Hey there

So there are a lot of threads where beginners ask what T's are good to begin with or once they have a T, they want to know what to choose next. I am going to list what in my opinion are good T's to start with and encourage other keepers to add to this thread.

This is not a rule book to stick by, but more of a rough guide. My first T ever was one of the worst you should ever start with Heteroscodra Maculata (Togo Starburst Baboon), so I didn't get the safest start. I did as much research as possible to know and understand the species and ALWAYS respected that a Tarantula is not a pet to be careless around, they are creatures of nature and instinct and with the proper care will always be rewarding to keep. When it comes to handling, only if you have a good amount of experience with the specific T's that you feel comfortable handling, should you even fancy an attempt in doing so.


So here is my list of great beginner's T's

1: Grammostola rosea - The Chilean Rose.

Most Grammostola species are good to begin with.



The quintessential beginner's Tarantula. Sometimes known as the Pet Rock because they can go days without budging and are also known to go on feeding strikes for long periods of time. Truly one of the very best beginner tarantulas and a relatively safe bet for someone looking to handle their first Tarantula (Although from time to time you may come across a demonic specimen that will never allow itself to be handled, so always beware and respect the specific specimen.). Generally slow moving, slow growing and have a docile temperament. They are known by a variety of common names and come in a few colour variations that differ slightly. They are generally low in price and readily available.

2: Brachypelma albopilosum - Honduran Curly or Curly

Most Brachypelma species are good to begin with.



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling) with Burrowing tendencies. Docile, slow moving, slow to medium growing, great eaters and even though they are not bright in colour, they have a striking look with their large curly setae (bristles) all over their bodies. A well known favourite and loved by many veterans in the hobby. Generally low in price and readily available.

3: Grammostola pulchripes - Chaco Golden Knee



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling) with Burrowing tendencies. Definitely a favourite. Docile, slow moving although can be skittish, slow to medium growing, great eaters. They have lovely golden markings on their "knees" and grow to a good size. They are not shy and stay out in the open most of the time. They are extremely good at doing the "smarty pants dance" while they web a feeding mat after catching their prey. Quite readily available and low in price.

4: Grammostola pulchra - Brazilian Black Velvet



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling). At this point in time (2011) very hard to find in South Africa, but worth the wait and price. Docile, slow moving, slow growing, great eaters although are also known to fast for long periods of time. They grow to a decent size and develop to a beautiful velvety black. Quite expensive if you can find them.

5: Brachypelma vagans - Mexican Red rump



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling) with Burrowing tendencies. Docile, slow moving although can be skittish, slow to medium growing, great eaters. They have as their name suggests, red coloured bristles on the rump and grow to a good size. Quite readily available and low in price.

6: Brachypelma smithi - Mexican Red Knee



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling). Always going to be one of the favourites in the hobby, I hope . Docile, slow moving, slow to medium growing, great eaters and always visible. They have awesome black, cream and orange to red markings on their legs and carapace which have always made them a great display specimen. This T had been seen on TV, in classrooms and expo's around the world due to their vibrant colouration and easy going character. Also great in place of this T is the B.emilia , B.auratum and B.boehmei - They all look great but vary slightly in temperament.

7: Avicularia avicularia - Common Pinktoe



In my opinion one of the very best beginners arboreal (Tree Dwelling) tarantulas to keep. They web nice looking hides in the upper areas of their enclosures and often cruise around so they are readily visible. They are voracious eaters and take crickets and roaches with great gusto. They do have some special requirements in that they require high amounts of humidity and high amounts of ventilation at the same time to really flourish, but this can easily be sorted with a large water dish in the enclosure with plenty of ventilation holes. Don't over-wet the enclosure with constant spraying and misting as this attracts bacteria, mites and other issues that could kill your tarantula. You should also know that this species is slightly delicate and are known to die without much warning as with some of the other Avicularia species. Fair in price but sometimes a bit difficult to get your hands on.

8: Nhandu Chromatus - Brazilian Red & White



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling) with Burrowing tendencies. Also one of my favourite for beginners. They are generally docile but can be skittish and flick hair if they feel threatened in any way. Good growing speed, energetic eaters but tend to burrow and stay out of sight sometimes, I find it depends on the specific spider, some hide, some don't. They have awesome black and white colouration on their legs and red bristles on the opisthosoma (abdomen) topped off with a light cream coloured carapace, making them great to look at from a few centimetres in size already. Honestly, for what you pay to get them, these T's repay you 10 fold in looks. If you are a beginner looking for an affordable but striking looking T, this is the one. Usually very easy to find and really low in price (From as low as R20.00!)

9: Lasiodora parahybana - Salmon Pink Birdeater



This species can be skittish and flick hair if disturbed. They are generally calm and slow moving, but should still not be trifled with as they grow bigger, and they grow fast. They don't have any special colouration except the slightly pink colour of the bristles all over their bodies. The reason I have added this species as a beginner Tarantula is because it is comfortable to work with but it comes with Bragging rights... it's one of the very biggest tarantulas out there ±20cm, next to the Theraphosa blondi - Goliath Birdeater and Theraphosa apophysis - Goliath Pinkfoot , but they don't possess the terribly itchy urticating bristles as these other monsters and are much easier to find due to the thousands of eggs they produce so they are very cheap as a result. If you gotta have at least one monster, this is the one!

10: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens - Green Bottle Blue



Without contest one of the most beautiful T's in the hobby. Once you have kept a few T's this is definitely a safe step to take. This T can be very skittish and does flick hair if bothered too much. They create fantastic havens made of web and often web up entire enclosures. They grow at a decent speed and change from an interesting pink looking sling to a stunning adult with a metallic green carapace, metallic blue legs and an orange and black abdomen. They are almost always out in the open and busy doing something or other, they eat very well and will attack prey with vigour. They do NOT need a very humid environment and can do with an enclosure with dry peat and a nicely sized water dish. Some people make the mistake of making their enclosure far too damp and pay the ultimate price. Available from time to time and have a fair price tag. Absolutely beautiful and a must in any decent collection.

11: Acanthoscurria geniculata - Giant White Knee



Terrestrial (Ground dwelling) and very popular in the hobby. This T is starting to become a bit more serious for the beginner. Can be skittish, generally slow moving, fast growing and always visible except if chilling in their hides from time to time. This T eats like there is no tomorrow, they will take almost anything that comes their way, even three or four crickets or roaches at a time, but with their voracious eating habits they can easily be overfed. They flick some very nasty urticating bristles and will bite if they feel the need. They grow large and although the venom is not bad, like the Lasiodora parahybana above, the bite will hurt a good deal due to the size of their fangs. They are not so easily startled and have been known to actually turn and face a threat rather than flee, they are cheeky, strong and have great striped markings that make them a definite favourite.

12: Holothele incei - Trinidad Olive



So there are terrestrial and arboreal T's in this list, but what about communal? Well, here it is. The Trinidad Olive is very well known to live communally. Nick-named the "bumble-bee" by some due to the yellow banded pattern on the abdomen, this is a hardy little Tarantula. I say little because at full size measure only 6 or 7 centimetres in diagonal leg span. Don't be fooled by their size however, although they are very well mannered and don't easily get defensive, these T's move like lightning when they want to, so always work very carefully with them. They are also experts at webbing and web some amazing structures. A great all-around package with looks, unique size, speed and the ability to be kept communally. Very affordable and often readily available.


So there are my favourites for beginners, I hope this helps beginners making their choice on their first T, or also the beginner that already has a T or 2 and is looking for something else to add to his/her collection.

These creatures are fascinating and I am sure before long your collection will far outgrow this list.

HS