Costa Rican zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Costa Rican zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) (origin: Costa Rica, Nicaragua). Adult size around body 5–6 cm, leg span 12–14 cm. Life expectancy females 20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Costa Rican zebra tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×30 cm.
Costa Rican zebra tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–22 °C.
Costa Rican zebra tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Costa Rican zebra tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 20 years.
Costa Rican zebra tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 65–75 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus 10–15 cm for digging, a cork hide
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 5–6 cm, leg span 12–14 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 20 years
- Origin
- Costa Rica, Nicaragua
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly (cannibalistic). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts too. For mating, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately afterwards.
Notes
A burrowing ground spider with white leg stripes. It builds tubes and is often hidden – substrate depth matters more than floor area.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
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- Texas brown tarantula (Aphonopelma hentzi) – Beginner
- Mexican bloodleg tarantula (Aphonopelma bicoloratum) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
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- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Costa Rican zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus 10–15 cm for digging, a cork hide), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphonopelma_seemanni, https://tarantulacribs.com/pages/aphonopelma-seemanni-costa-rican-zebra-tarantula-care-guide, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/aphonopelma-seemanni
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).