The majestic Zebra Knee Tarantula has impressive coloration. These large spiders can make great pets for beginners who have had a bit of experience with spiders before.

Although the Zebra Knee Tarantula is a large and apparently slow moving arachnid, it can actually move with an almost amazing speed when frightened or upset, or when it is hunting. The Zebra Knee Tarantula is a terrestrial tarantula, and spends most of its time on the ground. However, some people have seen these tarantulas attempting to climb the walls of their enclosures. They have also been known to burrow frequently. Zebra Knee Tarantulas usually do not get along with others and should be housed individually. This species is quite popular among hobbyists, and may be a good choice for beginners.

There are actually two color phases in the Zebra Knee Tarantula. The first is the Costa Rican. This tarantula is black, and its legs are zebra-striped with white. The second color phase is the Guatemalan Zebra Knee Tarantula, which is a very dark brown overall with light tan stripes on the legs. Both Zebra Knee color phases grow to between two and a half to four and a half inches (six to ten centimeters) long, and the legs can be as long as five inches (13 centimeters). Males have an average life span of about three years, while females live considerably longer: up to 15 years.

Zebra Knee Tarantulas originate from areas of the Pacific Coast that show elevated tropical forests and secondary growth over land that was once cleared. They range from the southern United States down through Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. Although these tarantulas are often sold to beginners, it may be better that only beginners that have had some experience with tarantulas keep them.

Zebra Knee Tarantulas require a horizontally oriented enclosure that is two and a half to five gallons at the minimum. The temperature range should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a 75 to 80 percent humidity level should be maintained at all times. A shallow water bowl for drinking water may be provided. The substrate should be between four and five inches deep to allow the Zebra Knee Tarantula to burrow. Often potting soil and peat moss make fine choices. Although hiding places may be offered, the Zebra Knee Tarantula will probably hide in its burrow. You should allow leaves or some other flat small items with which the spider could cover the entrance hole to its burrow. Usually large insects like crickets, cockroaches, earthworms, and locusts are fed to Zebra Knee Tarantulas. Pinkie mice are offered on occasion.

Zebra Knee Tarantulas are reported to be escape artists. For this reason make sure that the enclosure's lid is secure.

Normally, male Zebra Knee Tarantulas die soon after they reach sexual maturity. Females will lay between 100 and 400 eggs after mating. These require between one and a half to two and a half months to hatch. The young spiderlings can be kept in clear plastic deli containers and fed pinhead crickets or other appropriately sized insects.