Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

Hair (urticating hairs on abdomen)

A sturdy, ground-dwelling tarantula with a dark brown or charcoal body and bold white or cream stripes running lengthwise along each leg, giving a zebra-like pattern. The carapace is often slightly paler than the abdomen and has a faint sheen. Freshly moulted individuals show the stripes most vividly; they fade to buff as the coat weathers.12

Personality what they are like

Generally docile and skittish rather than aggressive. When disturbed it prefers to sprint into its burrow. It may flick urticating hairs if cornered, but bites are very rare. It is not a spider that enjoys handling and is best admired from a distance.235

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low. It is a nocturnal ambush predator that spends most of its time in its burrow. It may explore the enclosure at night. No special exercise requirements.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. The enclosure should be spot-cleaned of waste and uneaten prey. A water dish should be kept clean and refilled. No grooming of the spider is needed. After moulting, wait 2-3 days before feeding.3

Home where they are happiest

A terrestrial, opportunistic burrower. Provide a deep substrate (at least 10-15 cm) of coconut fibre or peat for burrowing. Maintain ambient temperatures between 20-24°C (68-76°F) and moderate humidity. The substrate should be allowed to dry out between waterings for juveniles and adults; spiderlings need slightly damp substrate. A secure hide and a shallow water dish are essential. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent mould.34

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Feed on cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and other spiders. Occasionally small lizards or frogs. Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies or small cricket nymphs. Adults feed every 10-14 days; reduce feeding if the abdomen becomes wider than the carapace.23

Company who they like around

Solitary. Must be housed alone as they are cannibalistic. Not a pet for handling; it is easily stressed by noise, sudden movements, and vibrations. It is not venomous to humans in a dangerous sense (a bite causes local pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting), but it is a wild animal and should be treated with respect. No legal restrictions on keeping this species are mentioned in the sources.53

The story where it all began

The Costa Rican zebra tarantula has been known to science since 1897, when it was described by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge. It has long been a staple in the pet trade due to its striking stripes, manageable size, and generally calm temperament. It is considered an excellent beginner tarantula because it is hardy and easy to care for, though it prefers to be left alone in its burrow rather than handled. Its popularity has grown with online communities, but some pet shops may underestimate its skittish nature.153