The Curly Hair Tarantula is a favorite among beginners and experienced hobbyists alike because of its large size and docile demeanor. It is relatively common in the pet trade and not overly expensive, making it even more popular.

The Curly Hair Tarantula is known by several common names including, Honduras Curly Hair Tarantula, Curlyhair Tarantula, and Wooly Tarantula. These are hardy tarantulas, making them all the better for the beginning hobbyist. These tarantulas are also interesting to watch, and some hobbyists claim that they have more personality than some other popular tarantula species, such as the Chilean Rose Tarantula. In the wild, the Curly Hair Tarantula feeds almost exclusively on insects. In captivity they seem to do quite well on a diet of insects (including roaches and crickets), pinkie mice, and even small lizards. Larger individuals may also be given a fuzzy mouse from time to time. The Curly Hair Tarantula is generally non-aggressive, though they do have urticating hairs, which can get into your skin if you handle them. They are reported to be one of the worst species for urticating hairs and for this reason handling may not be advised. Though the Curly Hair is typically not aggressive, some individuals may be skittish. In the wild this species is found in tropical regions and is a terrestrial, burrowing species. It is important to try to emulate their natural surroundings with high humidity and moist substrate in captivity so that they may thrive.

The Curly Hair Tarantula is a beautiful species, though it is not overly colorful. Although their common name might suggest otherwise, not all Curly Hair Tarantulas have curly hair. Many Curly Hair Tarantulas, however, have thick curly hair that cover their abdomens and legs, which is where their name comes from. What makes this species so attractive; aside from its large size (5 to 6 inches [12.7 to 15.3 centimeters] at maturity on average), are the brown and gold markings that are seen on their cephalothoraxes. These spiders grow at a moderate to slow rate, and take time to reach maturity.

Curly Hair Tarantulas are native to Central America. They are most common in the montane and cloud forests of this region, and are usually seen in Costa Rica and Honduras, though they are more common in Costa Rica. This species was first described scientifically in 1980 by Valerio.

Adult Curly Hair Tarantulas can be housed in 5 to 10 gallon terrariums. Since this is a terrestrial species, length and width are more important than height. Terrariums should be decorated so that they provide plenty of hiding spots. Decorative items such as driftwood and bark can serve this purpose quite well. A broken flowerpot may also be used to provide a nice built-in burrow. The substrate in their habitat should be damp vermiculite and should be kept moist. Some hobbyists recommend using peat moss or potting soil as a substrate. Two to three inches of substrate should be sufficient, this is a burrowing species, so they need enough substrate so that they can burrow when they desire to do so. Once spiders have reached a large enough size (approximately 3 inch leg-span) they should be given a shallow water dish to drink from. The Curly Hair Tarantula should be kept in temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 to 29.4 degrees Celsius), with moderately high humidity (75 to 80%). Humidity can be maintained by keeping the substrate moist and misting the enclosure frequently. These tarantulas are known to be escape artists so make sure you use a secure lid.

Like other New World Tarantulas, the Curly Hair Tarantula has urticating hairs, which they may flick off when handled. Some people may be sensitive to these hairs.

Spiderlings should be fed pinhead crickets until they grow large enough to handle larger insects and small lizards. Pinkie mice may also be given once they reach a large enough size.

Spiderlings can be housed in small plastic containers, such as deli containers. It is important that these types of containers have air holes or spiderlings may suffocate.