Keeper guide

Curly Hair Tarantula Temperature Guide — Tliltocatl albopilosus

A practical temperature range for Tliltocatl albopilosus, commonly known as the Curly Hair Tarantula, is 20–25°C works well; stability matters more than chasing a single number. Stable room conditions matter more than chasing tiny changes on the thermometer.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Costa Rica in the accepted species record; Nicaraguan-labelled hobby lines are also widely kept
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Common
Maximum size
About 15–17 cm (6–6.5 in)
Growth rate
Slow
Male lifespan
Often around 4–6 years
Female lifespan
Often 20 years or more; long-lived females are common in captivity
Temperament
Usually calm and steady as an adult; juveniles may be skittish and any individual can flick hairs
Venom
Venomous, but bites are not generally considered medically significant; urticating hairs are a more likely irritation
Temperature
20–25°C works well; stability matters more than chasing a single number
Moisture / humidity
Water dish at all times; allow the surface to dry while maintaining a modest moisture gradient, especially for slings
CITES
CITES trade controls apply

Working temperature range

Keep Tliltocatl albopilosus around 20–25°C works well; stability matters more than chasing a single number. Use that as a practical captive range and avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures well outside it.

Curly Hair Tarantulas do not need the enclosure to hit one exact number all day. Normal small room fluctuations are easier to manage than repeated heating and cooling adjustments.

Measure the shelf, not just the room

Check the temperature where the Tliltocatl albopilosus enclosure actually sits. Shelves near windows, radiators, computers or external walls can differ from the centre of the room.

A thermometer placed near the enclosure gives more useful information for a Curly Hair Tarantula than a reading taken across the room.

Avoid direct heat on the enclosure

Do not attach a heat mat directly to a Tliltocatl albopilosus enclosure. Small containers can develop concentrated hot areas that are much warmer than the surrounding room.

If the room is genuinely too cold for Curly Hair Tarantulas, warm the room instead and check the temperature at enclosure level. That gives a more even and controllable result.

Summer heat

During hot weather, keep Tliltocatl albopilosus out of direct sunlight and watch rooms that heat up during the afternoon. A closed window area can become much warmer than expected.

Do not respond to a warm day by soaking the Curly Hair Tarantula enclosure. Temperature and substrate moisture are separate husbandry issues.

Winter conditions

In winter, check the coldest part of the day where Tliltocatl albopilosus is kept. Rooms can cool overnight even when daytime readings look comfortable.

If room heating is used, remember that it may also dry Curly Hair Tarantulas enclosures faster. Adjust watering to the actual drying rate rather than assuming winter always means wetter substrate.

Use behaviour as context

Temperature readings for Tliltocatl albopilosus should be considered alongside normal feeding, retreat use and moulting. One slightly different reading is less useful than a consistent pattern over time.

If a Curly Hair Tarantula suddenly changes behaviour, check temperature along with water, moisture and recent disturbance instead of assuming temperature is the only cause.