OK, so I started this article thinking I know, I’ll make a long list of all the best communal tarantulas there are, that’ll be helpful to my readers! But we all know, even if someone says a tarantula is communal, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are. Unfortunately, I’ve found that out the hard way.
Instead, I’ve compiled a list, which in my view, are the best communal tarantulas to keep living together in perfect harmony.
First thing to make clear is, the majority of tarantula’s are solitary and territorial creatures. Putting them in the same enclosure as other tarantulas WILL result in just one, fat, spider. Even if you try and house communal tarantulas together, there is no guarantee of success.
With that said, lets take a look at which spiders I think make the easiest and best communal tarantulas.
Poecilotheria
Our first communal tarantula is the poecilotheria genus. These ornamental tarantulas include:
p. formosa (Salem ornamental)
p. metallica Gooty sapphire ornamental)
p. miranda (Bengal spotted ornamental)
p. regalis (Indian Ornamental)
p. rufilata (red slate ornamental)
p. striata (Mysore ornamental, Pedersen’s ghost ornamental)
p. tigrinawessel (Wessel’s tiger ornamental)
They are arboreal tarantulas, known for their vivid colour patterns, fast movement, and potent venom compared to other tarantulas. As of 2019 all species are protected under CITES.
Bear in mind that these spiders can be very territorial, especially the mature spiders of these species. The younger spiders will not show aggression, but if given enough space, adults will.
This is because, as with all tarantulas, the more space you give them, the more territory they have to defend, leading to more aggression towards other spiders.
However, the good news is that as they are arboreal, more height should be given to their enclosure than width.
We have an article dedicated to the p. metallica here.
Monocentropus Balfouri
The other *true* communal is the ever-popular m. Balfouri (Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula). It is in fact one of the widely preferred tarantulas for a communal set-up.
Compared to most of the other baboon species, it isn’t as aggressive which in turn means they are not as likely to be as territorial and defensive towards other spiders.
It is also extremely beautiful, with its blue legs and orange haired abdomen. However, it can be a little daunting to first time owners due to its speed and venom.
As with all other baboon tarantulas, the m. Balfouri is an Old World tarantula.
Disappointingly, these are the only two genus/species of tarantula that are guaranteed communal. The next two on my list are possibly communal – I’ve heard stories to support both sides.
Neoholothele Incei
The n. Incei (Trinidad Olive Tarantula) is hit and miss. There are many reports of this species being kept as communal, but I have also heard of many failed attempts.
The success rate of having a successful n. Incei communal is spotty at best.
Some of the more common beliefs are:
- Let the slings grow with their mom
- As they are much less expensive that most tarantulas, start with slings
- Use babies that have been kept together (not even separated for shipping)
- They live communally in the wild.
Hysterocrates Gigas
H. gigas (Cameroon Red Baboon) are another assumed communal species.
However, there have been no reports of a successful adult communal of this species in captivity. Slings and juveniles will live together but once they mature….
The only possible way of keeping these as a communal species is if a female and male manage to get to adulthood, mate successfully and produce babies. Even then, once the new slings have grown, they will eat each other.
Whichever tarantula you choose to keep communally, be prepared to end up with just one at the end of it. Personally, apart from the first two mentioned in this list, I wouldn’t even attempt to keep communities together anymore.