Arboreal tarantulas are a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts. These tree-dwelling spiders are active, fast, and come in a huge variety of colors and patterns. Their arboreal nature also makes them fun to watch, as they climb, jump, and make webs in their enclosures.
However, with over 900 tarantula species to choose from, it can be overwhelming for beginners to pick the best arboreal tarantula. To help, here is my list of the top 10 best arboreal tarantulas for both novice and experienced keepers.
1. Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
The pinktoe tarantula is a fantastic starter species due to its laidback temperament. Native to the rainforests of South America, it grows 3-5 inches legspan and sports a black or dark brown body with pink-tipped feet.
Pinktoes are docile, low-maintenance, and long-lived (15+ years for females). They rarely bite and have mild venom if they do. This tarantula is slower-moving than others on this list, making it a better fit for beginners. Just provide ample foliage and climbing areas and it will thrive.
2. Antilles Pinktoe (Caribena versicolor)
With their vibrant, rainbow-like coloring, Antilles pinktoes are one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby. Ranging from blues and greens to reds and purples, their colors seem to change with every molt.
These spiders max out around 5 inches and are another peaceful species that seldom bites. They are fast-moving though, so intermediate keepers are best suited to their speed. Overall an excellent display spider.
3. Venezuelan Suntiger (Psalmopoeus irminia)
Certainly the most eye-catching tarantula on this list is the Venezuelan suntiger. Jet black legs meet a rusty orange/red abdomen for an iconic Halloween look. They earn the name “suntiger” from their bold striping.
Suntigers are feisty bolting spiders that can move lightning-quick. They also pack a nasty bite so are not ideal for beginners. But for an experienced keeper seeking a display spider, suntigers are unmatched.
4. Singapore Blue (Lampropelma violaceopes)
Next up is the aptly named Singapore blue tarantula Their dark blue legs and leg joints contrast with an orange carapace for a look as unique as it is beautiful.
Reaching over 7 inches legspan, Singapore blues are sizable spiders with big appetites to match. They are aggressive eaters and fast growers. Another species better suited to intermediate/advanced keepers.
5. Indian Ornamental (Poecilotheria regalis)
Hailing from India, Poecilotheria regalis shows off fantastic fractal-like patterning. Greys, blacks, yellows, and white markings come together for an intricate look. These large spiders can obtain 8+ inch legspans.
Ornamentals are incredibly fast with nervous dispositions. They readily assume threat postures and are prone to bolting and running up their enclosures. Definitely not a spider for novices, but a gratifying species for seasoned keepers.
6. Martinique Pinktoe (Caribena laeta)
The Martinique pinktoe is one of the smaller species on this list, maxing out around 4 inches legspan. But their coloration is no less impressive—an electric green carapace atop a pink abdomen covered with thin black stripes.
For their size, Martiniques have big appetites. They are bolty spiders that will readily take down prey as big as themselves. Their venom is mild, but they can be jumpy and fast, so intermediate skills are recommended.
7. Trinidad Chevron (Psalmopoeus cambridgei)
Chevron spiders are aptly named for the bold chevron markings crossing their legs. Shades of orange, brown, and black come together for a unique look reminiscent of a tiger.
Another member of the Psalmopoeus genus, the Trinidad chevron shares many traits with the suntiger—lightning speed, defensiveness, and an aggressive bite. Treat this species with care and respect.
8. Costa Rican Zebra (Aphonopelma seemanni)
The Costa Rican zebra’s black and white leg banding stands out against any enclosure. Unlike many arboreals, zebras spend much time on the ground and are easy burrowers.
Zebras max out around 5 inches and are slower-moving and gentler than others listed. This gives them a better disposition for beginners wanting an arboreal species. Just provide deep substrate for burrowing.
9. Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra)
No arboreal list is complete without the iconic Brazilian black tarantula. Entirely coal-black from toes to teeth, this species is the little black dress of tarantulas—elegant yet fierce.
Brazilians grow large, up to 8 inches, but remain docile and mild-mannered. Another fantastic beginner species that is hardy and long-lived. Just keep their substrate damp and give them room to climb.
10. Curly Hair (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
Finally, the curly hair tarantula is a great starter arboreal. Named for their long, curly brown leg hairs, curly hairs are slower, calmer species. They also spend lots of time on the ground.
