Aphonopelma seemani Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today, we’re highlighting a striped-leg desert spider with a secretive side — Aphonopelma seemanni, better known as the Costa Rican Zebra or Striped-Knee Tarantula. With its bold leg bands, deep burrowing instincts, and long lifespan, it’s a fascinating, low-maintenance species for keepers who like to observe rather than handle.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Aphonopelma seemani
Common name: Costa Rican Zebra, Striped-Knee Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / opportunistic burrower
Native to: Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua (Central American dry forest / scrub)
Adult size: ~5–6″ diagonal leg span depending on source
Temperament: Skittish, relatively calm, more likely to hide than fight; may flick urticating hairs if stressed.
Lifespan: Females up to ~20 years; males ~5–10 years
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate
Fun Fact:
Despite its arid-looking appearance, the Zebra Tarantula’s wild burrows help it regulate both temperature and humidity — letting it escape the heat of day and retain moisture.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, A. seemanni digs deep burrows in semi-arid scrub or dry forest soil to escape harsh conditions.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 75-82°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 65-75% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
• Spiderlings: More skittish and likely to burrow or hide when disturbed
• Adults: Calm in demeanor, will often remain in view or retreat to hides rather than show aggression
• Handling: Often tolerated better than many tarantulas, though handling should still be minimal and careful
Observation tip:
If you notice new burrow entrances or substrate shifting, it could mean your zebra tarantula is digging in or preparing to molt. Give it space and minimize disturbance during these times.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Aphonopelma seemanni (Costa Rican Zebra) is a beautiful, hardy, and behaviorally rich species that rewards keepers with its striking coloration and natural burrowing behavior. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a low-maintenance tarantula that thrives in a setup mimicking its wild home. With proper substrate, humidity gradient, and respect for its space, this striped beauty can live for decades — one of the true gems of the tarantula world.