Tliltocatl albopilosus 'Curly Hair'
The ideal first tarantula — docile, hardy, and covered in distinctive curly setae.
About Tliltocatl albopilosus
Tliltocatl albopilosus (formerly Brachypelma albopilosum) is a New World terrestrial tarantula native to Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. It gets its common name from the distinctive curly setae (hairs) that cover its body, giving it a fuzzy, unkempt appearance unlike any other species in the hobby.
This is widely considered the best beginner tarantula available. It is consistently docile, rarely flicks urticating hairs, grows at a reasonable pace, and tolerates a range of conditions. Females can live 15–20 years; males typically live only 3–5 years and often die within a year of their ultimate moult.
Enclosure
T. albopilosus is a terrestrial species that will burrow if given the opportunity. Provide a low, wide enclosure — floor space matters more than height. A 30×30×20 cm enclosure suits an adult well.
- Substrate: coconut fibre or a coir/topsoil mix, at least 10–12 cm deep for burrowing
- A cork bark hide or half-log as a retreat
- A shallow water dish — tarantulas drink, and this also helps maintain humidity
- Avoid tall enclosures — falls from height can rupture the abdomen, which is fatal
Temperature, humidity & water
Keep temperatures between 22–26°C. Room temperature in most UK homes is fine; a small heat mat on the side of the enclosure can help in colder months. Never place a heat mat underneath — tarantulas burrow to escape heat and can cook themselves.
Maintain 60–70% humidity by keeping one side of the substrate lightly damp and allowing the other side to dry. Overflow the water dish periodically to dampen the surrounding substrate. Always provide a clean, shallow water dish — no sponges or gel crystals, just plain water.
Feeding & moulting
Feed pre-killed or live prey appropriate to the spider's size every 7–10 days:
- Slings: small fruit flies, micro crickets
- Juveniles: small crickets, mini mealworms
- Adults: large crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, locusts
Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. When your tarantula refuses food, darkens in colour, or becomes lethargic, it is likely in pre-moult. Do not feed for 1–2 weeks after a moult — the fangs are soft and the spider is vulnerable. A freshly moulted tarantula should never be offered food until it has hardened up.
Tarantulas moult by flipping onto their backs. If you find your tarantula lying upside-down, it is almost certainly moulting — not dead. Do not touch it, do not spray it, and do not attempt to help. The process can take several hours. Leave it completely undisturbed.
Temperament & handling
T. albopilosus is one of the calmest tarantulas in the hobby and rarely shows defensive behaviour. As a New World species, its primary defence is flicking urticating hairs from its abdomen — these cause itching and irritation on skin and can be serious if they reach your eyes.
While this species tolerates handling better than most, handling any tarantula carries risk. A fall from even a short height can rupture the abdomen and kill the spider. If you do handle, keep the spider low over a soft surface and never stand up while holding one.
If urticating hairs contact you
- If hairs contact your skin, use tape to remove them and wash the area
- If hairs get in your eyes, flush immediately with clean water and see a doctor — do not rub
- Wash hands after handling or cleaning the enclosure