Topping out around 5 inches, curly hairs are timid spiders that rarely bite. Their urticating hairs should be the only real defense you see from them. If you want a bigger, fluffier arboreal, try the curly hair.
No matter your skill level, an arboreal tarantula makes a fun, active pet. Just be sure to do your research and start with a species suited to your abilities. With their variety of sizes, colors, and temperaments, an arboreal tarantula exists for every enthusiast.
So, you want to buy a tarantula.
When I went searching for my first tarantula back in the late ’90s, the only information I could find on them was in exotic pet magazines and outdated books. Although there was plenty of information to be found on common species like G. rosea and B. smithi, many of the species I encountered at shows, some labeled with nonsensical common names, were enigmas. Back then, if you saw something that looked “cool”, you bought it with little concern to whether or not the species might be a bit too much for someone new to the hobby to handle. I’m sure several folks went home with animals that they they were ill-equipped to care for (or that they became terrified of).
Today with internet, any information you need is just a mouse click away. With hundreds of websites, blogs, and forums devoted to tarantula keeping, it is much easier for the novice keeper to interact with other enthusiasts and access current information on the hobby. Nowadays, there is no excuse for ignorance, and it is the responsibility of the newbie to do his or her homework BEFORE acquiring a new animal.
Perhaps the first question one new to tarantulas should be asking is, “What is a good beginner tarantula species for me to start with?” There are a staggering number of species currently available in the hobby, and many of them have dispositions or husbandry requirements that render them unsuitable to novice keepers. Conversely, there are several species that make for excellent “gateway” pets into this addictive hobby.
To create the following list, I first drew from my own experience and observations. I then reviewed several forum threads on good beginner Ts from three different message boards and recorded the species that came up the most. Species have been selected on temperament, ease of husbandry and care, and cost and availability. There are certainly other species that would make good pets for the first-timer. If you feel that I missed your favorite, feel free to comment.
Whenever one asks on the boards what the best beginner T is, the B. albopilosum is mentioned early and often. A gentle terrestrial with a medium growth rate, the “Honduran Curly Hair” is renowned for its calm disposition and ease of care. Reports of hair-kicking or threat postures are almost non-existent, and many report handling this T frequently and without incident. This species is very readily available in the hobby, with slings often given as freebies, so this is not an expensive species to acquire. Plus, their little curly hairs just make them so darned cute (they are always having a bad hair day).
Check out my B. albopilosum in the video below!
I keep my little guy with mostly dry substrate and moisten one corner. It is kept at room temps (70º to 84º) and it has been growing at a slow pace. Slings like to dig, so be sure to give them a few inches of substrate when they are smaller. Adults will normally remain out in the open, but a hide should be provided.
Euathlus sp. red
This dwarf species is the only one I can confidently refer to as “adorable”. Maxing out at about 3.5-3.75″, the Euathlus sp red is a calm, gentle, inquisitive species and a wonderful beginner T. Although I don’t normally handle my animals, this is a species I find myself making an exception for. Whenever I open their enclosures for maintenance, these curious little guys will calmly climb out of their cages and into my hand. Many times, they will curl up next to my thumb and just sit there. For one looking to ease into the hobby, there is no better ambassador. This is the tarantula I introduce to folks who have a fear of the animal.
So cute.
Husbandry for these little guys is easy. Dry substrate with a water bowl is sufficient; I overflow the bowl a bit, and I’ve observed that they will sometimes stand over the moist patch. They do fine at room temperature (my temps range from 70º to 84º throughout the year). I supply hides, but my girls rarely use them.
See this little gal in action in the video below!
Things to consider: If there is a downside to this species, it can be its propensity to fast during the cooler months. For someone new to the hobby, this could be cause for stress. Also, as slings they are VERY small. Finally, with Chili closing its borders to exporting tarantulas, the wild caught young adults that used to be readily available on the market will be drying up. As not many folks are breeding these in the US, the Euathlus sp. red is becoming very difficult to come by.
Long overdue on this list, the E. campestratus (or “Pink zebra beauty”) has long been sought after by hobbyist for its pretty appearance and its consistently gentle temperament. Folks who keep this species gush about about its laid back personality and willingness to be handled. In researching this animal, I couldn’t find a single incident of one biting or kicking hair (although, they are certainly capable of both).
