Aphonopelma seemanii (Costa Rican Strip-knee) Tarantula

Aphonopelma seemanni, commonly known as the Costa Rican Zebra Tarantula, is a hardy, medium-to-large terrestrial species distributed throughout Central America. Instantly recognizable by its bold white striping along the legs set against a dark brown or black body, A. seemanni combines classic beauty with resilience. This species inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras, where it constructs deep burrows along forest edges, riverbanks, and road embankments. Inside these burrows, humidity remains high and temperature stable despite fluctuating surface conditions. In the wild, A. seemanni emerges at dusk to forage, quickly retreating to its tunnel when disturbed. It is fast-moving for an Aphonopelma and may display mild defensiveness, though it generally prefers flight to confrontation. In captivity, this species thrives in deep, slightly moist substrate with good ventilation and a stable humidity gradient—making it a rewarding, visible, and manageable species for intermediate keepers.

• Scientific Name: Aphonopelma seemanni

• Adult Leg Span: 5–6 inches

• Country of Origin: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala

• Habitat: Tropical Moist Forest and Lowland Savanna (100–800 m elevation); clay and loamy soils near water sources with ambient temperatures 76–84°F and relative humidity 75–85%, maintaining higher moisture within deep burrows

• Habits: Terrestrial / Burrowing

• Growth Rate: Moderate