The curly hair tarantula is a special kind of tarantula spider. It comes from a place called Costa Rica. What’s cool about this spider? It has a curly look, just like curly hair!
Size: The males and the females are between 5 and 5 ½ inches long.
Color: They have a golden-bronze body, with brownish or black bristles. The males are lighter in color.
Other Characteristic Features: They are plump and hairy, with their whole body being covered with long, curly bristles that are dense near their hind legs.
Eggs
The female lays between 300 and 500 eggs as big as a golf ball that is incubated for 7 to 8 weeks at 24-27°C.
Spiderlings
The juvenile spiders are pale in color and develop at a rapid pace, going on to live on their own in a few weeks after hatching.
The Web
These spiders can spin silk which is used for lining their burrows and protecting the eggs that are laid there. However, unlike other spiders, they do not make webs by using silk.
Are Curly Hair Tarantula Venomous?
Yes, Curly Hair Tarantulas have venom. They use it mainly to catch the bugs they eat. But for people, it’s not very strong.
Can Curly Hair Tarantula Bite?
They can bite if they’re bothered. It might feel like a little pinch, but most people don’t find it too bothersome.
Ecological Importance and Behavior of Curly Hair Tarantula
The Curly Hair Tarantula plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in its habitat. As a predator, it helps control the population of small vertebrates and larger insects, contributing to a healthier environment. Their burrowing behavior also aids in soil aeration, further showcasing their importance in their ecosystem.
Natural Predator: Despite their size and venomous capabilities, Curly Hair Tarantulas are not without predators. They face threats from various birds, reptiles, and even other spider species.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Curly Hair Tarantula is a vital component of the food web in its habitat. It preys on smaller creatures, helping regulate their populations, while also serving as prey for larger animals.
Relationship with Humans: Historically, Curly Hair Tarantulas were targeted for international trade, leading to significant captures in the wild. Today, they are more commonly bred in captivity, showcasing their adaptability to varying temperatures and humidity levels. Their listing on CITES ensures that any international trade of this species is regulated, requiring proper permits to prevent overexploitation.
Quick Facts
Other names
Honduran Curly Hair
Lifespan in the wild
Males: 4 years; Females: 8 to 10 years
Distribution
Rain forests of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica
Habitat
Tropical scrublands, near large trees and rivers, and in places where the rain forests have been cleared
Predators
Several birds, reptiles as well as other spiders
Diet
Small vertebrates and larger insects like crickets
Did You Know
Brachypelma albopilosa was the name first given to the species in 1980 by Carlos Valerio, later changed to albopilosum since the name of the genus is neuter.
They were initially a target for international trade and captured in large numbers. Presently they are raised in captivity and can adjust to changing temperatures and humidity.
It has been enlisted on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and can be internationally traded only if proper trade permits are produced.
In summary, the Curly Hair Tarantula stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and adaptability of tarantulas worldwide.
A full-grown curly hair tarantula reaches a leg span of 5 to 5.5 inches. Both males and females achieve this size, making them a medium-sized tarantula species. Their plump, robust body contributes to their substantial appearance, which is a key characteristic for identification and care requirements.
A curly hair tarantula has a distinctive plump, dark body covered in long, curly golden-bronze bristles. These unique hairs are especially dense on their hind legs, giving them their signature shaggy appearance. Males of the species are often a slightly lighter, more bronze color than the darker females.
No, curly hair tarantulas are not considered dangerous to humans. While they possess venom, it is mild and primarily used for subduing insect prey. A bite, which is rare and typically defensive, is often compared to a bee sting in terms of pain and localized reaction.
Curly hair tarantulas do not spin aerial webs to catch prey like many other spiders. They are terrestrial burrowers and use their silk primarily for practical purposes. This includes lining the walls of their burrows for structural integrity and creating a protective silk mat for their eggs.
A female curly hair tarantula can lay between 300 and 500 eggs in a single egg sac. This sac is roughly the size of a golf ball and is incubated for about seven to eight weeks. After hatching, the numerous spiderlings develop quickly and disperse within a few weeks.
The curly hair tarantula plays a crucial role by controlling populations of insects and small vertebrates. As a predator, it helps maintain ecological balance. Additionally, its natural burrowing behavior aids in soil aeration, contributing to the overall health of its native habitat in Costa Rica and surrounding regions.
The primary predators of curly hair tarantulas include various birds, reptiles, and even some other larger spider species. Despite their venom and defensive urticating hairs, they are a vital part of the food web. Larger animals in their native habitat pose a significant threat, especially to smaller individuals.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on April 6, 2019.
Spider Team
