Heterothele villosella
Heterothele • Theraphosidae
**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.
Temperature
72-82°F
Humidity
60-70%
Prey size: Small prey appropriate to body size
Type
fossorial
Adult Size
2-3 inches
Growth Rate
fast
Native Region
Tanzania, Mozambique
Temperament
docile
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