Like the other species on this list, the care for E. campestratus is quite elementary. As this species endures temps in the mid 60s in the wild, it’s a wonderful “room temperature” specimen. It should be provided with a terrestrial enclosure with mostly dry substrate. As this species does come from an area where it rains heavily for part of the year, a water dish should be provided for a bit of extra humidity. That being said, the E. campestratus is a very hardy and would be fine in most conditions.
Things to consider: This is another slow growing species, so a sling is likely to take quite some time to mature. Also, these haven’t been as readily available in the hobby lately, making it a bit difficult to find one.
Sometimes referred to as “The Black Lab of Tarantulas”, the G. pulchra is a jet black gentle giant. Reaching sizes of 8″, this heavy-bodied T is recognized for its very calm nature and is usually a species that is reluctant to flick hair and tolerates handling well. A very slow growing species, females can live for decades while even the males can make it to 8 years. This means that if you purchase one as a sling, you will enjoy many years with this animal regardless of the sex.
Like the previous species mentioned, this species does well on dry substrate with a water dish. I like to keep one corner of the enclosure a bit damp. Slings will dig, so provide them with several inches of sub to allow for burrowing. Older specimens should be provided with a hide. I keep this species between 68º and 80º.
Check out my G. pulchra below!
Things to consider: Slings of this species can be a little more on the expensive side, with $40-$50 being common. It is also a very slow grower, so if you buy a sling, it will be quite a few years before this T hits its adult size. Adult specimens are also very expensive, with large females fetching $200 or more.
One of the most gorgeous and long-lived species (at least in my opinion) is also one of the best starter tarantulas. With its fiery red/yellow/orange leg markings set against the dark brown/black base color, this is one awesome showcase animal. The B. smithi is also known to mature into a calm, even-tempered adult, which makes it a wonderful starter tarantula. With an estimated life-expectancy of 40-plus years for females, you will also have decades with your new pet.
Again, there are no special care requirements with this species. An enclosure with more floor space than height, dry substrate, a water dish, and a hide will suffice. Slings will want to burrow, so provide them with a few inches of sub to tunnel in. I keep mine at temps between 68º and 84º, and there are no humidity requirements.
Check out my girl in the video below!
Things to consider: Younger B. smithi can be skittish, kicking hair or even threatening to bite when disturbed. Most will outgrow this behavior. As this is a long-living species, adult females can be quite pricey.
The G. pulchripes or “Chaco Golden Knee” is a beautiful terrestrial species that can reach an impressive size of 8″. Like other Grammostolas, this one is a slow grower, taking many years to reach maturity. However, the G. pulchripes is generally recognized as having a very calm disposition, which makes it a wonderful candidate as a first tarantula. Many point to this species as one of the ones most tolerable of handling. And, for those looking for a display T, this golden-striped beauty loves to sit out in the open, meaning you’ll always see your new pet. Even better, the G. pulchripes is readily available, and slings can be procured for as little as $10.
Check out my G. pulchripes in the video below!
As slings, these guys are little bulldozers, constantly digging an rearranging their substrate. Be sure to give slings plenty of mostly dry substrate in which to play. I keep mine in containers allowing for about 4″ of sub, and I moisten down one corner. Adults should be kept in an enclosure allowing for more floor space than height with a water dish and hide provided. These guys can be kept at room temps (I keep mine between 70º and 84º) and there are no specific humidity requirements.
Things to consider: Although this T has a reputation for tolerating handling, individuals may vary in temperament. This is also a large T, so a bite could be quite painful and could cause mechanical damage. Always exercise caution if handling and make the safety of your animal your first priority.
For years, the G. rosea (or “Rosie”, as it’s often referred to) was the most recommended beginner species. This readily available, inexpensive tarantula is recognized for its extreme hardiness and a supposedly tractable disposition. Although other species have emerged over the years that have proven to be better first Ts, the G. rosea shouldn’t be overlooked. For someone looking to get their first T, this slow-growing, long-living species can be a great choice. With the porteri reaching a max size of about 6″, it is a fairly good sized display T as well. G. rosea/porteri slings can usually be purchased for under $10, and adult females can be acquired for around $30, making this species VERY affordable.
