New World terrestrial tarantulas are a popular group of spiders native to the Americas, particularly Central and South America. These tarantulas are known for their burrowing behavior, making them primarily terrestrial, as they prefer to dig deep into the substrate to create burrows. Many of these species, including the Grammostola, Brachypelma, and Aphonopelma genera, are often chosen by tarantula enthusiasts due to their manageable size and relatively calm demeanor.
One of the defining characteristics of New World terrestrial tarantulas is their possession of urticating hairs—fine, irritating bristles located on the their abdomen. When threatened, these spiders can flick the hairs from their bodies towards predators, causing irritation or discomfort. This defensive mechanism is a key difference from Old World species, which rely on speed and venom for protection.
New World terrestrials tend to be slow-moving and relatively docile, making them well-suited for beginner tarantula keepers.
While slow-growing, New World terrestrial tarantulas are long-lived and, when properly cared for, can become a rewarding addition to any tarantula collection, offering fascinating behaviors and beautiful coloration.