Tarantula Species Guide
Tarantulas are one of the most diverse groups of invertebrates kept in captivity. They range from slow-moving, docile terrestrial species ideal for beginners to fast, defensive Old World species suited to experienced keepers. This guide covers the most popular tarantula species kept as pets, starting with the best options for beginners and expanding into intermediate and advanced species.
Quick Comparison
| Species | Type | Beginner Friendly | Temperament | Adult Size | Female Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican Red Knee | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Calm | 5–6" | 20–30 years |
| Curly Hair | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Very calm | 5–6" | 10–15 years |
| Green Bottle Blue (GBB) | Semi-arboreal | ⚠️ Intermediate | Fast, skittish | 4–5" | 12–14 years |
| Pink Toe | Arboreal | ✅ Yes | Calm, occasionally flicks hairs | 4–5" | 8–12 years |
| Chaco Golden Knee | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Very calm | 7–8" | 20–25 years |
| Chilean Rose | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Calm, unpredictable fasting | 4–5" | 15–20 years |
| Brazilian Black | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Very calm | 6–7" | 20–25 years |
| Arizona Blonde | Terrestrial | ✅ Yes | Calm | 4–5" | 25–30 years |
Which Tarantula Should You Buy?
- Want the easiest first tarantula? → Mexican Red Knee or Curly Hair
- Want the most colorful? → Green Bottle Blue
- Want an arboreal? → Pink Toe
- Want the longest lifespan? → Arizona Blonde or Mexican Red Knee
- Want the largest species? → Chaco Golden Knee
- Want the calmest? → Brazilian Black
Core Species
1. Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)
The most iconic beginner tarantula in the hobby. Brachypelma hamorii is a large, slow-moving terrestrial species native to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Adult females can reach a leg span of 5–6 inches and live 20–30 years with good care. Their striking orange-and-black coloration and calm temperament have made them the flagship species of the tarantula hobby for decades.
See our full Mexican Red Knee Tarantula Care Guide.
2. Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)
One of the most commonly recommended beginner tarantulas. Tliltocatl albopilosus is a medium-sized terrestrial species from Central America, known for its dense covering of curly golden-brown hairs and exceptionally calm temperament. Adults reach a leg span of around 5–6 inches. Females live 10–15 years.
See our full Curly Hair Tarantula Care Guide.
3. Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
One of the most colorful tarantulas available. The GBB displays vivid blue legs, an orange abdomen, and a green carapace. Native to Venezuela, it is a semi-arboreal species that builds extensive webbing. Fast and skittish compared to terrestrial beginner species — better suited to intermediate keepers or those who prioritize display over handling.
See our full Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Care Guide.
4. Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
The most widely kept arboreal tarantula and the standard introduction to arboreal husbandry. Avicularia avicularia is a medium-sized species from South America and the Caribbean with a dark body and distinctive pink toe tips. Requires a tall enclosure with strong cross-ventilation and elevated anchor points for webbing.
See our full Pink Toe Tarantula Care Guide.
5. Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
One of the largest and most docile beginner tarantulas available. Grammostola pulchripes is a slow-growing terrestrial species from the Gran Chaco region of Argentina and Paraguay. Adult females can reach a leg span of 7–8 inches and live 20–25 years. Exceptionally calm and rarely defensive — a favorite among keepers who want a large, handleable species.
See our full Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula Care Guide.
6. Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)
One of the most commonly encountered tarantulas in the pet trade. Grammostola rosea is a medium-sized terrestrial species from Chile and Argentina, widely sold in pet stores for decades. Known for its calm temperament but also for unpredictable, extended fasting periods that can alarm new keepers. Hardy and long-lived with good care.
See our full Chilean Rose Tarantula Care Guide.
7. Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra)
Widely considered one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby. Grammostola pulchra is a large, velvety-black terrestrial species from southern Brazil and Uruguay. Adult females reach a leg span of 6–7 inches and live 20–25 years. One of the calmest tarantulas in the hobby, though captive-bred specimens can be difficult to source and command higher prices.
See our full Brazilian Black Tarantula Care Guide.
8. Arizona Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)
The most commonly encountered wild tarantula in the southwestern United States. Aphonopelma chalcodes is a medium-sized terrestrial species native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and northern Mexico. Adult females are among the longest-lived tarantulas in captivity, commonly reaching 25–30 years. Calm, slow-moving, and adapts well to normal household temperatures — with low humidity requirements that make them straightforward to keep.
See our full Arizona Blonde Tarantula Care Guide.
Terrestrial vs. Arboreal Tarantulas
One of the most important distinctions in tarantula keeping is between terrestrial and arboreal species. Terrestrial tarantulas live on or in the ground and need floor space, deep substrate, and a hide. Arboreal tarantulas live in trees and need vertical space, anchor points for webbing, and strong cross-ventilation. The enclosure requirements, humidity management, and feeding approach differ between the two types — understanding this distinction before choosing a species helps avoid common setup mistakes.
New World vs. Old World Tarantulas
Tarantulas are also divided into New World (North and South America) and Old World (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia) species. New World tarantulas possess urticating hairs and are generally considered more forgiving, making them the preferred choice for beginners. Old World species lack urticating hairs but are typically faster, more defensive, and possess medically significant venom. Most first-time keepers should begin with a New World species before considering Old World tarantulas. All eight species in this guide are New World.
General Care
Most commonly kept tarantula species share similar basic care principles. See our Tarantula Care Guide for a full breakdown of enclosure setup, substrate, feeding, molting, and health.