The G. rosea/porteri are very simple to care for. Supply them with dry substrate, a hide, and a water dish. I do NOT moisten overflow the dish as this species abhors wet sub. This species will tolerate temps in the mid-60s, so for folks with cooler home temps, this species could be ideal.
Check out my G. porteri female below!
Things to consider: Despite its rep for being a “handling friendly” spider, this species can be quite unpredictable in temperament. Many keepers admit to having “Psycho Rosies” that can be quite defensive and bitey. The G. porteri is also known to fast for long periods of time, which can be quite disconcerting for new keepers. Finally, this species is the quintessential “Pet Rock”, spending the majority of its time sitting in one spot.
The E. parvulus or “Chilean gold burst” is a wonderful beginner species that is often overlooked by new hobbyists. This medium-sized tarantula (females get about 4-4.5″ or so) has a slow growth rate, meaning it’ll be with you for a long time. This is a docile species that can be a bit skittish, but is generally calm overall. Mine has never flicked a hair or given me a threat posture, and it usually just sits calmly when I perform maintenance. The E. parvulus also a bit more active than some of the “pet rock” species, although it will spend much of its time just sitting out in the open.
Care is simple: a standard terrestrial set-up with dry substrate, a cork bark hide, and a water dish is all they will need to thrive. Mine does well in temperatures 70-76 in the winter and 74-80 in the summer time, but adults would be perfectly comfortable in temps down to the mid-60s. For folks with cooler home temps in the winter, this would be a tarantula you could keep without needing supplementary heat. This species likes it dry, so their is no need to moisten the substrate or spray the enclosure. Dry substrate with a water dish is all it will need.
My Euathlus is a good eater and has only refused food before a molt. Currently, she gets one large (or two if they are a bit smaller) crickets once a week or so. As a slow-growing species, this one doesn’t need a ton of food to be happy and healthy.
Check out my E. parvulus in the video below!
I’ve heard this species referred to as “just another big brown spider”, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. From its dark metallic green carapace to the red patch on its abdomen, this is a beautiful little tarantula. Although it may appear brown at first glance, sunlight (or a flashlight) reveals a myriad of striking colors. Plus, it’s got some adorable raised patches of hairs on it’s abdomen that are quite unique.
Things to consider: With Chili banning the export of its tarantulas, this species might become more difficult to come by in the future. Many of the specimens being sold were wild caught sub-adults and adults, so larger specimens will most likely become scarce.
*Note: The following species are still beginner level due to cost and ease of husbandry, but their behaviors can make them a just a little trickier than the those of the tarantulas named earlier. Also, I would not endorse attempting to hold any of these next two.
Many first time keepers are immediately enticed by some of the more colorful species available on the market. Unfortunately, if they do their research, they will soon discover that the P. metallica, M. balfouri, and H. lividum are advanced Ts that would normally prove overwhelming for the new keeper. Enter C. cyaneopubescens, or the GBB. This stunning species sports amazing colors, and its easy husbandry makes it a wonderful entry-level tarantula. GBBs are voracious eaters, only refusing food when they are in premolt, and they have a reasonably fast growth rate, which is great for the impatient keeper. They are also prolific webbers, making for a beautiful display animal.
See my girl in action in the husbandry video below!
This is a species that likes it dry. For slings, I keep one corner a little damp and use and eye dropper to put a little drinking water on the webbing. If supplied with a little extra height and something to anchor to, this species will produce copious amounts of webbing. I keep this species between 70º to 84º; it has no specific humidity requirements. They eat like machines, often snatching prey before it hits the ground, so keep them well fed.
Things to consider: I have seen this species described as an “intermediate” level tarantula due to its speed and skittishness. That said, this was one of the first tarantulas I acquired, and I had no problems with it. As long as the keeper is respectful of its speed, there should be little issue. This might be one you get as a sling so that you can get used to the animal and its personality as it grows.
Bigger is always better…that can often be the mantra of someone new to the hobby. Many keepers become fascinated with large tarantulas after learning some of these beasts get to 9″ + in size. Unfortunately, some of the larger genera like Pamphobeteus and Theraphosa have husbandry requirements and temperaments that can make them too advanced for many keepers. However, for those new to the hobby who are looking for something BIG, the L. parahybana is the perfect choice. This large terrestrial has been said to reach sizes of 10″, although 8″ is probably more common. Although slings and juveniles can be a bit skittish, flicking hair when disturbed, most adults are calmer and make great display Ts.
