Heterothele villosella
✓ VerifiedTanzanian Dwarf Chestnut Tarantula, Tanzanian Chestnut
Quick Facts
Adult Size
2-3 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Temperament
docile
Taxonomy
Community
Experience Required
Beginner Friendly
Great for first-time keepers
🌡️ Climate Requirements
Temperature Range
72–82°F
(22–28°C)
Humidity Range
60% - 70%
🏠 Enclosure Sizes
Sling
Tiny vial
Juvenile
3x3x4"
Adult
5x5x5"
🪨 Substrate
Type
coco fiber, slightly moist
Depth
3-4 inches
🍽️ Feeding Schedule
Sling
Every 3-4 days
Juvenile
Every 5-7 days
Adult
Every 1-2 weeks
Prey Size
Small prey appropriate to body size
💧 Additional Care Notes
Water Dish
Not Required
Webbing
heavy
Burrowing
Yes
🕷️ Behavior & Temperament
General Temperament
docile
Care Guide
**Tanzanian Dwarf Chestnut Tarantula** — A standout beginner-friendly Old World dwarf species. Despite being Old World (no urticating hairs), H. villosella is notably calm and slow to bite, making it one of the most accessible OW tarantulas for newcomers.
A fast-growing dwarf that reaches maturity relatively quickly. Heavily webs its enclosure and burrow entrance. Keep moderately moist. No water dish needed — misting one side of the enclosure 2-3x per week is sufficient.
H. villosella is commonly bred in captivity and is usually available at reasonable prices. A great gateway into Old World keeping without the white-knuckle stress of baboon spiders or Poecilotheria. Its small size and active webbing behavior make it a great display species. Note: despite beginner rating, it is still Old World — basic OW precautions apply.
⚠️ Safety Information
Urticating Hairs
This species does not have urticating hairs (Old World species).
Venom Potency
Venom is not considered medically significant to humans, though reactions may vary.
Species Statistics
0
Total Keepers
N/A
Community Rating
Beginner Friendly
Care Level
🕷️
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