humidity. That being said, the E. campestratus is a very hardy and would be fine in most conditions.

Things to consider:  This is another slow growing species, so a sling is likely to take quite some time to mature. Also, these haven’t been as readily available in the hobby lately, making it a bit difficult to find one.

4. Grammostola pulchra

Photo from Wikipedia (Unfortunately, my juvenile isn't showing it's colors yet!)

Photo from Wikipedia (Unfortunately, my juvenile isn’t showing it’s colors yet!)

Sometimes referred to as “The Black Lab of Tarantulas”, the G. pulchra is a jet black gentle giant. Reaching sizes of 8″, this heavy-bodied T is recognized for its very calm nature and is usually a species that is reluctant to flick hair and tolerates handling well. A very slow growing species, females can live for decades while even the males can make it to 8 years. This means that if you purchase one as a sling, you will enjoy many years with this animal regardless of the sex.

Like the previous species mentioned, this species does well on dry substrate with a water dish. I like to keep one corner of the enclosure a bit damp. Slings will dig, so provide them with several inches of sub to allow for burrowing. Older specimens should be provided with a hide. I keep this species between 68º and 80º.

Check out my G. pulchra below!

Things to consider: Slings of this species can be a little more on the expensive side, with $40-$50 being common. It is also a very slow grower, so if you buy a sling, it will be quite a few years before this T hits its adult size. Adult specimens are also very expensive, with large females fetching $200 or more.

5. Brachypelma Smithi

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4″ B. smithi female

One of the most gorgeous and long-lived species (at least in my opinion) is also one of the best starter tarantulas. With its fiery red/yellow/orange leg markings set against the dark brown/black base color, this is one awesome showcase animal. The B. smithi is also known to mature into a calm, even-tempered adult, which makes it a wonderful starter tarantula. With an estimated life-expectancy of 40-plus years for females, you will also have decades with your new pet.

Again, there are no special care requirements with this species. An enclosure with more floor space than height, dry substrate, a water dish, and a hide will suffice. Slings will want to burrow, so provide them with a few inches of sub to tunnel in. I keep mine at temps between 68º and 84º, and there are no humidity requirements.

Check out my girl in the video below!

Things to consider: Younger B. smithi can be skittish, kicking hair or even threatening to bite when disturbed. Most will outgrow this behavior. As this is a long-living species, adult females can be quite pricey.

6. Grammostola pulchripes

Photo copyright Snakecollector.

Photo copyright Snakecollector.

The G. pulchripes or “Chaco Golden Knee” is a beautiful terrestrial species that can reach an impressive size of 8″. Like other Grammostolas, this one is a slow grower, taking many years to reach maturity. However, the G. pulchripes is generally recognized as having a very calm disposition, which makes it a wonderful candidate as a first tarantula. Many point to this species as one of the ones most tolerable of handling. And, for those looking for a display T, this golden-striped beauty loves to sit out in the open, meaning you’ll always see your new pet. Even better, the G. pulchripes is readily available, and slings can be procured for as little as $10.

Check out my G. pulchripes in the video below!

As slings, these guys are little bulldozers, constantly digging an rearranging their substrate. Be sure to give slings plenty of mostly dry substrate in which to play. I keep mine in containers allowing for about 4″ of sub, and I moisten down one corner. Adults should be kept in an enclosure allowing for more floor space than height with a water dish and hide provided. These guys can be kept at room temps (I keep mine between 70º and 84º) and there are no specific humidity requirements.

Things to consider: Although this T has a reputation for tolerating handling, individuals may vary in temperament. This is also a large T, so a bite could be quite painful and could cause mechanical damage. Always exercise caution if handling and make the safety of your animal your first priority.

7. Grammostola rosea/porteri

Notice the coloration on the carapace.

Notice the coloration on the carapace.

For years, the G. rosea (or “Rosie”, as it’s often referred to) was the most recommended beginner species. This readily available, inexpensive tarantula is recognized for its extreme hardiness and a supposedly tractable disposition. Although other species have emerged over the years that have proven to be better first Ts, the G. rosea shouldn’t be overlooked. For someone looking to get their first T, this slow-growing, long-living species can be a great choice. With the porteri reaching a max size of about 6″, it is a fairly good sized display T as well. G. rosea/porteri slings can usually be purchased for under $10, and adult females can be acquired for around $30, making this species VERY affordable.

The G. rosea/porteri are very simple to care for. Supply them with dry substrate, a hide, and a water dish. I do NOT moisten overflow the dish as this species abhors wet sub. This species will tolerate temps in the mid-60s, so for folks with cooler home temps, this species could be ideal.

