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Curly Hair Tarantula (Brachypelma albopilosum)

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!

Scientific Classification

Curly Hair Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • 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.
Curly Hair Tarantula Size

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.

Curly Hair Tarantula Habitat

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.

Curly Hair Tarantula Image

Quick Facts

Other namesHonduran Curly Hair
Lifespan in the wildMales: 4 years;
Females: 8 to 10 years
DistributionRain forests of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica
HabitatTropical 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
DietSmall 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.

Honduran Curly Hair

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!

Curly Hair Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • 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.
Curly Hair Tarantula Size

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.

Curly Hair Tarantula Habitat

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.

Curly Hair Tarantula Image

Quick Facts

Other namesHonduran Curly Hair
Lifespan in the wildMales: 4 years;
Females: 8 to 10 years
DistributionRain forests of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Costa Rica
HabitatTropical 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
DietSmall 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.

Honduran Curly Hair