Keeper guide

Costa Rican Zebra Enclosure Security — Escape-Proofing an Aphonopelma seemanni Setup

A secure enclosure for Costa Rican Zebras needs more than a lid that appears closed. With Aphonopelma seemanni, check door gaps, ventilation holes, loose panels and decor against the current size and behaviour of the spider.

Lids, doors and gaps

Make sure Aphonopelma seemanni cannot lift a lid, push through a loose door or use a gap that was designed for a larger animal. Recheck security after every rehouse.

Small Costa Rican Zebras can exploit openings an adult could never use. If the carapace could fit through a gap, treat it as a possible escape route.

Ventilation openings

Ventilation for Aphonopelma seemanni should provide airflow without creating escape-sized holes or sharp edges. Mesh, drilled plastic and vents all need to remain firmly fixed.

Security and ventilation should work together in a Costa Rican Zebra enclosure; neither should be sacrificed to make the other easier.

Door position and routine access

Place the water dish and normal feeding area where the Aphonopelma seemanni enclosure does not need to be opened farther than necessary.

Before opening a Costa Rican Zebra enclosure, locate the spider first. A spider behind cork, webbing or a burrow entrance can be much closer to the opening than it appears.

Stable decor

Keep heavy cork, rocks and other decor secure in the Aphonopelma seemanni enclosure so digging cannot undermine them.

With Costa Rican Zebras, normal burrowing or webbing should not be able to turn a secure enclosure into an unstable one.

Final check after maintenance

After feeding, watering or cleaning Aphonopelma seemanni, confirm that every latch, lid and ventilation panel is fully closed before leaving the enclosure.

Make one final check around the Costa Rican Zebra enclosure for trapped substrate, tools or cables that could stop a door or lid sealing properly.