Check out my G. porteri female below!

Things to consider: Despite its rep for being a “handling friendly” spider, this species can be quite unpredictable in temperament. Many keepers admit to having “Psycho Rosies” that can be quite defensive and bitey. The G. porteri is also known to fast for long periods of time, which can be quite disconcerting for new keepers. Finally, this species is the quintessential “Pet Rock”, spending the majority of its time sitting in one spot.

8. Euathlus parvulus

E.-parvulus

The E. parvulus or “Chilean gold burst” is a wonderful beginner species that is often overlooked by new hobbyists. This medium-sized tarantula (females get about 4-4.5″ or so) has a slow growth rate, meaning it’ll be with you for a long time. This is a docile species that can be a bit skittish, but is generally calm overall. Mine has never flicked a hair or given me a threat posture, and it usually just sits calmly when I perform maintenance. The E. parvulus also a bit more active than some of the “pet rock” species, although it will spend much of its time just sitting out in the open.

Care is simple: a standard terrestrial set-up with dry substrate, a cork bark hide, and a water dish is all they will need to thrive. Mine does well in temperatures 70-76 in the winter and 74-80 in the summer time, but adults would be perfectly comfortable in temps down to the mid-60s. For folks with cooler home temps in the winter, this would be a tarantula you could keep without needing supplementary heat. This species likes it dry, so their is no need to moisten the substrate or spray the enclosure. Dry substrate with a water dish is all it will need.

My Euathlus is a good eater and has only refused food before a molt. Currently, she gets one large (or two if they are a bit smaller) crickets once a week or so. As a slow-growing species, this one doesn’t need a ton of food to be happy and healthy.

Check out my E. parvulus in the video below!

I’ve heard this species referred to as “just another big brown spider”, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. From its dark metallic green carapace to the red patch on its abdomen, this is a beautiful little tarantula. Although it may appear brown at first glance, sunlight (or a flashlight) reveals a myriad of striking colors. Plus, it’s got some adorable raised patches of hairs on it’s abdomen that are quite unique.

Things to consider: With Chili banning the export of its tarantulas, this species might become more difficult to come by in the future. Many of the specimens being sold were wild caught sub-adults and adults, so larger specimens will most likely become scarce.

*Note: The following species are still beginner level due to cost and ease of husbandry, but their behaviors can make them a just a little trickier than the those of the tarantulas named earlier. Also, I would not endorse attempting to hold any of these next two.

9. Chromatapelma cyaneopubescens

GBB-two

Many first time keepers are immediately enticed by some of the more colorful species available on the market. Unfortunately, if they do their research, they will soon discover that the P. metallica, M. balfouri, and H. lividum are advanced Ts that would normally prove overwhelming for the new keeper. Enter C. cyaneopubescens, or the GBB. This stunning species sports amazing colors, and its easy husbandry makes it a wonderful entry-level tarantula. GBBs are voracious eaters, only refusing food when they are in premolt, and they have a reasonably fast growth rate, which is great for the impatient keeper. They are also prolific webbers, making for a beautiful display animal.

See my girl in action in the husbandry video below!

This is a species that likes it dry. For slings, I keep one corner a little damp and use and eye dropper to put a little drinking water on the webbing. If supplied with a little extra height and something to anchor to, this species will produce copious amounts of webbing. I keep this species between 70º to 84º; it has no specific humidity requirements. They eat like machines, often snatching prey before it hits the ground, so keep them well fed.

Things to consider: I have seen this species described as an “intermediate” level tarantula due to its speed and skittishness. That said, this was one of the first tarantulas I acquired, and I had no problems with it. As long as the keeper is respectful of its speed, there should be little issue. This might be one you get as a sling so that you can get used to the animal and its personality as it grows.

10. Lasiodora parahybana

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4″ L. parahybana female. This specimen doesn’t sport its darker adult coloration yet.

Bigger is always better…that can often be the mantra of someone new to the hobby. Many keepers become fascinated with large tarantulas after learning some of these beasts get to 9″ + in size. Unfortunately, some of the larger genera like Pamphobeteus and Theraphosa have husbandry requirements and temperaments that can make them too advanced for many keepers. However, for those new to the hobby who are looking for something BIG, the L. parahybana is the perfect choice. This large terrestrial has been said to reach sizes of 10″, although 8″ is probably more common. Although slings and juveniles can be a bit skittish, flicking hair when disturbed, most adults are calmer and make great display Ts.

