Tliltocatl albopilosus – Curly hair tarantula

Body and legs are dark brown to black, but the setae make the impression: long, curly or wavy hairs with pale golden tips, dense especially on the legs and abdomen. After a moult the spider looks darker and the hairs more contrasting.

Adult females reach a leg span of about 13–15 cm and a body length of about 6 cm. Males are slimmer, longer-legged and carry tibial hooks and palpal bulbs after the final moult.

Valerio described the species in 1980 from the Upala area in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, near the Nicaraguan border. The World Spider Catalog gives the range as Costa Rica. In 2020 Mendoza and Francke moved the species from Brachypelma to the new genus Tliltocatl.

The hobby keeps lines labelled “Nicaragua” and “Honduras”, which differ slightly in size and in how curly the hairs are. Their taxonomic status is not settled in the literature, so it is best not to mix lines of different origin when breeding.

An adult female needs an enclosure with a floor of about 40 × 30 cm. It is a heavy terrestrial spider, so keep the gap between substrate and lid small. Use 8–12 cm of substrate (coco fibre, soil or a mix) so the spider can deepen its hide.

A cork hide and a permanent water dish are enough. Tliltocatl albopilosus likes to dig and move decor, so heavy, stable pieces work best.

The species does well at room temperature, 22–27°C. The lower substrate should be slightly moist while the surface may dry out. Watering part of the substrate along one edge every few days is enough.

As with most terrestrial tarantulas, good ventilation matters more than high humidity. Permanently wet substrate without airflow encourages mould.

Juveniles eat small crickets or roaches every 4–7 days, adult females every one to two weeks. Adults may refuse food for several weeks, especially before a moult, which is normal.

Growth is slow: males usually mature after 3–4 years, females after 4–6 years. Females are long-lived, often more than 15 years, which is worth considering before buying.

Tliltocatl albopilosus is usually calm and often sits in the open. When disturbed it is more likely to turn and kick urticating hairs than to bite. Many individuals tolerate calm handling, but holding a tarantula always risks a fall and injury to the spider.

Do maintenance with tongs. Use a container for rehousing and open the enclosure calmly.

The genus Tliltocatl (formerly in Brachypelma) is listed in CITES Appendix II, which corresponds to Annex B of EU Regulation 338/97. In practice, selling and buying requires a document proving legal origin, usually captive breeding. Registration requirements differ between countries.

When buying, ask the seller for proof of origin and keep it with your purchase records. This information is not legal advice.