What Are Old World Tarantulas?
A Guide to Old World Species for Experienced Keepers
Introduction
In the tarantula keeping world, the term Old World tarantulas refers to species native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia — essentially, the Eastern Hemisphere. These tarantulas are known for their speed, potent venom, and lack of urticating hairs.
While incredibly fascinating and often stunning in appearance, Old World species are generally recommended for intermediate to advanced hobbyists due to their defensive behavior and medical significance.
Key Characteristics of Old World Tarantulas
✅ Geographic Origin:
- Native to Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, and parts of Australia
- Includes many tropical, subtropical, and arid-region species
✅ No Urticating Hairs:
- Unlike New World species, Old World tarantulas do not have urticating hairs
- Instead, they rely on biting and escape speed as their primary defense
✅ Venom:
- Typically more potent than New World tarantulas
- Bites can be extremely painful and may cause medical symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, swelling, or hospitalization
- No known fatalities, but medical attention may be required for serious envenomations
✅ Temperament:
- Often described as defensive, territorial, and quick to react
- More likely to bite first rather than display warning behaviors
- Can be extremely fast and skittish, especially during rehousing or maintenance
✅ Webbing Behavior:
- Many Old World species are prolific webbers — especially arboreal genera like Poecilotheria and Haplopelma
- Heavy use of silk for burrows, retreats, and hunting platforms
Examples of Popular Old World Tarantulas
Here are some well-known Old World tarantula species, many of which are admired for their exotic patterns and bold colors.
🕷️ Poecilotheria metallica — Gooty Sapphire Ornamental
- Stunning blue and yellow arboreal tarantula from India
- Very fast, defensive, and best kept as a display-only species
🕷️ Harpactira pulchripes — Golden Blue-Leg Baboon
- Native to South Africa, known for its bright gold body and electric blue legs
- Beautiful terrestrial baboon species; can be defensive
🕷️ Haplopelma lividum — Cobalt Blue Tarantula
- Famous for its deep blue coloration and secretive burrowing behavior
- Extremely fast and reclusive; rarely seen out in the open
🕷️ Chilobrachys fimbriatus — Indian Violet Tarantula
- Webby and fast-growing, with purple and orange hues
- Highly defensive and aggressive during feeding or cleaning
🕷️ Monocentropus balfouri — Socotra Island Blue Baboon
- One of the few semi-communal species
- Native to Socotra, with unique social behavior and striking blue legs
Housing & Husbandry for Old World Tarantulas
Because of their speed and sensitivity to stress, Old World species require secure, escape-proof enclosures with proper climate control.
🏡 Enclosure Tips:
- Use locking lids, minimal front-access, and sealed ventilation
- Provide deep substrate for fossorial species like Haplopelma or Chilobrachys
- For arboreal species (Poecilotheria, Stromatopelma), use tall enclosures with anchor points for webbing
- Avoid excessive disturbances or vibrations
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity:
- Old World species come from a variety of climates. Typical ranges:
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- Humidity: 60–80% depending on species
- Use thermometers and hygrometers for accurate monitoring
Feeding & Behavior
Feeding:
- Prey: Crickets, roaches, locusts, and mealworms
- Juveniles: Feed every 5–7 days
- Adults: Feed every 10–14 days
- Avoid live prey during molts; remove uneaten food promptly
Behavior to Expect:
- Fast, often invisible burrowers or heavy webbers
- Defensive posturing, hissing (stridulation), and rapid escape when provoked
- Excellent hunters with aggressive feeding responses
- Not suitable for handling under any circumstances
Are Old World Tarantulas Right for You?
Old World tarantulas are not for everyone. They’re best suited for keepers who:
✔️ Have experience with New World species
✔️ Understand tarantula behavior and signs of stress
✔️ Can safely perform enclosure maintenance and rehousing
✔️ Prefer display animals over hands-on pets
✔️ Have a fast and cautious approach to care
These species are often admired from behind the glass — not handled or interacted with directly.
Safety Tips When Keeping Old World Tarantulas
- Always use long tongs or catch cups when working inside the enclosure
- Avoid handling — even the calmest Old World can bolt or bite with little warning
- Perform maintenance during daylight when the tarantula is less active
- Use PPE like gloves or long sleeves during rehousing (optional but helpful for peace of mind)
- Ensure escape-proof setups, especially with arboreals or fast fossorial species
Summary — Quick Reference
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia |
| Defensive Traits | No urticating hairs; rely on speed and venom |
| Venom Potency | Higher — medically significant in some cases |
| Webbing | Often heavy webbers or deep burrowers |
| Speed | Extremely fast and unpredictable |
| Temperament | Defensive to aggressive |
| Handling | Strongly discouraged |
| Ideal For | Experienced keepers only |
| Enclosure | Escape-proof, species-specific setups |
| Examples | Poecilotheria, Harpactira, Haplopelma, Monocentropus |
Final Thoughts
Old World tarantulas are some of the most beautiful, complex, and rewarding species to keep — but only when handled with respect and care. They demand precise husbandry, calm nerves, and a no-handling approach. For the advanced tarantula keeper, however, they offer some of the most spectacular colors, webbing behaviors, and display opportunities in the hobby.
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