Aphonopelma seemanni (Costa rican zebra)

Aphonopelma seemanni (Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula)

Origin: Central America — Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras.
Size: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm) leg span.
Lifespan: Females 12–15 years, males 3–4 years.
Lifestyle: Terrestrial and fossorial; often creates burrows but may also use natural hides.
Appearance: Dark brown to black body with distinctive white striping on the legs, giving it the “zebra” look.
Temperament: Generally skittish and fast-moving. May kick urticating hairs when disturbed but is not overly defensive.
Care & Habitat:

Enclosure: Terrestrial setup with 5–6 inches of substrate and at least one hide.

Substrate: Moisture-retentive soil, coconut fiber, or a soil mix to support burrows.

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C).

Humidity: 65–75%, with a shallow water dish and occasional misting.

Diet: Crickets, roaches, and mealworms weekly; juveniles more often.