The Pink Zebra Beauty, scientifically called the Eupalaestrus Campestratus, is widely recognized as one of the best pet tarantulas. It is calm, gentle, and tolerant to handling. Male specimens live for up to seven years, while female specimens live for up to 20. They can live up to 20 years if they are well cared for and are extremely resilient.
This tarantula, like other New World spiders, is primarily protected by the hairs on its body. Although all tarantulas can be described as “hairy”, different spiders use different hairs (more commonly called “setae”) to accomplish different purposes. Their setae serve three primary purposes: stridulation and sensation as well as urtication.
Although stidulation is a defense mechanism, some species use it to communicate sexually. To warn predators, spiders may use specially-made, barbed hairs2 to make a hissing sound2. Other sensitive hairs can detect chemical compounds or vibrations in the environment. Urticating hairs tend to be longer and more difficult to separate. Potential predators will find the barbs irritating on their skin, eyes, nose, ears, nose, and skin.
Most pet owners aren’t concerned about their gentle nature and the Pink Zebra Beauty causing irritation. It is rare to get bitten by this gentle bug. However, if it did happen, it would be no more painful than a bee sting. It is possible to become allergic to spider hairs or venom, just like any other insect. Therefore it is important not to provoke the E. campestratus.
Which habitat is the most at home?
- campestratus can be found in the central regions of South America. It is found in Brazil and Paraguay. It can be found in a variety of climates, including a tropical savannah, a temperate forest, and a dry mediterranean climate. The humidity is moderately high all year, despite the lack of a dry season.
You will need a large terrarium that is between 5-10 gallons in order to replicate the environment. Because these spiders prefer to be on the ground6, it is important to have enough floor space.
Is there a Zebra Beauty available?
Due to its popularity, the E. campestratus spider is not easy to find. It was difficult to obtain until recent years because most of these spiders were caught in the wild. They are now more affordable and easier to obtain7.
What should I feed my Pink Zebra beauty, and how do I go about it?
These spiders prefer moderately-sized livefood like moths, crickets, and mealworms. Your spider should be fed a few insects per week. It doesn’t matter if the spider eats the prey or not, it’s important to take out the live bugs or carcass so the tarantula is not stressed. There have been numerous cases where the prey has killed or injured tarantulas. Protecting the E. campestratus requires that livefood is introduced with care. To give the spider variety, the insects can be traded once a month for a pinky mice.
