How Do You Care For A Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula?
The Costa Rican zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemani) is an excellent choice for a pet tarantula. It is hardy and generally docile but still should not be handled since it is fast and easily startled. This specimen is primarily exported from Costa Rica and can be found in many exotic pet stores. The following steps will help you care for this popular species. Select a female over males. Female Costa Rican zebras can live up to 18 years, but males have a much shorter lifespan. Use a 2 1/2- to 5-gallon tank to house adult specimens individually. A Costa Rican zebra needs floor space more than height, and an adult can attain a leg span of 4 1/2 inches. Keep the enclosure for this tarantula warm (70 to 85 degrees) and humid (75 to 80 percent). Humidity should be monitored and can be increased by covering the top of the enclosure with plastic wrap. Provide crickets or other large insects and the occasional pinkie mouse as live prey, but be sure to remove all prey animals when your tarantula
