Terrestrial vs Arboreal Housing for Tarantulas
Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your Spider’s Natural Habitat
Introduction
When it comes to keeping tarantulas, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right housing. Tarantulas fall broadly into two lifestyle categories: terrestrial (ground-dwelling) and arboreal (tree-dwelling). Each requires a different type of enclosure setup to mimic their natural environment and promote healthy behavior.
This guide compares terrestrial vs arboreal housing so you can provide the best home for your tarantula—whether it prefers the forest floor or the treetops.
Terrestrial Tarantula Housing
What Are Terrestrial Tarantulas?
Terrestrial tarantulas live primarily on or under the ground. They may dig burrows or hide beneath leaf litter, rocks, or logs. Most New World species and some Old World species are terrestrial.
Key Features of Terrestrial Housing
- Horizontal Space: Terrestrial enclosures should be wider than they are tall, providing plenty of floor space for walking and burrowing.
- Substrate Depth: 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) of substrate such as coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil to allow digging and burrowing.
- Hiding Spots: Secure hides like cork bark, half logs, or clay pots offer shelter.
- Ventilation: Moderate ventilation to maintain airflow without drying out the substrate.
- Water Dish: Always include a shallow water dish to keep humidity stable and provide hydration.
Example Terrestrial Species
- Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black)
- Brachypelma hamorii (Mexican Redknee)
- Phormictopus cancerides (Haitian Brown)
- Nhandu chromatus (Brazilian Red & White)
Arboreal Tarantula Housing
What Are Arboreal Tarantulas?
Arboreal tarantulas live primarily in trees, shrubs, or elevated habitats. They build silk retreats on vertical surfaces and are adapted to climbing and web-building above the forest floor.
Key Features of Arboreal Housing
- Vertical Space: Tall enclosures are essential—generally 1.5 to 2 times taller than the tarantula’s leg span.
- Climbing Surfaces: Cork bark tubes, branches, and foliage provide anchor points for climbing and web construction.
- Minimal Substrate: A thin layer (1–2 inches) of substrate is used mainly for humidity control, not burrowing.
- High Ventilation: Excellent airflow prevents mold and respiratory issues; screen lids are recommended.
- Humidity Control: Mist regularly to maintain moderate to high humidity, depending on species.
Example Arboreal Species
- Avicularia avicularia (Pinktoe)
- Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pinktoe)
- Psalmopoeus cambridgei (Trinidad Chevron)
- Poecilotheria regalis (Indian Ornamental)
Key Differences: Terrestrial vs Arboreal Housing
| Aspect | Terrestrial Housing | Arboreal Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Enclosure Shape | Wide and low | Tall and narrow |
| Substrate Depth | Deep (3–6 inches) for burrowing | Shallow (1–2 inches) |
| Decor | Hides on floor level, burrowing aids | Vertical climbing structures, plants |
| Ventilation | Moderate | High |
| Humidity | Moderate, stable | Often higher, maintained with misting |
| Spider Behavior | Ground walking, burrowing | Climbing, webbing |
| Escape Risk | Lower (more substrate and burrows) | Higher (more vertical space) |
Tips for Setting Up Your Tarantula’s Home
Terrestrial Setup Tips
- Use substrates like coconut fiber mixed with vermiculite for moisture retention.
- Add hides large enough for your tarantula to fully retreat inside.
- Monitor substrate moisture — too wet can cause mold, too dry stresses the tarantula.
- Avoid tall décor that can cause injury if the tarantula falls.
Arboreal Setup Tips
- Provide vertical cork bark or branches securely attached to prevent shifting.
- Use plastic or silk plants to simulate foliage for retreats and web anchors.
- Ensure top ventilation is secure but allows airflow to prevent mold.
- Mist lightly but regularly to maintain humidity without soaking the enclosure.
Conclusion
Providing the right housing—whether terrestrial or arboreal—is essential to your tarantula’s health, comfort, and longevity. Understanding your species’ natural behavior helps you create a habitat that encourages natural activity and reduces stress.
If you’re new to tarantula keeping, choose a species whose housing matches your ability to replicate their natural environment. Terrestrial species often make excellent beginner pets due to simpler enclosure needs, while arboreals offer stunning displays but require vertical setups and careful humidity control.
🕷️ Explore More at The Tarantula Vault: