SPECIES CARE GUIDE
Thai Zebra Tarantula
Melopoeus albostriatus
ENVIRONMENT
Core care conditions
Use these ranges as a starting point and adjust for life stage, enclosure ventilation and observed behaviour.
HUSBANDRY OVERVIEW
At a glance
- Taxonomic group
- Arachnida
- Origin
- Thailand
- Lifestyle
- Fossorial / terrestrial
- Adult size (diagonal leg span)
- Around 12 cm
- Temperament
- Fast and defensive when disturbed
- Experience level
- Experienced keepers
- Visibility
- Often hidden in a burrow or retreat
- Burrowing
- Yes; provide deep, stable substrate
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Urticating hairs
- No
- Venom
- Medically significant bite possible; avoid handling
- Tarantula region
- Old World
CARE NOTES
Keeping considerations
A Thai burrowing tarantula sold under the spelling Melopoeus albostriatum; the World Spider Catalog lists Melopoeus albostriatus. Give it deep compacted substrate, a starter burrow, a secure lid, water and a moist lower zone. Observe without handling and keep the enclosure well ventilated.
PRACTICAL HUSBANDRY
Day-to-day care
Diet & prey
Offer appropriately sized captive-bred invertebrate prey such as roaches, crickets or locusts. Use smaller prey for slings; remove leftovers.
Feeding
Offer slings suitable prey about weekly and older spiders less often according to body condition. Stop offering prey during premoult and wait until the fangs harden after a moult.
Enclosure
House singly in a secure, escape-proof terrestrial enclosure with generous floor space, deep substrate, a starter burrow or cork hide and a water dish. Keep climbing height low.
Substrate
Provide a deep layer of compacted, fertiliser-free soil or soil/coir mix that can hold a burrow. Avoid loose, collapsing tunnels.
Ventilation
Provide steady cross ventilation while retaining a moist lower substrate zone. Avoid stagnant, saturated air.
Hydration & misting
Keep a clean water dish available. Lightly moisten part of the substrate when needed while allowing a drier surface area; do not drench the entire enclosure.
Handling
Do not handle. These fast Old World tarantulas can bolt or defend their burrows; use a catch cup and plan a clear escape-free transfer.
DETAILED GUIDE
A secure burrowing home
Start a burrow beneath a stable cork hide and give the spider a deep, compacted soil layer. House it alone and keep all openings secure; a startled animal may move quickly.
Moisture and ventilation
Keep a moist zone below the surface and a full water dish, with enough airflow to prevent persistent condensation and mould. Treat humidity figures as guidance rather than a reason to soak the whole enclosure.
Feeding and moulting
Offer prey smaller than the spider’s body. Remove uneaten insects, particularly if the spider has sealed its retreat or entered premoult. Leave it undisturbed until its new fangs have hardened.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Keeper notes
Fast, defensive Old World tarantula without urticating hairs. A bite may be medically significant. Keep singly, secure the lid, and avoid disturbing the spider during moulting.
SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the references
Care can vary by species, life stage and local conditions. Review multiple reputable sources before making husbandry decisions.
Last reviewed:
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