Chilean Flame Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair/fur

The body is covered in fine hairs. Females have a black carapace and legs, with a black abdomen that bears a vivid red-orange patch near the front and a smaller tuft near the spinnerets. Males are similar but with slightly longer legs and a smaller abdomen.4

Personality what they are like

Extremely docile and calm, rarely showing aggression. They are curious and often willing to walk onto a keeper's hand, making them one of the most beginner-friendly tarantulas. They prefer to hide rather than bite when frightened.21

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity; they are terrestrial and spend much of their time in a burrow or hide. They do not require exercise but benefit from a setup that allows natural burrowing and exploration.67

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey and waste. Provide a shallow water dish with fresh water. No bathing or brushing is needed.6

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial or fossorial enclosure at least 10x6x6 inches (25x15x15 cm) with 15-20 cm of substrate (coco fibre and sand mix) for burrowing. Include a hide, a water dish, and a damp corner for humidity regulation. Temperature 70-75°F (21-24°C), humidity 60-80%. Keep most of the substrate dry.216

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivore. Feed spiderlings flightless fruit flies every 4 days; juveniles small crickets every 4-7 days; adults one large cricket every 2-4 weeks or 2-3 small crickets weekly. All prey should be gut-loaded.27

Company who they like around

Strictly solitary. Never house two or more together; they are not communal and will cannibalise. In the wild, adults may live close together but do not share burrows.78

The story where it all began

This tarantula was originally known in the hobby as Euathlus sp. 'Red' or 'Fire'. In 2018, a scientific paper by Montenegro, Aguilera and Casanueva reclassified it as Homoeomma chilensis, the first Homoeomma species recorded in Chile. It is a dwarf, slow-growing species that lives in shallow burrows under rocks and tree trunks in the Chilean Andes. Its extremely docile nature and small size have made it a favourite beginner tarantula in the pet trade.81