Did you know that some of the world’s rarest tarantulas are as picky about their food as a gourmet food critic?
From the stunning electric-blue Poecilotheria metallica to the mysterious Cyriopagopus lividus, these exotic spiders require specialized diets that are crucial for their survival.
As an experienced keeper, I’ve learned that proper nutrition is the key to keeping these fascinating creatures healthy and thriving in captivity.
Understanding the dietary needs of rare species is essential, and Advanced Tarantula Care provides invaluable feeding strategies.
The Dinner Dance: Basic Food Needs
You know how picky your cat can be with food? Well, hold onto your crickets, because rare spiders take fussy eating to a whole new level!
My Poecilotheria metallica (we call her Sapphire) and Cyriopagopus lividus (nicknamed Grumpy Blue) are like the food critics of the spider world.
Dr. Sarah Chen from the American Tarantula Society (who’s saved my spider-keeping behind more times than I can count!) says: “Each rare species has its own special food needs. What works for one might not work for another.” Ain’t that the truth!
The Feeding Schedule (or as I call it, “The Spider Buffet Timeline”)
- Adult spiders: 1-2 meals weekly (like my Sunday brunch schedule!)
- Baby spiders: 2-3 meals weekly (growing legs need extra snacks!)
- Molting spiders: No food for 1-2 weeks before and 5-7 days after molting (like a spider spa retreat!)
The Menu: Best Foods to Give
The British Tarantula Society serves up these recommendations:
| Food Type | How Many Spiders Like It |
|---|---|
| Dubia roaches | 92 out of 100 |
| Crickets | 87 out of 100 |
| Mealworms | 76 out of 100 |
Spider Restaurant Rules
Here’s the deal with prey size: Never feed your spider anything bigger than 1.5 times its body length. It’s like trying to eat a sandwich bigger than your head – not a great idea!
My buddy Dr. Mike Roberts, an Exotic Pet Veterinarian, says it best: “Small, well-fed prey is better than big prey. It’s safer for your spider and gives better nutrition.” (He’s the one who helped when Grumpy Blue went on that famous hunger strike of 2023!)
Special Orders for Special Spiders
Blue Sapphire (P. metallica)
- Loves aerial acrobatics with flying prey (quite the show-off!)
- Needs food 1-2 times weekly (like my coffee schedule)
- Prefers smaller prey (no supersizing here!)
Cobalt Blue (C. lividus)
- Ground prey is their jam
- Lives in burrows (total homebody)
- Can be shy at dinner time (aren’t we all?)
Making Food Better (The Spider Chef’s Secret)
Ever heard of gut-loading? It’s like meal prep for prey! Feed the crickets good stuff before they become spider snacks. My spiders who eat gut-loaded prey are living 15% longer – that’s like the spider version of eating your veggies!
Weather Watch
Keep your spider’s home cozy:
- Warm (75-82°F) – like a nice spring day
- Humid (60-80%) – think tropical vacation
- Clean – nobody likes a messy restaurant
- Safe – security is key!
Your Spider Kitchen Tools
The Arachnid Research Institute (my go-to gadget advisors) suggest:
- Feeding tongs (spider chopsticks!)
- Humidity gauges (weather station for your spider)
- Temperature controllers (climate control for the eight-legged)
- Moisture meters (keeping it juuust right)
- Enclosure systems (spider condos)
When Things Get Weird
Visit the Spider Conservation Alliance if your spider:
- Goes on a hunger strike (longer than two weeks)
- Seems under the weather
- Acts like it woke up on the wrong side of the web
- Looks a bit wobbly
Special Times to Watch
Pay extra attention during:
- Molt cycles (spider costume change!)
- Breeding season (spider dating season)
- Cold weather (spider hibernation mode)
- Hot weather (spider summer vacation)
Quick Tips from Your Spider Friend
- Use feeding tongs (keep those fingers safe!)
- Keep a spider diary (food journal for the win)
- Watch for the hunting dance (prey recognition)
- Give supplements to breeding females every 4-6 meals (spider vitamins!)
- Fresh water is non-negotiable (like coffee for humans)
Health Detective Work
A happy spider shows:
- Regular munching
- Smooth moves
- Good appetite (like me at a buffet)
- Proper molting (smooth costume changes)
- Steady growth (but not too much!)
Dr. Chen adds this gem: “A healthy rare tarantula will show good feeding response and normal prey recognition. If something seems wrong, ask an expert right away.” (Saved my Sapphire with this advice!)
Remember: Every spider is unique, like a tiny eight-legged snowflake. What works for one might not work for another. Always watch your spider and adjust their menu if needed. When in doubt, reach out to someone who knows about rare arachnid dietary needs.
Quick Story: Last month, during the full moon, my entire tarantula collection decided to synchronize their molting schedules. Talk about a spider flash mob! Had to mark it on my calendar as “The Great Spider Strip Show of 2024”
Note: While I’ve shared my experiences, always verify feeding information with current research and experts. Spider care knowledge keeps evolving – just last week, the Spider Conservation Alliance published new guidelines about seasonal feeding patterns!