Check out two of my LPs in the husbandry video below!

Husbandry is simple: provide this species with more floor space than height, and keep the substrate on the dry side. I do moisten approximately 1/3 of the sub and allow it to dry out in between. A water bowl with fresh water should be provided at all times, as should a hide (although my larger specimen never uses hers). They are tolerant of lower temps, but this is a species that will grow like a weed if kept a little warmer. Mine are kept between 70º to 84º. Although there are no stringent humidity requirements, mine seem to appreciate a moist area. Smaller slings like to burrow, so give them an enclosure that allows for a few inches of substrate.

Things to consider: This is a large species, and should be treated with care. A bite from this animal could do serious mechanical damage. Also, as this spider can get very large, space may be an issue as it reaches adulthood. Be prepared to procure larger housing.

Did I miss one?

There are obviously many other species out there that can make for good beginner pets. Do you think I missed an obvious one? Let me know in the comments section, and perhaps I’ll add it to the list.

199 thoughts on “The Best Tarantula Species for Beginners”

  1. Although they are pretty fast, very skittish, and rather “pet holish”, I would also recommend Cyriocosmus species for beginners. They are easy to get (in Europe, don’t know about the US and Canada), they grow very fast, their husbandry is very easy (moist substrate and room temperature), they are very colourful, and they are voracious esters. I got a C. perezmilesi sling as a freebie with the purchase of my first tarantula (an E. campestratus sling), and I fell in love with the genus, so now I nearly have all of the Cyriocosmus species available in the hobby. It turned out to be a female, and I mated her with a freshly purchased male last November. Haven’t her since the start of December, so I’m hoping for lots of young within a few weeks! It is my first breeding attempt 🙂

    Anyway: as long as a beginning keeper respects their speed, and has no wish to handle their tarantula, these make for excellent beginner’s species 🙂

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  2. Mr Moran, your videos and recommendations are extremely useful; well written and easy to understand for a novice like me. I would like to ask a question; I can purchase a Euathlus sp. yellow; is it the similar to the red in temperament and as such, recommended to a beginner? Thanks

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    • Thanks so much, Richard! The sp. yellows are VERY similar to the reds in both appearance and temperament. They’re just a little more difficult to find. I would say that it would make a great beginner! 🙂

      All the best,

      Tom

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  3. It’s a really good list. However, I noticed you listed tarantulas that can live in temperatures from 60-80 degrees.
    I’m from Texas, my house is easily 80-90 degrees on average in the summer, and gets around 70 as the coldest in winter.

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    • Hello, Aravis! Unfortunately, the majority of the species available can tolerate temps in the 90s for a bit, but it can be unhealthy for them in the long run. There are obviously species that live in areas that experience high temps, but they will seek refuge in cooler burrows and come out at night to hunt.

      Is it often 90 in the summer, or is that on occasion?

      The species that do better in temps that high would not be categorized as “beginners”. Tarantulas like the “baboon” species (the OBT, M. balfouri, and other African species hail from areas that experience extreme heat and seem to do better in warmer temps. Again, though, they are burrowers.

      If the temps only seldom hit 90 in your home, you’d be fine with most of the species on this list. Or, if there is a cooler room, that would work. Sustained temperatures in the 90s might be a bit too much, though. Low to mid-80s would be fine.

      I hope that helps!

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  4. I really appreciate that you include some “non-conformist” species on your list (as compared to most other “beginners” lists)! I never wanted a tarantula until I saw a G. pulchra and fell in love, and suddenly all T’s are beautiful/cute instead of “cool for like 5 minutes but then start getting creepy”. I have my heart set on the G. pulchra being my first, but if that turns out to be unlikely due to lack of affordable availability, I really have no interest in turning to G. rosea or B. albopilosum instead. Thanks to you I have have E. sp “red” , E. parvulus, and the pink zebra beauty (sorry but I don’t have that scientific name memorized yet lmao) on my back-up list. … But of course it seems like those might not be so easy to find either, argh!

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    • Thank you! That list will probably continue to grow and evolve over the years. When I find one that I think can make a good beginner, I try to find out what other hobbyists experience with it. Still, every specimen is different, so one keeper’s sweetheart can be another’s monster!

      You should be able to find a G. pulchra if you keep a lookout. They aren’t quite as prevalent as B. albos or G. pulchripes, but they definitely pop up quite a bit. Hopefully, you find one when the time comes! And, yes…the other three probably a bit more difficult to find that some other beginner species. Thanks!

