How to Identify a Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula

The Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula is the most common name for aphonopelma seemani, but it is sold under other names. This is a popular tarantula in the pet trade today and makes a good starter pet. The following steps will help you identify this tarantula.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn the two distinct color variations of the Costa Rican Zebra. One is a black body with white stripes on the legs and the other is dark brown with tan stripes on the legs.

2. Measure your adult Costa Rican Zebra. It should have a body length up to two inches with a prominent cephalothorax and a leg span up to 4.5 inches with well-developed pedipalps (fangs). Males and females are about the same size.

3. Keep your Costa Rican Zebra in its enclosure. Although it is generally hardy and docile, it should not be handled because it can make incredible bursts of speed when startled. This species burrows almost exclusively both in the wild and in captivity.

4. Find the Costa Rican Zebra in many subtropical grasslands. The black and white variety does originate from Costa Rica and may be found as far north as the southern United States.

5. Look for the brown and tan variety in Nicaragua with a range as far as Guatemala and Panama.

Tips & Warnings

• All tarantulas have some venom, but this species does not usually affect humans, although some individuals may be especially sensitive. Like all New World tarantulas, the Costa Rican Zebra can flick irritating hairs from its abdomen but is not prone to do so.

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