Top 20 Tarantula Sellers & Breeders — United Kingdom
Quick notes before buying: always prefer captive-bred (CB) animals where possible, check seller shipping & welfare policies, confirm legality of the species, and look for community feedback (BTS, Reddit, tarantulaforum). thebts.co.uk+1
1. The Spider Shop
What: Long-established UK specialist in arachnids (mail-order & breeding). Frequently recommended by UK keepers for wide stock and experience.
Why use them: Large range, regular stock updates, mail order.
Reliability: ★★★★★ (trusted, community-recommended). The Spider Shop+1
2. So Many Legs
What: UK invertebrate retailer and breeder (Norfolk). Offers a broad selection of tarantulas and inverts.
Why use them: Good selection and reputable online presence.
Reliability: ★★★★☆ (well-known breeder/retailer). somanylegs+1
3. Tropical Exotics
What: Family-run exotic pet shop (North Wales) selling tarantulas and other exotics in store & online.
Why use them: Brick-and-mortar plus online purchasing — good for viewing stock in person.
Reliability: ★★★★☆. Tropical Exotics+1
4. BugPets (Bug Pets LTD)
What: Active UK online shop with a wide selection of tarantulas; offers quick shipping.
Why use them: Frequent stock and fast delivery options.
Reliability: ★★★★☆. Invertecare
5. Creatures From The North (CFTN)
What: Large UK spider breeding shop claiming extensive species availability.
Why use them: Very large catalogue (claims >250 species). Good for specialty species.
Reliability: ★★★★☆ (big selection; check specific species provenance). CREATURES FROM THE NORTH
6. SW Inverts
What: Inverts shop stocking tarantulas among other exotics.
Why use them: Tarantula Breeders with consistent stock and shop support.
Reliability: ★★★★☆. SWINVERTS
7. BugzUK
What: Online retailer offering tarantulas and other invertebrates (regularly lists tarantulas).
Why use them: Online availability & straightforward ordering.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆. BugzUK
8. MMAR Reptiles
What: UK exotic animal retailer that lists tarantulas among their stock.
Why use them: Established reptile supplier with tarantula availability.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆. mmareptiles.co.uk
9. BugNut
What: Online shop selling invertebrates including tarantulas (varied stock).
Why use them: Good value pricing on some species.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆. Bugnut Limited
10. Exotic-Pets.co.uk
What: Large UK exotic pet retailer selling both animals and husbandry gear (tarantulas listed).
Why use them: One-stop shop for animals + equipment.
Reliability: ★★★★☆. exotic-pets.co.uk
11. Portsmouth Tarantulas
What: Small UK breeder/retailer often recommended in hobby forums for quality stock.
Why use them: Hobbyist-breeder focus; good community reputation.
Reliability: ★★★★☆ (forum-backed). portsmouthtarantulas.co.uk+1
12. The Praying Mantis (UK)
What: Specialist insect & invertebrate shop that also lists tarantulas.
Why use them: Regional shop with inverts selection.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆. theprayingmantis.co.uk
13. Reptile Centre / Northampton Reptile Centre
What: Large reptile retail chain selling tarantulas and supplies.
Why use them: Trusted store network, good for supplies and occasional livestock.
Reliability: ★★★★☆. Northampton Reptile Centre
14. EntoScapes (marketplace / suppliers)
What: Marketplace carrying invertebrates and accessories; live tarantulas can appear via marketplace sellers.
Why use them: Good place to find independent sellers; vet each listing.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆ (marketplace variability). The Spider Shop
15. Zoo On Wheels Ltd / ZOW Ltd
What: UK breeder/supplier that lists arachnids and related supplies (small business breeders).
Why use them: Smaller scale breeder options and supplies.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆.
(Note: Zoo On Wheels was mentioned in community lists — verify the live URL and stock before listing.)
16. Exotic Pets UK (other smaller retailers)
What: Smaller retailers & regional shops that occasionally stock tarantulas (search locally).
Why use them: Good backup when specialist shops are out of stock.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆. exotic-pets.co.uk+1
17. Tarantula Outbreak / Specialist hobby stores
What: Smaller specialist hobby shops and online breeders (community recommended).
Why use them: Niche species and experienced hobbyist sellers.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆ (shop-by-shop). Reddit+1
18. British Tarantula Society classifieds & forums (Breeders & Trades)
What: Classifieds and members directory where captive-bred animals are often listed by UK keepers.
Why use them: Excellent source of CB animals and reputable breeders; membership may be required.
Reliability: ★★★★★ (high for captive-bred & community-verified sellers). thebts.co.uk+1
19. Tarantula Forum / Hobbyist For-Sale Sections
What: UK & international hobbyist forums with dedicated buy/sell threads and breeder recommendations.
Why use them: Community feedback on individual sellers; great for rarities and second-hand stock.
Reliability: ★★★★☆ (depends on seller; do due diligence). Tarantula Forum+1
20. Local hobby breeders (Facebook groups & local ads)
What: Individual UK hobby breeders frequently advertise in Facebook groups or local classifieds (BTS group, local tarantula groups).
Why use them: Often captive-bred stock and competitive prices — verify reviews & photos.
Reliability: ★★★☆☆–★★★★☆ (varies heavily — always ask for multiple photos, lineage if available). Facebook+1
How I rated reliability
- ★★★★★ = long-standing specialist / community-trusted (brick & mortar or long-running breeder directories).
- ★★★★☆ = established online retailers with good stock and hobbyist recommendations.
- ★★★☆☆ = smaller shops/marketplaces or variable stock — useful but verify provenance.
Ratings are based on site presence, hobby forums (BTS, tarantulaforum, Reddit), and apparent company scale. See individual citations above for verification. Reddit+1
Buying checklist (short)
- Ask whether the animal is captive-bred (CB) or wild-caught (WC). Prefer CB. Reddit
- Request clear photos and age/sex if available.
- Check shipping method & guaranteed arrival; avoid long transit in hot/cold spells.
- Look for community feedback (BTS classifieds, forum posts, Reddit reviews). thebts.co.uk+1