Did you know that tarantulas have been evolving for over 300 million years, developing into incredible specialists both in trees and on the ground?
As exotic pet keeping booms in 2024, more people are discovering these fascinating arachnids.
Whether you’re drawn to the graceful tree-dwelling species that build silken hammocks in the canopy, or the ground-dwellers that craft intricate burrows, understanding their unique needs is crucial for success.
This guide will show you exactly how to choose and care for both arboreal and terrestrial tarantulas, with a focus on what makes each type special.
Selecting the right tarantula species is just the beginning, and for a complete guide on their care, refer to Advanced Tarantula Care for expert insights.
Quick Facts About Both Types
| Type | Lives In | Needs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arboreal | Tall tanks with climbing space | More humidity (65-85%) | Experienced owners |
| Terrestrial | Wide tanks with deep dirt | Less humidity (60-75%) | Beginners |
What Makes Them Different?
Imagine your tarantula is choosing between an treehouse and a basement apartment.
Arboreal tarantulas like the Pink Toe (Avicularia) and Ghost Ornamental (Poecilotheria) are total skydivers. They:
- Love penthouses (need tall tanks – 3x their leg span in height)
- Are web-designing professionals (make lots of webs up high)
- Could probably win spider Olympics (move faster and jump more)
- Are the divas of the spider world (need more careful care)
Meanwhile, terrestrial tarantulas like the Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma) and Chilean Rose (Grammostola) are more like my Uncle Bob – they prefer the simple life on the ground. They:
- Are ground-floor enthusiasts (need wide tanks with deep dirt)
- Love digging like tiny bulldozers (4-8 inches deep!)
- Move like they’re always on vacation (slower and stay low)
- Are the “starter pack” of the spider world (easier to care for)
Setting Up Their Homes (Spider Cribs Edition!)
For your arboreal high-rise residents:
- Think vertical! (tall tank)
- Give them a jungle gym (cork bark and fake plants)
- Keep it tropical (75-82°F – like a nice summer day)
- Mist like you’re at a spa
- Add ventilation (they’re not fans of stuffy rooms)
For your terrestrial ground-floor tenants:
- Think horizontal (wide tank)
- Make it dirt-deep (like a cozy underground bunker)
- Keep it mild (72-78°F – perfect sweater weather)
- Easy on the water sprays
- Don’t forget their water bowl (no spider should go thirsty!)
Expert Advice
“Beginners should start with terrestrial species,” says Tom Green, owner of Spider World Shop. “They’re more forgiving of mistakes and live longer, often 15-25 years with good care.” (Just like my first terrestrial, Mr. Fuzzy Legs, who’s been rocking his tank life for 7 years now!)
Visit Arachnoboards – it’s like Facebook for spider enthusiasts!
Costs and Care Time
Starting costs:
Arboreal setup: $100-150
Terrestrial setup: $80-120
Monthly care:
Arboreal: 2-3 hours
Terrestrial: 1-2 hours
Tips for Success
Watch for these good signs (or as I call them, the “Happy Spider Checklist”):
- Munching regularly (like a teenager at a buffet)
- Web-spinning like Spider-Man
- Chilling like it’s Sunday afternoon
- Molting successfully (their version of a spa day)
Dr. Sarah Webb, exotic vet, drops this truth bomb: “The biggest mistake new keepers make is choosing an arboreal species first. They need more specific care and are harder to handle safely.” (Trust me, I learned this the hard way with my first jumping escape artist!)
Common Problems to Watch For
For arboreal acrobats:
- Gravity isn’t always their friend (falling during molting)
- Getting as dry as a desert tumbleweed
- Pulling a Houdini through tiny gaps
For terrestrial homebodies:
- Shallow dirt (they need their depth!)
- Water dish drama (either empty or dirt-filled)
- Not enough hiding spots (everyone needs their privacy!)
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting your spider-keeping journey, go terrestrial! They’re like the golden retrievers of the spider world:
- Live longer than some marriages (15-25 years)
- Budget-friendly ($30-80)
- Nearly bulletproof success rate (80-90% for newbies)
- More chill than a cucumber
Once you’ve got your spider-legs (see what I did there?), you can level up to an arboreal species. Just remember, they’re more like cats – independent, sometimes dramatic, and need things just right!
Check out the American Tarantula Society – it’s like the Hogwarts for spider keepers!
Remember: Whether your eight-legged friend prefers the penthouse or the ground floor, they’re all awesome pets! Just give them what they need, and they’ll give you years of fascinating entertainment. Trust me, nothing beats watching a tarantula catch a cricket while you’re supposed to be working from home!
P.S. As of 2024, there’s a growing trend of tarantula-keeping among young professionals working from home. Who knew spiders would become the new pandemic pets?
