Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ)

Should I buy a male or female tarantula?

Unless you have future breeding plans, most people prefer to purchase female tarantulas (when possible) due to their long lifespan (when compared to males of the same species).

Can I handle my tarantula?

While it is possible to handle a tarantula, I highly advise against it.  Tarantulas (even arboreal species) are extremely fragile creatures and a fall of several inches could injure or even kill it.  If you do choose to handle, a good idea is to always be directly over a bed, carpet, or other soft surface that can soften a fall.  It is also worth noting that handling NW species may lead to itchy hands and arms from the urticating hairs.

My local pet store only carries a few kinds of tarantulas, where can I buy different species?

Check out the links section for links to online dealers.  You can also keep an eye out for local exotics shows.

Can tarantulas climb glass? / Do I need a lid on my container?

Yes!  Tarantulas can climb glass aquariums (very quickly, in fact!) and you always need to have a secure lid.  These creatures are quite strong and can occasionally push open a typical screen lid that is not locked down.  I recommend purchasing screen lid locks from your local pet store (carried by PetSmart and PetCo) to make the container as safe as possible.

Is tarantula venom dangerous / can it kill me?

Short answer, no.  Venom toxicity does vary between species, but even the most potent tarantula venom is not life-threatening.

Can I keep more than one tarantula in the same enclosure?

Although some species (Poecilotheria spp. and Avicularia spp.) can be kept communally by advanced hobbyists, there is always the risk of cannibalism.  Each of your tarantulas should have its own container.

How long will my tarantula live?

Depending on species and sex, some tarantulas can live in excess of 30 years!  As a general rule of thumb (there are exceptions!), females tend to live longer than males, and terrestrials longer than arboreals.