Defining Characteristics:

• Mature male tarantulas generally only have six months to a year-and-a-half left to live
• Mature males are much more active in their habitat as they are looking for a mate
• These spiders are usually bought or sold with the intention of breeding them

Name: Scientific and common names will be listed on each individual’s title.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: The habitat should be appropriate to the species, providing for Arboreal, Terrestrial, or Fossorial species either vertical or horizontal space. The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 3 inches of substrate. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

We recommend against allowing any non-arboreal spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

Temperature (°F): Most species thrive in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65° or spiking above 85° should be avoided.

Check the care sheet of the species that you are interested in for specifics.

Humidity: These spiders come from a variety of environmental archetypes. The recommended ambient humidity range will be between 40% and 75%, based on species. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around 2x a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up. Do not spray your spider directly. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments . 

Size: This varies by species. These spiders will never grow any larger than they are at the time of sale.

Age: Age is variable by species. These spiders have molted for the last time and are at the end of their lifespan. They generally have 6 months to a year-and-a-half left to live. Arid species seem to live longer than Tropical species.

Feeding: These mature males are currently eating two to four 1 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, wax worms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception, because our larvae are harmless. They are very high in fat, though, so not the best staple diet. They are, however, a great weight gain supplement.

Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well rounded nutrition.

Special Concerns: This spiders may have urticating hair or medically significant venom. Please see the care sheet for the species that you are interested in for specifics.

Social Behavior: Mature male tarantulas are not a sociable animal, and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

Even during breeding courtship, cannibalism might be the result, instead of romance.

Natural Range: Varies based on species.