[2] [3] A burrowing species, the curlyhair tarantula is found in tropical scrubland, either around the base of large trees, near rivers, or in patches of cleared rain forest. It has a golden-bronze sheen due to longer gold bristles that cover the whole body, which are particularly dense on the hind legs. Scientific Name: Brachypelma albopilosum (Valerio 1980) Common Name(s): Curlyhair tarantula (Honduran curlyhair tarantula) Range: The east of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica Habitat: Scrubland, brush, and the edges of forest Experience Level: Beginner Type: Terrestrial, burrower Size: Leg span up to around 14cm (5.5″) Growth rate: Medium This is a staple species in the hobby and has been around for a long time. I also wanted to have photos of the "Hobby" specimen side by side for comparison. For a long time the Honduran Curly Hair was the main tarantula you saw in the hobby but many believe that they have been subject to accidental or intentional cross breeding with other closely related species muddying their bloodline while the Nicaraguan is rumored to be a thoroughbred species and are kept separate from the hobby form now for breeding purposes. The species was first described by Carlos Valerio in 1980, as Receptive females will allow a male to mate, usually during the rainy season, resulting in the making of an egg sac and the laying of 300 to 500 eggs several weeks later. This is a staple species in the hobby and has been around for a long time. In captivity both male and female specimens have grown to have a leg span of just over 6 inches, however, males live a shorter life at only 5 years in captivity opposed to females reportedly living up to 20 years. A hobby staple, Tliltocatl albopilosus (ex. Urticating hairs can cause itching and even blisters, though I find this species hairs to not be as irritating as other species and do to their docile nature, mine has never kicked hairs at me in defense. I prefer using the latter with this species as I have found they really like to burrow deep as spiderlings, but either will be fine. Ever since the Brachypelma albopilosum "Nicaragua" were imported I wanted them in my collection so I purchased them and I'm extremely thankful to have the Nicaraguan stock. This species makes for an excellent display T as adults because they spend a lot of time out of their hide and on display. This species is a NEW WORLD terrestrial, semi-burrowing tarantula that can be found in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica in regions of the rain forest and found near rivers, at the base of trees and in areas of the rain forest that have been cleared mostly along the Atlantic side of these countries. I keep my spiderlings in small acrylic amac boxes. I still make sure to remove any uneaten prey and boluses within 24 hours and wait 10-14 days after a molt before attempting to feed again. Description. Unique fuzzy coat, docile temperament, and ease of breeding contribute to T. albopilosus being a good choice for hobby newcomers and experienced alike. Brachypelma albopilosum "Nicaragua" - 1" - Nicaraguan Curly Hair SKU: $25.00. I do not recommend using live plants with this species as the plants will require more light and moisture than the tarantula seems to prefer, but most importantly because this t will more than likely dig them up or cover them with dirt. $65.00. $65.00. I use either a vent or dill or melt vent holes into the side and or top of the enclosure. I keep the substrate for my spiderlings a little more damp than I do for larger specimens but avoid keeping things swampy. I always make sure I remove any uneaten prey 24 hours later and never leave uneaten pieces of prey in the enclosure to help prevent mold and mites. If you are comfortable, your tarantula is comfortable. I fill the enclosure up about ⅔ with coco fiber, provide a hide and water dish and usually a small fake plant and a little sphagnum moss and broken up dried leaves mostly for a natural look. They are notorious for filling up their water dish with dirt or flipping it over, so I have to check on their water dish at least 3x a week. I don't use any prey larger than ⅔ the size of the tarantula and if i have to feed something larger, i will smash the preys head before dropping it in the enclosure. Micro mealworms and superworms. Brachypelma albopilosum) is hardy, reasonably fast growing, easy to breed, long-lived, and beautiful.It has a unique appearance, attributable to the combination of curly hairs, shiny carapace, and shades of dark brown to black in the legs and abdomen.