Curly Hair Tarantula

Tliltocatl albopilosus

Updated: September 2025

Tliltocatl albopilosus (curly hair tarantula) top view

Quick Facts

COMMON NAME :Curly Hair Tarantula
SCIENTIFIC NAME :Tliltocatl albopilosus
TYPE :New World — terrestrial (semi-burrowing; floor space > height)
ADULT SIZE :♀ ~5–6" diagonal leg span; ♂ slightly smaller
LIFESPAN :♀ ~15–25 years; ♂ ~4–5 years
TEMPERAMENT :Generally calm/docile; may flick urticating hairs if stressed
ENCLOSURE SIZE :Adult low, wide enclosure ~12×12×12" (or ~10-gal equivalent); secure lid
SUBSTRATE :~4–6" compacted coco/soil mix; provide a cork-bark hide; good ventilation
TEMPERATURE :~70–78 °F (21–26 °C) room temps OK; avoid sustained >85 °F
HUMIDITY :Don’t chase a %—keep a full water dish and a slightly damp corner; otherwise mostly dry
WATER :Shallow dish available at all times; clean/refill regularly
FEEDING :Juv ~1×/week; adult every 10–14 days; slings 2–3×/week (tiny prey); remove leftovers
  • Layout — Low, horizontally oriented enclosure with secure ventilation and a tight lid. Target ~12×12×12" (or a 10-gal equivalent) for adults; prioritize floor space over height to reduce fall risk.

    Substrate — 4–6" of compacted coco fiber/topsoil mix so the spider can burrow or dig a starter tunnel. Add a half-round cork bark hide and some leaf litter; keep décor stable.

    Moisture gradient — Keep most substrate dry, but allow one slightly damp corner (gently overflow the water dish). Good cross-ventilation helps prevent mold.

  • Temperature — Room temps in the low–mid 70s °F (21–24 °C) are fine; avoid sustained extremes (<68 °F or >85 °F). Supplemental heat isn’t needed if your room is stable.

    Humidity — Do not chase a percentage. Provide a full water dish and that lightly moistened corner so the spider can choose; keep the rest of the enclosure dry with good airflow.

  • Adults — 1 appropriately sized prey item every 10–14 days (large cricket or dubia). If the abdomen is getting chubby (wider than the carapace), slow down.

    Juveniles — About once per week.

    Spiderlings — 2–3× per week with tiny prey (pinhead crickets/flightless fruit flies). Pre-kill if the feeder is large.

    General — Remove uneaten feeders within 24 hours. Never feed during/just after a molt; wait until fangs turn black and hardened.

    • Generally calm and slow-moving as adults, but individuals vary. Minimize handling—falls can be dangerous, and stress can provoke hair-kicking or a defensive posture. Use catch cups and long tongs for maintenance.

  • Dehydration — Lethargy, shriveled abdomen → check/clean the water dish and ensure a slightly damp corner.

    Stuck molts — Often stress, obesity, or poor conditions. Keep water available and avoid disturbing premolt spiders.

    Mold/mites — Improve ventilation, spot-clean, and let the top layer dry out between overflows.

  • CITES Appendix II — International trade is regulated; buy captive-bred when possible.

    Urticating hairs can irritate skin/eyes.

    Bites are uncommon; treat like a bee sting and seek care if you have a reaction.

  • • Low, secure enclosure (~12×12×12" or 10-gal equivalent)

    • Compressed coco fiber/topsoil mix (no fertilizers), leaf litter, cork bark hide

    • Shallow, heavy water dish

    • Feeder insects (crickets/roaches) + long feeding tongs

    • Catch cup, paper towels, soft paintbrush for rehousing

    • Optional: digital thermometer (you don’t need a hygrometer if you maintain the dish + moist corner)

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