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  5. From this list, and a few others, as well as after watching some videos I’d say I’m between the Mexican Red Knee and the Curly Hair. The curly hair from videos seems to have no cares in the world about anything and just seem so laid back with their owners working in their cages or handling them. The Mexican Red Knee though are real lookers and I understand are good for displays, with adults chilling in the open often. Question is I’m wondering how often the curly hairs are out in the open, even if just sitting on top of their hide, and I’m also wondering how much webbing both species do?

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    • Hello!

      My curly hairs tend to be out in the open quite a bit, especially once they hit around 2.5″ or so.

      Mexican red knees can be very skittish and shy until they get larger. Mine is about 4.5″ or so now, and she’s still a bit skittish. They are also a bit more likely to hair if disturbed (although they usually outgrow this).

      Neither of these species does a lot of webbing, unfortunately. The biggest webber on that list by far is the Greenbottle blue. 🙂

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  8. Hi Tom!
    I have done a lot of research and I have decided that a grammostola pulchra would be the perfect first tarantula for me. The only problem is I live in the US and it seems darn near impossible to find one here. Being an experienced keeper, do you know of anyone who is breeding/selling these beautiful tarantulas?

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    • Hello, Jocelyn!

      Man, I see what you mean. They are literally impossible to find! Fear Not Tarantulas has slings, but they’re $90! Wow. Hopefully, someone starts breeding these soon. When I bought mine 4 years ago, I only paid $35 for it.

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  9. Can you please help me
    I am looking to get a T but I don’t know
    Whitch one to get. The red rump look good but I don’t know what to get can somebody please help me. I am lookinf for a T that I can handle with my hand without a problem.

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  10. Hey, so I’ve just found you and your page/videos. All of your spiders are gorgeous and you seems to really enjoy what you do.

    I do have a question though, I have an L.P female and she had been fasting for a little over 2 months now. Which, after watching your video on L.Ps, particularly the part where you say they’re voracious eaters, I’m now worried about ours. She refuses to eat, but she looks as though she’s in premolt, and has looked that way for quite a while.

    I suppose I’m wondering whether I need to try and find help for her, or whether she’s ok.

    Thanks!

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    • Hi, Nicole!

      Thanks so much!

      What size is she? They are voracious eaters, but they will stop eating when in premolt. Larger specimens can take quite a while from when they stop eating until they finally molt. My big girl (she’s about 8″), took four months last time.

      Let me know, and I’ll try to help!

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  12. One that I would add to the list (although I would classify this as hands off, along with 9 and 10) is Acanthoscurria geniculata. Very hardy species that starts to show its adult colors at a small size, grows fairly quickly and has a voracious appetite. Although I have seen some keepers with calm specimens that they free handle, I wouldn’t recommend it with this species.

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    • That species will probably get added in the next revision. I thought about putting it on there, and I’ve had plenty of folks say it should be added. I think I’m going to do a “hands off” beginner list next. 🙂 Thank you!

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  13. Hi, I´m from Paraguai and I really want to have a tarantula but where I live the temperature is usually over 84°F and sometimes it is over 100°F. So will I need to have the AR on, all the time?
    I really want to enter the tarantulas world

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  15. I have a question. Has any of the ones that you mentioned bite you, because I want one of these ones but I have a little fear that it might or might not bite me.

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  16. Hi Tom! I just wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you do for this hobby. I got in the hobby last week and I don’t believe I would even be 1/3rd as confident without all your videos and articles! I watched pretty much all your channel and read all your blogs, and I feel I have a good grasp on doing things properly.

    I am now the the father of two slings, B, Albopilosum and L. Parahybana (which I know will get quite large, but it will take a couple years, it is so tiny now)!

    Thank you!

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    • So sorry for the delay, Jocelyn! Thank you so much for the very kind words and for taking the time to comment. 🙂 I’m so glad that you found this information helpful. 🙂

      You started with two awesome species. Your L. parahybana won’t be small for long. 🙂

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  17. Yours tranchulas can eat through a metal screen that is impressive and where do you get your spiders and which one would you suggest for a beginner that would want a trantula would they eat dead food as well

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  18. I’m looking to get into the hobby and while I don’t personally own one yet, the ones I didn’t see here that made it on my list is the Aphonopelma hentzi (aka: Texas Brown) and Brachypelma albopilosum (aka: Honduras Curly Hair). One of the ones you mentioned, that I would die to get my hands on is a Euathlus sp. red (Dwarf Chilean Flame), because of their beautiful markings, their inquisitive nature and of course their disposition when being handled. The Texas Brown made it on my list, because one I live in Oklahoma and so naturally hitting so close to home I feel like the natural tempatures would help aid my care since they can actually be found here. I’ve read a lot about people coming across them naturally and they found them to be passive enough to approach up close or even pick up. I like there beautiful natural shade of brown. I mean really I could easily list a ton of reasons I felt drawn to this beautiful creature. Though back on track. The Honduras Curly hair attracted me, because they seem to be virtually indestructible. Somewhat slow moving. Appear to be easy to handle. Though if course with such out of control hair, they are abso-friggin’-loutely adorable! ^_^ Anyway I’ll end the rant here. Just wanted your opinion on these unmentioned specimens and wondered why they did not make it on your list.

