Tliltocatl albopilosus Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re shining the spotlight on a soft, curly-haired classic — Tliltocatl albopilosus, better known as the Curly Hair Tarantula. With its fluffy, wiry setae and relaxed temperament, this species is a favorite in the hobby for both beginners and seasoned keepers.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Tliltocatl albopilosus (formerly Brachypelma albopilosum)
Common name: Curly Hair Tarantula, Honduran Curly Hair, Nicaraguan Curly Hair
Type: Terrestrial / semi-burrowing
Native to: Central America — Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Adult size: ~6.5″ (17 cm) diagonal leg span (per T. albopilosus care guide)
Temperament: Generally docile, slow-moving, hardy
Lifespan: Females: Up to ~20–25 years (some sources say “up to 25 years”) Males: ~5 years or so
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate
Fun Fact:
This tarantula’s long, curly hairs (setae) give it a super fluffy, almost “wooly” appearance — and as it ages, these hairs darken, giving it a beautiful bronze sheen
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, T. albopilosus lives in moist, tropical woodlands and scrub in Central America, often digging shallow retreats or using natural cover.
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
T. albopilosus is known for its calm, gentle nature and is often considered one of the more beginner-friendly species, though still best enjoyed as a hands-off display tarantula.
• 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:
Watch for curled-up hairs, webbing in the hide, or substrate rearrangement — these can be signs of impending molt or comfort behavior.
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
Tliltocatl albopilosus (Curly Hair) is a beloved staple species for a reason — it’s beautiful, fluffy, hardy, and perfect for keepers who want a display tarantula with a calm demeanor. With moderate humidity, secure housing, regular but not overly frequent feeding, and respect for its natural behaviors, this tarantula can thrive for decades. It’s a long-term, low-stress companion and a truly iconic Eight Legged Beauty.