Tarantulas and other arachnids as pets

In short: Tarantulas and other arachnids are increasingly kept as low-maintenance terrarium animals, since they need little space and rarely require feeding. Unlike dogs or cats, they don’t form a bond with their owner, which sets their care apart sharply from other pets.

In more detail: Depending on their origin, the animals need different temperature and humidity conditions in the terrarium, often monitored with a thermometer and hygrometer.

In detail

• Terrarium size: Ground-dwelling species need more floor space, while tree-dwelling species need more height for vertical climbing.
• Feeding: Live insects like crickets or locusts are usually fed only once or twice a week.
• Molting: As they grow, the animals regularly shed their old exoskeleton, a sensitive phase during which they should not be disturbed.
• Urticating hairs: Some tarantula species flick off fine irritant hairs when threatened, which can irritate skin and eyes.
• Toxicity: Most kept species have venom that’s harmless to humans, comparable to an insect sting.
• Permits: Depending on the region and species, venomous or especially large arachnids may require registration or permits.
• Lifespan: Female tarantulas can, depending on species, live over 20 years, significantly longer than most male animals (terrarientiere-grundlagen).