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    • Hello, Cosmo!

      Ummmm…Brachypelma albopilosum was number one on my list! Not sure how to respond to that one… 🙂

      As for the B. hentzi, I could only include so many species, or this list would be incredibly long. I went with some of the more popular and available ones. In a video on beginner species I did a couple years ago, I included Aphonopelma chalcodes, a similar species to A. hentzi. I plan on revisiting the list again, and this time I will include alternates for each specimen, as there are really dozens of tarantulas that make for good beginners. 🙂

      Thanks so much!

      Tom

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  20. Wow thank you so much for this guide! After ten years of battling my mother against having a tarantula a few nights out of the blue she finally said I could have one. I am now doing research and I discovered this well written educational guide I want a tarantula that does not mind being handled and is good for a newbie like me, this guide has really given me direction.

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    • Hi, Cody! So sorry for the delay! I haven’t been getting comment notifications!

      Congrats on convincing your mom to let you have one…that’s great! Mine would never cave in. haha Do you know which species you’re looking to get?

      Thanks again!

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  21. Hey I was wondering if you have ever owned a peocilotheria regalis and if they are hard to care for? I was thinking if they were hard to take care of or what because I LOVE the look of them.

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    • I left this one off the list as many tend to be quite skittish and fast, which can freak out some new hobbyists. I have three, and they are all a bit crazy. That said, the care is easy and the growth rate is quite good for a bachy, and a calmer one would pose no issues. 🙂

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  24. Hello Tom,
    Thanks to stumbling across your YouTube vids while researching info on ASF rats last week I’m now back in the Tarantula hobby. I just unboxed and housed two beautiful specimens of B. harmorii/smithi. I selected Jamie’s Tarantulas from one of your vids and couldn’t be happier with the whole process. Those guys are great!
    I’d like to send you over a few pics and a small vid of some of the behaviors these guys are doing. If you would like to reply to my email address I can shoot these over.
    Thanks for putting up this great information!

    Take care, Jerry

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  25. Been following you for a while. Enjoy the very informative videos you post and your knowledge is very vast. Im not sure if anyone said it yet as i didnt go through all pages of the comments. One that I suggest to people who ask me (other than quite a bit on your list) is the Avicularia Avicularia or common Pink Toe Tarantula. Arboreal and a little jumpy as slings up to about 2 inches, but eventually with all 10 of mine they got less jumpy

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    • Hello, Corey! Thanks so much. I think I added that species to the update. I left it off originally as they tend to be a bit more finicky, and a lot of folks accidentally kill them keeping them too moist. That said, a lot of folks start with them and do fine. 🙂

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  27. Hi Tom, I’m new to tarantulas and reading through your articles and they are very helpfull. I just catch one last week (Baja California, Mexico), and I’m trying to adapt its new home, but, I would like to know what specie it is. Can you help me with that?

    View post on imgur.com

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  28. Hi, first of all, just want to say thanks for all the work you’ve put into your site and videos. They’re a huge help to someone looking to get into the hobby like myself. I’m currently deciding on my first and was hoping you could help me finalize my decision. I just had a few other questions that I was hoping you could answer.

    First of all, I’m from the Philippines, and will probably be keeping my Tarantula in my room (since the rest of the household are rather arachnophobic) The days here are pretty humid, (maybe 75-90 degrees) but at night I have the air conditioner on at around 65. Would that be an okay environment for a tarantula, assuming that I have an unheated setup but have enough dirt for a sling to burrow and a hide.

    Second, any thoughts on a d. pentaloris/ fasciatus/ tiger rump? I really love your husbandry videos, but this seems to be one of the few that you haven’t done one on yet. I’m just wondering if it’s beginner friendly since it is one of the most attractive types available locally.

    Lastly, are there any other heavy webbers that are good for beginners? The GBB would be perfect, but alas, I can’t seem to find one locally.

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