Pink Zebra Beauty Tarantula Care
Species: Eupalaestrus campestratus
Common Names: Pink Zebra Beauty, PZB Tarantula
The Pink Zebra Beauty (Eupalaestrus campestratus) is one of the most relaxed, docile, and beginner-friendly tarantulas in existence. Native to the grasslands of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, this slow-growing terrestrial species is well-loved for its calm demeanor, attractive striped patterning, and long lifespan.
It’s a species that truly lives up to its name — with subtle pink highlights, bold knee striping, and a gentle presence, the PZB is an ideal showcase of New World tarantula beauty and temperament.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Eupalaestrus campestratus
- Common Names: Pink Zebra Beauty, PZB Tarantula
- Origin: Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina
- Type: Terrestrial (burrowing tendencies)
- Adult Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 inches) leg span
- Lifespan: Females 20+ years; Males 5–7 years
- Temperament: Extremely docile and calm
- Experience Level: Perfect for beginners
Appearance
This tarantula’s beauty is subtle yet striking:
- Carapace: Soft bronze-brown with a light central sheen
- Legs: Dark brown with creamy-white striping on the knees
- Abdomen: Covered in fine hairs with pinkish to golden hues
Under good lighting, the pink tones shimmer slightly — giving rise to the “Pink Zebra Beauty” name.
Enclosure Setup
The Pink Zebra Beauty thrives in a terrestrial setup that allows for burrowing and plenty of floor space. It prefers a simple, stable environment over elaborate decorations.
Recommended enclosure sizes:
- Juveniles: 20 × 20 × 20 cm
- Adults: 40 × 30 × 30 cm (16 × 12 × 12 inches)
Setup guidelines:
- Substrate depth: 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) of coco fiber, topsoil, or a soil/sand mix
- Provide a cork bark hide or starter burrow
- Include a shallow water dish
- Keep good airflow, but avoid excessive dryness
This species enjoys digging and will often modify its enclosure layout over time.
Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
- Humidity: 60–70%
Maintain moderate humidity — not too dry, not too damp. Lightly moisten one section of substrate if needed, allowing the rest to remain dry. Always provide fresh water.
Behavior & Temperament
The Pink Zebra Beauty is famous for its incredibly calm nature. It rarely flicks hairs, almost never bites, and often remains motionless when disturbed.
Behavioral traits include:
- Docile and patient, ideal for beginners
- Slow-moving and deliberate
- Visible — often sits in the open, making it great for display
This species is one of the few that can truly be described as “friendly” in tarantula terms — it’s tolerant, gentle, and predictable.
Feeding
This species is a steady and reliable eater.
Feeding schedule:
- Slings: Every 5–7 days
- Juveniles: Every 7–10 days
- Adults: Every 10–14 days
Feed crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms. Avoid overfeeding, as E. campestratus tends to grow slowly and can become obese.
Handling
If you’re looking for a species that tolerates handling, E. campestratus is an excellent choice. While no tarantula truly enjoys being held, this one is extremely calm and rarely shows stress when handled gently.
Handling tips:
- Keep movements slow and smooth
- Handle close to a soft surface
- Avoid frequent handling to minimize stress
Molting
Like most Eupalaestrus species, this tarantula is slow-growing, which means molts can be months or even years apart in adulthood.
Pre-molt signs:
- Dull coloration
- Refusal to eat
- Sealing itself in its burrow or hide
After molting, wait 10–14 days before feeding again.
Common Health Issues
This species is incredibly hardy and forgiving. The main risks come from:
- Falls — being heavy-bodied, they are prone to injury from height
- Over-humidity — can cause mold or mites
- Lack of ventilation — always ensure airflow
Provide a stable, dry enclosure with access to water, and E. campestratus will thrive for decades.
Breeding (Overview)
Breeding is occasionally attempted with success.
- Mature males court gently with minimal aggression from females
- Egg sacs contain 200–300 spiderlings
- Spiderlings grow slowly but are hardy
Due to their slow growth, captive breeding requires patience, but it’s rewarding to help sustain this docile species in the hobby.
Quick Care Summary
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Type | Terrestrial |
| Temperature | 22–27°C (72–81°F) |
| Humidity | 60–70% |
| Substrate Depth | 10–15 cm |
| Feeding | Every 10–14 days |
| Temperament | Extremely docile |
| Handling | Gentle and calm |
Final Thoughts
The Pink Zebra Beauty (Eupalaestrus campestratus) is the definition of a gentle giant. With its calm temperament, long lifespan, and reliable nature, it’s a perfect ambassador for anyone new to the tarantula hobby — and a favorite even among seasoned keepers.
Easy to care for, visually attractive, and full of quiet charm, this species truly lives up to its name: a beautiful, peaceful jewel of South America.
© The Tarantula Vault
Educational content for tarantula enthusiasts. Visit thetarantulavault.com for more species guides and husbandry advice.