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Spiders - Buying a Tarantula

There are several species of tarantula available in the UK pet trade. When you are buying a tarantula, avoid those that are inactive with their legs curled under them.  Find out the scientific name for the spider you choose as that will be the best way to get the appropriate care information.

One of the most common tarantulas is the Chilean Rose. This is a good choice for beginners buying a tarantula, as it is quite hardy, and readily available from specialist pet shops. 

In general the best tarantulas for beginners are the ground dwellers or burrowers as these are a little slower moving. Other suggested beginner tarantulas include:

• the Costa Rican Zebra - Aphonoplema seemani
• the Curly Haired Tarantula - Brachypelma albopilosum,
• the Mexican Blonde Tarantula - Aphonopelma chalcodes
• Mexican Redleg Tarantula - Brachypelma emilia
• the Mexican Redknee Tarantula - Brachypelma smithi although this spider is now a protected species and difficult to obtain, if you can get one it is also a good beginner spider.

Find out how old the spider is and always try to obtain a female as this is often the better choice because females tend to live much longer than the males.  For example a female Chilean Rose can be expected to live over 20 years, whereas the male of any of the above species are not likely to survive more than three years at most.  Some breeders will guarantee the sex when you are buying a tarantula from them.

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