{"product_id":"aphonopelma-seemanni-striped-knee-tarantula-for-sale","title":"Aphonopelma seemanni (striped-knee tarantula) 0.66\"","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAphonopelma seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e, commonly known as the striped-knee tarantula, is a medium-sized terrestrial tarantula native to Central America. Sometimes also referred to as the Costa Rican zebra tarantula, this species is instantly recognizable by the bold cream-to-white bands encircling its otherwise dark legs, a characteristic reflected in both of its widely used common names. Typical coloration includes a dark gray to olive-gray carapace and a brown to black abdomen clothed in tan to copper-colored hairs, along with peach-colored spinnerets and a peach to salmon-colored ventral surface. Well known for its hardiness, long lifespan, and relatively straightforward husbandry, \u003ci\u003eA. seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e has remained one of the most popular tarantulas in captivity for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species grows at a moderate rate and spends much of its time within a burrow or beneath enclosure décor. Juveniles readily excavate extensive tunnel systems, while adults typically establish a permanent retreat that they may reinforce with silk and substrate over time. Although generally considered calm, individuals often retreat when disturbed and may rely on urticating hairs as their primary means of defense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Striped-knee tarantula, Costa Rican zebra tarantula\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNative Range:\u003c\/b\u003e Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLife Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Terrestrial burrower\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 5–6 inches in diagonal leg span\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e Males 4–6 years; females 15–20+ years under optimal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e Generally calm but may flick urticating hairs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCare Difficulty:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAphonopelma seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e Care\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAphonopelma seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e is a hardy terrestrial species that thrives when provided with deep substrate suitable for burrowing and a predominantly dry enclosure with access to a localized humidity gradient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/b\u003e 1 oz condiment cup or equivalent for spiderlings, upgraded as needed with growth; 14” x 10” x 8” or larger terrestrial enclosures for adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/b\u003e Provide sufficient depth of moisture-retentive substrate to accommodate natural burrowing behavior. Coconut fiber, peat moss, topsoil, and similar substrates work well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e 72–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHumidity:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate ambient humidity is generally sufficient. Approximately 25–50% of the substrate should retain moisture to provide a humidity gradient while allowing the remaining substrate to stay drier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Fruit flies, crickets, cockroaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/b\u003e Spiderlings can be offered appropriately sized prey once or twice weekly. Juveniles and adults are typically fed every 7–14 days, with feeding frequency adjusted based on prey size, growth rate, and the condition of the individual animal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e: Lightly moisten part of the substrate as needed for smaller specimens; larger specimens should have access to a water dish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRoutine Maintenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Remove uneaten prey, monitor substrate moisture, and spot-clean when necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eNatural History\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAphonopelma seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e is distributed throughout portions of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, where it occurs across a variety of habitats. It constructs silk-lined burrows beneath rocks, roots, fallen logs, and other natural cover, using these retreats to shelter from predators and environmental extremes while emerging primarily after dark to ambush passing invertebrate prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough best known for its striking cream-colored leg bands, \u003ci\u003eA. seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e exhibits a greater range of coloration than is often appreciated. Recently molted specimens frequently display a pronounced bluish cast across the legs, carapace, and abdomen, particularly under natural sunlight or full-spectrum lighting. This coloration is most pronounced during the first few months after molting and gradually fades to the darker gray, olive, brown, and black coloration typical of the species. Despite specimens occasionally being marketed within the hobby as “\u003ci\u003eAphonopelma seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e ‘blue,’” no evidence supports the existence of a distinct blue color form or locality. Rather, this attractive blue coloration is a normal part of the species’ molt cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMolecular research suggests that \u003ci\u003eAphonopelma\u003c\/i\u003e, as currently defined, contains several distinct evolutionary lineages. \u003ci\u003eA. seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e is the type species of the genus \u003ci\u003eAphonopelma\u003c\/i\u003e, meaning that the generic name is permanently anchored to the genus containing this species. In any future taxonomic revision, other species currently assigned to \u003ci\u003eAphonopelma\u003c\/i\u003e would need to be evaluated to determine whether they belong in the same genus. Many species outside the Central American lineage containing \u003ci\u003eA. seemanni\u003c\/i\u003e may eventually be placed in other genera.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buddha Bugs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45255368737077,"sku":"","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0669\/4259\/9477\/files\/Aphonopelma-seemanni-striped-knee-tarantula.jpg?v=1785014830","url":"https:\/\/buddha-bugs.com\/products\/aphonopelma-seemanni-striped-knee-tarantula-for-sale","provider":"Buddha Bugs","version":"1.0","type":"link"}