Check out two of my LPs in the husbandry video below!
Husbandry is simple: provide this species with more floor space than height, and keep the substrate on the dry side. I do moisten approximately 1/3 of the sub and allow it to dry out in between. A water bowl with fresh water should be provided at all times, as should a hide (although my larger specimen never uses hers). They are tolerant of lower temps, but this is a species that will grow like a weed if kept a little warmer. Mine are kept between 70º to 84º. Although there are no stringent humidity requirements, mine seem to appreciate a moist area. Smaller slings like to burrow, so give them an enclosure that allows for a few inches of substrate.
Things to consider: This is a large species, and should be treated with care. A bite from this animal could do serious mechanical damage. Also, as this spider can get very large, space may be an issue as it reaches adulthood. Be prepared to procure larger housing.
Top 10 BEST Arboreal Tarantulas – YOU’LL LOVE THESE SPIDERS!
FAQ
Which tarantulas are arboreal?
- Avicularia avicularia. -Guyana Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia braunshauseni. -Goliath Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia juruensis. -Peruvian Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia merianae. -Tarapoto Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia minatrix. -Red Slate Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia purpurea. -Purple Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia rufa. -Yellow Banded Pink Toe. …
- Avicularia sp. Pucallpa.
What is the best tree dwelling tarantula?
The two most well known genera of arboreal tarantulas would be Poecilotheria and Avicularia. These species are very attractive on the eye and come in a variety of colours, this however has placed many of these species in danger of disappearing from the wild due to illegal poaching for the pet trade.
Are arboreal tarantulas good for beginners?
They’re an Advanced level Tarantula, not for beginners. And they’re an arboreal- something I would never recommend for a beginner except for a few Species if they really want an arboreal as their first.
What is the most friendly tarantula?
- Mexican Red Knee (Brachypelma hamorii) …
- Chile Rose (Grammostola rosea) …
- Chile Flame (Homoeomma chilensis) …
- Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra) …
- Curly Hair (Brachypelma albopilosa) …
- Pink Toe Bird-eater (Avicularia avicularia) …
- Mexican Red Rump (Brachypelma vagans)
What are the best arboreal tarantulas?
Fringed Ornamental Tarantula No list of top arboreal tarantulas would be complete without the Poecilotheria ornata. A close cousin to the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula, the FOT is a stunning tarantula that hobbyists often consider an important milestone. Her beautiful black and white patterns combined with greenish-yellow make her beautiful.
Which tarantula is best for beginners?
Known as the Pinktoe tarantulas, Avicularia avicularia is the best arboreal tarantula for beginners. You need a tall tank for enclosure to mimic its natural environment. Pinktoe tarantulas originate from the tropical rainforest of Central and South America. They require slightly higher moisture than those desert or semiarid species.
What tarantulas should you have?
Let’s count down the TOP 10 MUST HAVE Tarantulas! These species are staples in the hobby and over all amazing spiders that you should have in your collection. There are New World and Old World species, Fossorial, Terrestrial and Arboreal tarantulas, and Colorful and Dull specimens.
What kind of species are beginner tarantulas?
Essentially, most of these tarantulas will be terrestrial species. A beginner tarantula has very simple care requirements and thrives in conditions that aren’t exactly what they’re used to in nature. Docile – Another very important aspect of beginner tarantulas is how docile or friendly they are.
What are the top 10 new world tarantulas?
Top 10 New World Tarantulas – Must Have Species! In this video I am talking about my favorite top 10 new world tarantulas! Everything from Brachypelma to Grammastola, Caribena to Pamphobetus, and Phormictupus to Psalmopoeus. Pink toe, Chaco Golden Knee, Rose Hair, versicolor, Brazilian Black, and Curly Hair.
Are there tarantulas?
There are New World and Old World species, Fossorial, Terrestrial and Arboreal tarantulas, and Colorful and Dull specimens. If you don’t have these tarantulas, you really NEED to consider adding them at some point. They are amazing spiders and I never get tired of observing them.