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Invertebrates · SPECIES PROFILE

Curly Hair Tarantula

Tliltocatl albopilosus

Burrowing, ground-dwelling tarantula. Lifespan range refers to females; males are significantly shorter.

Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
Images · CC BY-SA 4.0Elick11 / Wikimedia Commons
Advanced CareRequires More Preparation Update 2026-09-07
Editorial example · Pending Expert Review
Adult Length4.72–5.91 in
Reference Lifespan15–20 yr
Ambient Temperature Reference71.6–78.8 °F
Air Humidity65–75 %
IS THIS PET FOR ME? Convert Log to Care Plan
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Ownership Score

Ownership Score

This is an edited estimate of lifestyle compatibility, not an animal value rating. A higher score indicates that, based on current data, the animal is easier to integrate into your daily routine.

60/100 · Depends on specific conditions
Beginner suitability62
Handling8
Interactive12
Space92
Cost84
Maintenance86
Travel82
Veterinary Accessibility30
Safety52
RISK SIGNALS
Feeding difficulty 48Environmental control 45Escape risk 35Bite risk 55Toxicity risk 48Noise 98Odor 95Cleaning burden 18
LIFE FIT
Children and families 28Apartments 96Bedrooms 94Frequent travel 79

The composite score is calculated by weighting nine factors: beginner-friendliness, handling ease, interaction, space requirements, cost, maintenance, travel, veterinary access, and safety. Read risk signals according to field direction: lower scores for biting, escape, and toxicity indicate greater safety; higher scores for noise, odor, and cleaning indicate less hassle. Combine this page's environmental requirements and risk notes with your judgment; do not rely solely on the total score.

BEFORE YOU COMMIT

First check whether it fits your life

This brief brings together the space, maintenance, feeding, lifespan and veterinary conditions recorded on this page so you know what to verify next.

60/100 · Depends on specific conditions

A better fit if

  • The living conditions need closer planning
  • Adult space is relatively easy to plan, but use the recommended enclosure as the baseline
  • The daily maintenance rhythm is relatively easy to schedule

Resolve these first

  • Molting window:Do not move or feed during the molting period; temporary inactivity is often natural behavior.
  • Confirm an exotic veterinarian and emergency route before purchase
  • The lifespan is a long commitment and needs a long-term plan
Adult size
4.72–5.91 in
Reference Lifespan
15 to 20 years
Minimum space
Enclosure length should be approximately 2 to 3 times the leg span. Arrange the enclosure depth to prevent falls.
Veterinary Accessibility
Very difficult

This is a comparison aid based on the current record, not a purchase, medical or local-law conclusion. Check the sources and local conditions before continuing.

THINGS OWNERS UNDERESTIMATE

Common Underestimations by Keepers

  • Molting windowDo not move or feed during the molting period; temporary inactivity is often natural behavior.
  • Irritant stinging hairsDefensive stinging hairs can irritate skin and eyes; use protective gear during cleaning and handling.
  • Safe handlingAppearing calm does not mean there is no risk; prepare tools, containers, and an allergy emergency plan first.
VETERINARY ACCESS

Veterinary Accessibility

Very difficult

Routine preventive care is infrequent; management relies primarily on husbandry and specialist consultation.

Extremely difficult; resources are limited when serious injury occurs.

Specialist Exotic Pet Care Typically Required
DATA STATUS

Where this record stands

Editorial example
Last updated
2026-09-07
Fields checked
No field review record yet
Reference sources
1 · Reference sources
Professional review
Pending veterinary or taxonomic review
Local rules
Local rules need verification

Source links are starting points for reading. A group-level guide does not verify every value for each species. Check local rules separately.

Basic Information

Native Distribution
Central America
Body Size and Diameter
Leg span. Lifespan refers to females; males usually live for less time.
Dietary Habits
Carnivore
Activity Cycle
Active mostly at night or dusk; minimize disturbance during molting.
Availability of Captive-Bred Individuals
Moderate
Temperament and Aggression
Can kick out irritating urticating hairs; abdomen is sensitive to falls.
Toxicity and Contact Risks
Venomous; bite and allergy risks are significant. Contact Risks: Medium。
Socialization and Handling
Strict solitary housing; use a cup transfer rather than handling by hand.

Environmental Parameters

Temperature Gradient

Stable room temperature of about 71.6–78.8 °F is sufficient; avoid direct basking lamps that create hot spots.

Humidity and Ventilation

65 to 75%. Humidity is a reference only. Provide slightly damp deep substrate, dry surface, and water dishes.

Lighting and Circadian Rhythm

Standard day/night ambient light is sufficient; do not use strong heat lamps.

Basking Spot / Localized Heat

Not applicable; do not set up a high-temperature basking spot to prevent dehydration and burns.

UVB Requirements

Standard day/night ambient light is sufficient; do not use strong heat lamps.

Adult Space

Minimum: Enclosure length should be approximately 2 to 3 times the leg span. Arrange the enclosure depth to prevent falls.
Recommended: Recommended adult enclosure approximately 17.72 × 11.81 × 11.81 in, with deep substrate and secure hides.

Substrate and Water

Set depth according to needs of fossorial, burrowing, or decomposer species; avoid pesticides and fertilizers. · Use shallow water dishes or localized water sources; avoid standing water and drowning of juveniles.

These ranges are for planning the environment of a healthy adult, not a constant value for the entire enclosure, and do not cover disease, breeding, or juvenile stages.

Diet and Nutrition

Appropriately sized live insects; stop feeding before and after molting and remove live prey promptly.

Feeding Frequency
Typically every 1 to 2 weeks; withhold feeding before and after molting.
Live Prey Requirement
Required
Rodent Pellets
Not Required

Enclosure and activity space

Enclosure length approximately 3 times the leg span, with deep substrate and limited fall height.

Dimensions are editor suggestions, not mandatory minimum standards in all regions. Group size, individual body size, and layout may require more space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it dead if it's lying on its back?

It may be molting; do not flip, mist, or offer live prey.

Can I start keeping this animal based solely on this record?

No. This is a summary plan for a healthy adult. Juveniles, breeding periods, disease states, and regional climate variations require separate assessment.

Risks and Legality

  • Stinging hairs entering the eyes require immediate medical attention.
  • Before acquiring, verify reliable sources, long-term care capability, and local exotic animal veterinary resources.

Sources and editor notes

This page is a structured editing example and has not yet undergone field-by-field expert review. Reference links are for further consultation; data for some groups may not apply to every species. Please read the full manual before formal husbandry.

Petco Invertebrate Care Sheet

Further reading. Some entries are group data. Numerical values and spatial recommendations are compiled by editors and have not been reviewed field-by-field by experts.

View data scope and update methods ↗
SIMILAR SPECIES

Other options within the same group

Similar species does not mean they can be co-housed