Imagine watching your tarantula’s legs suddenly trembling uncontrollably—is it dying or just dancing? With 900+ species kept as pets worldwide, these ancient predators face unique health challenges in captivity that can slash their 30-year lifespan to mere weeks.
Understanding tarantula illnesses isn’t just for spider enthusiasts—it’s essential knowledge for anyone brave enough to welcome these misunderstood arachnids into their home.
This guide reveals the warning signs and solutions every tarantula keeper needs.
A sudden tremor in your tarantula’s legs could indicate dyskinetic syndrome (DKS) in tarantulas, a neurological condition often linked to toxin exposure.
Dyskinetic Syndrome (DKS)
DKS is like your tarantula having the jitters after drinking ten cups of coffee. About 15-20% of pet tarantulas get it, mostly from chemical exposure (that’s 8 out of 10 cases, folks).
Symptoms include:
- Leg trembling (like they’re dancing to music you can’t hear)
- Trouble walking (imagine trying to walk straight after spinning in circles)
- Jerky movements (like a robot with low batteries)
Dr. Samuel Marshall from the American Tarantula Society puts it plainly: “DKS is often caused by pesticides in the tarantula’s food or environment. Always check what you feed your spider.”
The truth is, only 30-40% of tarantulas bounce back from DKS, even with early help. Recovery is no sprint—it takes 2-8 weeks of spider TLC.
Molting Problems
Molting is when your tarantula trades in last season’s outfit for a brand new one by shedding its exoskeleton. It’s like trying to wiggle out of super-tight jeans—not always easy! About 25-30% of pet tarantulas have molt complications.
A stuck molt happens when your spider gets stuck halfway out of its old skin. Talk about a fashion emergency! This is serious business for our eight-legged pals.
The Brazilian white knee tarantula and Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula seem to have more wardrobe malfunctions than other types. They’re the equivalent of those Hollywood stars who always have trouble with their outfits on the red carpet.
To help with molting:
- Keep the right humidity level (60-80% for most species)—think tropical vacation, not desert road trip
- Don’t disturb your tarantula during molting—would you want someone bothering you while you’re changing?
- Make sure it has enough space—no one likes changing clothes in a closet!
Dehydration in Tarantulas
Dehydration is super common. About 35-40% of tarantulas kept by spider newbies end up thirstier than a camel on a desert trek.
Signs of dehydration include:
- Shriveled abdomen (think raisin, not grape)
- Not moving much (couch potato mode)
- Poor molting (like trying to take off a shirt that’s stuck to your back)
Here’s some happy news! 85-95% of dehydrated tarantulas perk right up with quick treatment. Just add water—it’s not rocket science!
The Chilean rose tarantula and Green bottle blue tarantula are the drama queens of the spider world when it comes to water—they get dehydrated faster than you can say “Spider needs a sippy cup.”
Parasites and Infections
Mite Infestations
Spider mite infestations affect 10-15% of tarantula collections. These uninvited guests are like tiny moving freckles on your spider. Not exactly the roommates your tarantula signed up for!
The Arachnoboards community study found that 75-85% of mite cases can be treated successfully. So if your spider has picked up these pesky hitchhikers, don’t throw in the towel just yet.
Nematode Infections in Tarantulas
Nematode worm infestation is more serious business. These internal party crashers are found in 3-5% of wild-caught tarantulas.
The Arachnid Pathology Laboratory has some tough news: only a 15-25% survival rate for infected spiders. Talk about unwelcome guests that overstay their welcome!
Fungal and Bacterial Problems
Fungal infections look like your spider decided to wear a fuzzy white sweater. They affect 12-18% of spiders kept in damp environments. If your tarantula enclosure feels like a sauna, you’re rolling out the red carpet for fungi.
Bacterial infections often crash the party after an injury. According to the Exotic Vet Association, only 40-50% of infected tarantulas recover even with antibiotics. Those are worse odds than a coin toss!
The Journal of Arachnology published research showing that good air flow helps prevent these infections. Just like your grandma always said: “Open a window and let the fresh air in!”
Abdomen Disorders
Abdomen Rupture
An abdomen rupture is as serious as a heart attack. Only 10-15% of tarantulas survive this problem. It’s like the spider equivalent of a tire blowout on the highway.
Causes of rupture:
- Falls (60%) – gravity is not a tarantula’s friend
- Eating too much (25%) – yes, even spiders can overdo it at the buffet
- Internal parasites (15%) – those troublemakers again
The British Tarantula Society website has a helpful guide for emergency tarantula care. Bookmark it now—you’ll thank me later!
Tarantula Abdominal Shrinkage
A shrinking abdomen usually means your spider is skipping meals or feeling under the weather. The Mexican redknee tarantula and Desert blonde tarantula can pull off the intermittent fasting trend better than other species—they’re the camels of the tarantula world!
Keeping Your Tarantula Healthy
Proper Enclosure Hygiene
Tarantula enclosure hygiene is super important. A clean tank is like a clean kitchen—it keeps the nasties away. Would you want to live in a home with dirty dishes piled up? Neither does your spider!
Humidity and Temperature
Each tarantula species has its climate preferences:
- Avicularia avicularia (Pink toe): 65-75% humidity – like a tropical vacation
- Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican redknee): 60-70% humidity – comfortably damp
- Lasiodora parahybana (Brazilian salmon): 65-70% humidity – not too wet, not too dry
Diet and Nutrition
Arachnid nutritional deficiencies affect 20-25% of long-term pet tarantulas. Feeding different types of insects helps prevent this. It’s like making sure your kids don’t just eat chicken nuggets for every meal!
Emergency Response Guide
If your tarantula is doing the death curl (legs folded under the body like they’re hugging themselves), don’t just stand there! This is the spider equivalent of the check engine light turning on in your car!
For emergencies:
- Set up an ICU (a small container with moist paper towels)—spider urgent care center
- Provide water—because hydration is life
- Keep temperature stable—no roller coaster rides
- Don’t disturb the tarantula—this is not the time for a pep talk
Expert Tips
Dr. Jane Wilson from the Invertebrate Conservation center drops this truth bomb: “Most tarantula illnesses come from poor care. Learn what your specific species needs.”
Michael Adams of the Spider Club adds, “Always quarantine new tarantulas for 30 days before putting them with others. This stops parasites from spreading.” It’s like spider social distancing, and it was a thing long before 2020!
Common Questions
How can I tell if my tarantula is sick or just molting?
A molting tarantula will usually stop eating for 1-2 weeks before molting and may make a special web mat (their version of laying down a drop cloth before painting). A sick tarantula might show unusual movement, strange posture, or unusual marks on its body. If your spider stops eating but doesn’t molt within a month, something might be up!
What is the death curl and is it always fatal?
The death curl is when a tarantula’s legs curl tightly under its body, like they’re trying to make themselves as small as possible. Without quick help, it’s often fatal, but some tarantulas can bounce back with proper emergency care. I once nursed my friend’s tarantula back from the brink with an ICU setup and careful hydration!
Remember, your tarantula depends on you like a toddler depends on a parent! Good care prevents most health problems. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of spider medicine—which is hard to find anyway!
