Harmless Crawlies: 10 Docile Tarantulas To Have As Pets

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Tarantulas are not dangerous to humans, but it is better to have docile tarantulas as pets. These crawlies are non-aggressive, and they will only bite when severely provoked or when they mistake a finger for prey. The pain is usually mild to moderate since their venom is not different from a bee sting. So if you adore the large hairy bodies and legs of these creepy crawlies, we have some nice species for you. Feel free to take a look and see which one you think makes the most suitable friend for your likes.

1Brazilian Black Tarantula

Black lovers are definitely fond of this tarantula for the fact that it has a solid black and wooly body. This glossy and majestic appearance along with its docile nature make the Brazilian black tarantulas quite popular pets. More than that, these tarantulas are one of the few tarantulas that tend to flee, and they rarely bite unless provoked. If they do bite, the stings from their bites are actually milder than a bee’s. For those who have a long commitment to their pet tarantula, this species is also the right choice. Since this tarantula grows very slowly, it takes from 4 to 8 years for them to attain complete adulthood.

2Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

When it comes to docile tarantulas, this one has to be on the list for their calm and docile temperament. Along with that, this tarantula also looks very nice with its large size and pretty appearance. Just like the name suggests, all 8 legs of the tarantulas have golden or yellow markings around the knee joints. Another thing that the Chaco golden knee tarantulas are famous for is their long lifespan. The males can live for 5 to 10 years old while the females can live up to 25 years in captivity. This tarantula species is perfect for beginners because they are easy to care for and very docile.

3Chile Flame Tarantula

One of the most common tarantulas that you will find in American and European pet stores today is definitely this one. It goes by many other names such as Chilean Fire Tarantula, Chilean Red-Haired Tarantula, Chilean Rose Tarantula, Rose Hair Tarantula, etc. This species is so common and popular because it is docile, easy to care for, and inexpensive which is perfect for beginners. The Chile flame is a moderately large tarantula with a black or dark brown body with a coat of reddish-orange to pink hair. Because they are gentle and slow, handling them is quite easy. Females can live up to 20 years in captivity while males live shorter than that and they die a few months after mating.

4Curly Hair Tarantula

Does a pet tarantula exist for introverts? Yes, and the curly hair tarantulas are what you look for. These tarantulas are mellow and quiet, and they will sit in a restful state most of the time. Apart from hunting time, they will also move around their enclosure or even rearrange the items in there. Another thing to know about them is that curly hair tarantulas are easily spooked. If you don’t handle them too much, then that is totally okay.

Too much handling can cause them to get scared and try to flee, and a few feet of fall can kill them. The good thing is that these tarantulas are easy to care for, and they are generally calm. As for their appearance, these tarantulas have a round body covered with long and slightly curled bristles. Most bristles are black and dark brown while some are golden, making them look very attractive. This species is quite common in the pet trade, and it is ideal for beginners out there.

5Desert Blonde Tarantula

image: Lon&Queta

For those who prefer pet tarantulas with brighter colors, then check out this one. The upper section of the tarantula’s exoskeleton is covered in pale hairs; hence the name. This color brings great contrast to its dark abdomen and legs, making it very easy to spot right away. Besides their strikingly unique appearance and color, these tarantulas are also docile and easy to house and care for. One thing to know for beginners is that the desert blonde tarantulas should not be handled too often. Some of them can be aggressive so they will release their urticating hair which causes irritation to handlers. Male desert blonde tarantulas can live for around 10 years while females can live up to 30 years.

6Greenbottle Blue Tarantula

Here we have another colorful tarantula species with stunning colors that you might like. With a blue-green carapace, metallic blue legs, and blue abdomen, these tarantulas are one of a kind to have. However, the beauty is better to admire from a distance since they don’t like frequent handling. As a matter of fact, the greenbottle blue tarantulas are more fascinating in the wild than in captivity. The juveniles have black and red striped abdomens with pink legs, and the colors change as they grow. These tarantulas build extensive webs on the ground with entrances that look like tunnels. They will live in the same burrow for life if undisturbed. The lifespan of this species is 4 years for males and 14 years for females.

7Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula

image: rawpixel

Looking for a tarantula that you can regularly handle for photos and love? You are reading about one right now. The Mexican red-knee tarantulas are not only docile but also slow-moving so handling them is quite easy and simple. As one of the most docile tarantulas, they are very popular in pet trades, especially for beginners. This species is so calm so it rarely bites, but the owners still have to be super gentle with them.

On top of their nice behavior, their appearance is also quite striking. Its body has a combination of black and pale orange while the legs and palps are black with colored rings. The interesting part is that the fourth leg of these tarantulas is said to be the longest. Males have long legs with a lifespan of only 5 years while females can live up to 30 years.

8Mexican Redleg Tarantula

Being a large ground-dwelling tarantula, this species might look quite intimidating to have as pets. Once you get to know, these are just one of the docile tarantulas that beginners can have. The Mexican redleg tarantulas are easy to care for, and their temperament is very tame. When carefully and gently handled, these tarantulas remain calm. At the same time, these tarantulas make quiet pets without the need for too much attention at all. This also makes them a nice pet for busy tarantula lovers out there as well which is a total plus.

9Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula

With docile and tolerant temperaments, pink zebra beauty is an attractive species among hobbyists out there. At the same time, it holds a reputation for being one of the best tarantulas to have as pets. These harmless tarantulas are not only calm but also gentle which means you can handle them with ease. As for the beauty, this one has a dark brown body with yellow-striped markings near its patellae. To cut things short, it is not only docile but also beautiful to have as pets. Plus with its long lifespan of up to 20 years, no doubt why it is quite popular.

10Salmon Pink Tarantula

The full name of this tarantula is actually Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-Eating tarantula, and it is the world’s third largest tarantula. Their color is usually black, and pink-red hairs will appear along the abdomen, chelicerae, and legs once mature. Both males and females are big, but males tend to be slender while females are bulkier. Despite their size, these tarantulas are very docile and shy.

However, it can become aggressive with the display of a few defense mechanisms if threatened. The tarantula will raise its legs in the air to ward off the predators before it delivers the painful bite. Male salmon pinks can live up to 5 years while females have an average lifespan of 15 years. It is super popular because salmon pink is quite easy to handle and they will sit out in the open.

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