Choosing Your First Terrestrial Tarantula

Which tarantula to choose so you don't get discouraged at the start

Tliltocatl albopilosus "Nicaragua"

Terrestrial tarantulas are often recommended for beginners due to their simpler care requirements and more predictable behavior. However, even in this group, it's important to pay attention to a few key aspects.

A tarantula is not a pet “to try out.” Even beginner-friendly species require knowledge, proper conditions, and responsible care.

1. Why a terrestrial tarantula?

Terrestrial tarantulas spend most of their time on the substrate or in burrows. They tend to be slower and less prone to sudden jumps compared to arboreal species, making daily observation and care easier.

This does not mean they are always calm or fully predictable—each individual may behave differently.

For your first tarantula, it's best to choose terrestrial species with well-documented biology and widely available care information.

2. Species – which one to start with?

Begin with species commonly recommended for beginners, which have stable care requirements and are readily available in the hobby.

Examples of terrestrial species:

Brachypelma spp.
Grammostola spp.
Lasiodora spp.
Aphonopelma spp.
Tliltocatl spp.
Neoholothele spp.
Acathoscurria spp.

The abbreviation “spp.” refers to a group of species within one genus, when the exact species is unspecified or irrelevant at the beginner advice stage.

The species listed above are examples—always check the care requirements of the specific tarantula before purchasing.

3. Temperament – what does it mean?

Temperament refers to a tarantula's reaction to stimuli: fleeing, defensive posture, using urticating hairs, or attempting to bite.

Choosing a species known for being calmer increases the chance of smoother behavior, but there are no 100% guarantees.

Factors affecting temperament include:

individual personality
age
housing conditions
stress and handling

Even a “calm” species can react defensively. A tarantula is not a domesticated pet.

4. Venom and urticating hairs

All tarantulas have venom, but its effect varies depending on species and individual reactions.

Many terrestrial species also have urticating hairs, which they may flick when stressed. Contact can irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.

Check whether the species you choose has urticating hairs and how strong their irritant properties may be.

Avoid very fast or highly venomous species as a beginner. Always check specific species information before purchase.

5. Age and size – juvenile or adult?

Beginners often wonder whether to pick a very young spiderling or a larger, older tarantula.

Key differences:

Very young individuals – small and delicate, more sensitive to temperature/humidity changes, harder to feed and observe.
Sub-adults – generally hardier and easier to monitor.
Adults – easier to observe appetite and behavior but require some experience and confidence in care.

Tarantula size is usually measured as body length (cephalothorax to abdomen), not leg span.

For a first tarantula, a sub-adult is usually the best choice—neither extremely young nor fully adult.

6. Male or female?

The sex of your tarantula matters, especially for beginners.

Males – after maturing, they live only a short time (a few months to 1–2 years), limiting long-term care.
Females – can live many years and continue molting, providing long-term satisfaction.

Beginners should choose females or individuals with unknown sex for a stable, long-term experience.

Adult males are not suitable for long-term care, as they live very briefly.

7. Before buying – education is key

Choosing your first tarantula is not just about species, but also knowledge. Before making a purchase:

Check the care requirements of the specific species
Learn which behaviors are normal
Prepare the enclosure in advance

Buying a tarantula without preparation is one of the most common mistakes for beginners.

Choosing the right first tarantula makes learning and caring for future tarantulas much easier.