THE ZEBRA

The Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula, is a great pet tarantula. It is a hardy, inexpensive,
fairly large spider with wonderful coloration! Even though it is a docile species, do not
get the impression that this spider can be held. Costa Rican Zebra Tarantulas can
display incredible speed if startled by the slightest occurence. Although it is known as
the Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula, there is a different color phase to this species, that is
not found in Costa Rica. This color phase is dark brown with tan striping on the legs,
and is from Nicaragua, as opposed to the Costa Rican form of black with white
striping on the legs. The Coasta Rican form is shown to the left. Both color phases
require the same conditions in captivity. The Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula is a smart
choice for a beginner or an expert.

Range Southern United States to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and possibly areas in
Guatemala, and Panama in tropical forests on the Pacific coast with secondary cleared
land and hillside highland tropical forests.

Habitat Found in burrows under plants, and other debris, and near the bases
and roots of trees.

Type Burrowing.

Diet Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, and pinhead crickets. Adults eat large
insects such as crickets, as well as an occasional pinkie mouse.

Full Grown Size 4 to 4.5 inches.

Growth Medium speed.

Temperature 70 to 85 degrees F.

Humidity High. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan will drink from a
shallow, wide water dish though, so it is a good idea to provide one in the tank.

Temperament Docile and skittish.

Housing 2 1/2 to 5-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.

Substrate 3 to 5 inches of half-vermiculite and half-potting soil with peat moss
onthe surface of the ground kept moist. Bark chips can be added as well.

Other Names Zebra Tarantula, Stripe Knee Tarantula, and Stripe Kneed
Tarantula.