Arboreal Tarantula Care Guide

Complete Care, Enclosure & Husbandry Guide

Arboreal tarantulas are elegant, fast-moving, tree-dwelling species known for their climbing ability, intricate webbing, and striking appearance. Popular genera such as Avicularia, Caribena, Ybyrapora, and Poecilotheria have become favorites among hobbyists for their beauty and fascinating behavior.

At House of MyNia, we believe successful arboreal tarantula keeping begins with thoughtfully designed enclosures that prioritize ventilation, security, and natural climbing behavior. This guide covers the foundational care requirements for most commonly kept arboreal tarantula species.

Understanding Arboreal Tarantulas

Unlike terrestrial tarantulas, arboreal species spend most of their lives elevated above the ground in trees, hollows, bark crevices, and elevated retreats.

Most arboreal species:

• Prefer vertical climbing space
• Build webbed retreats above ground
• Spend significant time near the top of the enclosure
• Require excellent ventilation

Because of their speed and agility, arboreal species are generally better suited for intermediate keepers, though some New World species can be beginner-friendly.

Enclosure Requirements

Proper Enclosure Size

Arboreal tarantulas require vertically oriented enclosures.

Recommended Guidelines:

• Enclosure height should be approximately:
  • 3–4x the tarantula’s leg span
• Width should be:
  • 2–3x the tarantula’s leg span

Vertical space is essential for:

• Climbing
• Retreat building
• Molting

Ventilation Is Critical

Proper airflow is one of the most important aspects of arboreal tarantula care.

Many arboreal species—especially Avicularia and Caribena—require strong cross ventilation to thrive.

Poor airflow may contribute to:

• Stagnant conditions
• Mold growth
• Respiratory stress
• Sudden health decline

At House of MyNia, we strongly prioritize cross-ventilated enclosures for arboreal species.

Enclosure Setup

Arboreal tarantulas require elevated anchor points and secure retreats.

Recommended Features:

• Cork bark tubes or flats
• Vertical branches
• Elevated hides
• Artificial or live plants
• Web anchor points

Most arboreal species will create dense web retreats near the top or behind cork bark.

Important Fall & Security Considerations

While arboreal tarantulas are skilled climbers, enclosure safety is still important.

Avoid:

• Sharp decorations
• Loose heavy décor
• Large unsecured objects

Arboreal species are:

• Extremely fast
• Agile
• Often prone to sudden movement

Always open enclosures carefully and remain aware of the spider’s location.

Temperature & Humidity

Requirements vary by species, but most commonly kept arboreal tarantulas thrive within the following ranges:

General Care Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–82°F
• Humidity: Moderate to high depending on species

Examples:

• Avicularia / Caribena: Moderate humidity with very high ventilation
• Poecilotheria: Slightly higher humidity with strong airflow

Avoid stagnant or overly wet conditions.

Water & Hydration

Fresh water should always be available for juvenile and adult tarantulas.

Recommended Hydration Practices:

• Provide a shallow water dish when possible
• Lightly overflow substrate occasionally if species appropriate
• Maintain humidity through proper ventilation balance rather than excessive moisture

Arboreal tarantulas often drink from:

• Water dishes
• Webbing
• Water droplets on enclosure surfaces

Substrate

Substrate primarily assists with humidity regulation and enclosure stability.

Recommended Substrates:

• Cocoa coir
• Organic topsoil (fertilizer-free)
• Reptisoil
• Bioactive substrate blends

Recommended Depth:

• Typically 2–4 inches is sufficient

Arboreal species generally do not require deep burrowing substrate.

Feeding

Arboreal tarantulas are opportunistic ambush predators and active hunters.

Common Feeder Options:

• Roaches
• Crickets
• Flies
• Mealworms (occasionally)
• Small hornworms

Feeding Rule:

Prey should generally not exceed the size of the tarantula’s abdomen.

Most arboreal species exhibit strong feeding responses and fast prey capture behavior.

Important Feeder Insect Disclaimer

At House of MyNia, we strongly recommend sourcing feeder insects from trusted breeders or reputable specialty suppliers whenever possible.

Many hobbyists within the exotic pet community have reported concerns regarding feeder insects purchased from certain large chain or “big box” pet stores, including claims of potential parasites, pesticides, or contaminants that may negatively affect sensitive species such as:

• Tarantulas
• Jumping spiders
• Praying mantises
• Reptiles
• Other invertebrates

While we cannot independently verify all of these claims, we believe it is always best to prioritize caution and quality when it comes to the health of your animals.

We recommend:

• Purchasing feeders from reputable sources
• Avoiding unhealthy or poorly maintained feeders
• Properly caring for feeder insects prior to use

Molting

Molting is one of the most vulnerable stages of a tarantula’s life.

Arboreal tarantulas frequently molt:

• Inside web retreats
• Suspended vertically
• Attached to enclosure walls or cork bark

Before molting, tarantulas may:

• Refuse food
• Become inactive
• Seal themselves within webbing

During Molting:

Never disturb a tarantula during this process.

Successful molts require:

• Proper ventilation
• Stable humidity
• Secure anchor points
• Minimal disturbance

Never feed immediately after a molt. Allow time for the fangs to fully harden.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps maintain healthy enclosure conditions.

Recommended Maintenance:

• Remove uneaten prey promptly
• Spot clean waste regularly
• Clean water dishes frequently
• Monitor humidity and airflow

Avoid destroying established web retreats whenever possible.

Handling

Handling arboreal tarantulas is generally discouraged.

Many arboreal species are:

• Extremely fast
• Defensive when startled
• Capable of sudden movement or jumping

Even calm species can bolt unexpectedly.

At House of MyNia, we recommend appreciating arboreal tarantulas primarily as display animals.

Cohabitation Warning

Arboreal tarantulas should almost always be housed individually.

Housing multiple tarantulas together may result in:

• Stress
• Territorial behavior
• Cannibalism
• Serious injury or death

Common Beginner Mistakes

• Poor ventilation
• Excessively wet enclosures
• Insufficient climbing structures
• Lack of elevated retreats
• Disturbing web retreats frequently
• Handling fast species
• Cohabitation

Final Thoughts

Arboreal tarantulas are some of the most visually stunning and behaviorally fascinating species in the hobby. With proper ventilation, vertical climbing space, humidity balance, and secure retreat areas, these incredible spiders can thrive and display amazing natural behaviors.

At House of MyNia, we believe thoughtfully designed habitats create safer, healthier, and more enriching environments for both keeper and animal.

If you ever have questions regarding arboreal tarantula care, setup recommendations, or husbandry support, we are always happy to help.