Do Tarantulas Wander in the Wild? What That Means for Captive Care

One question that comes up in the hobby from newer members is this (or variations of it):

• Do tarantulas wander far in the wild?”
• “Tarantula enclosure size recommendations”
• “Is it cruel to keep tarantulas in small cages?”
• “How far do tarantulas roam in nature?”

Thus, if you’re new to the world of tarantula keeping or considering adding one to your exotic pet collection, a common concern is enclosure size and freedom of movement. Many assume these creatures need space to roam, climb, or “stretch their many legs.” But do tarantulas actually wander far from their burrows in the wild?

Short answer: No, tarantulas are not wanderers. And understanding this behaviour is key to creating a proper, stress-free habitat in captivity.

Tarantula Behaviour in the Wild: Homebodies by Nature

In their natural habitats, whether it's a humid jungle, arid scrubland, or tropical forest, tarantulas are surprisingly sedentary. The vast majority of tarantula species are ambush predators, relying on stealth and patience rather than pursuit.

Terrestrial tarantulas and burrow behaviour

Ground-dwelling tarantulas dig deep burrows or occupy natural crevices and holes. Once they’ve established a safe spot, they rarely leave it unless absolutely necessary. Think: kicked out by predator or people. Studies of Aphonopelma species in the southwestern U.S., for instance, show that some individuals may remain in the same burrow for years.¹

They emerge primarily to hunt, but even then, they usually stay within a few feet of their burrow entrance, sensing prey through vibrations and grabbing it when it gets close. Their entire survival strategy is built around staying still, staying hidden, and striking fast.

Arboreal tarantulas: vertical homebodies

Tree-dwelling tarantulas like Avicularia or Poecilotheria build silken retreats in hollows, under bark, or among foliage. Again, once they establish a secure hide, they stay close. They patrol a limited area, primarily for hunting or occasional maintenance of their retreat. Indeed, to see one out is a sign of stress free living on the tarantulas part, and if it hides inside all the time, that is OK too. 

The one exception: mature males

When a male tarantula reaches maturity (known as becoming “ultimate”), his instincts shift. Driven by the need to reproduce, he will leave the safety of his home and travel extensively in search of a mate. In some cases, this can mean travelling hundreds of meters, a dangerous and often fatal journey. But outside of this mating drive, tarantulas are not explorers. This usually happens at the end of the males life cycle and he goes in search of the female as she will not leave her hide or burrow as it's not safe. In captivity, the male is almost always handed to the female in her enclosure and in a safe way, eliminating the need to explore. 

What This Means for Captive Care

Captive tarantulas don’t need large enclosures

This brings us to a common beginner question: “Is it cruel to keep a tarantula in a small enclosure?” The answer, when it’s done right, is no.

Tarantulas don’t crave space in the way mammals or birds might. In fact, a large, open enclosure without proper hiding places often stresses them out.

Proper enclosures mimic their natural lifestyle

If your setup provides:

• A deep substrate for burrowing (terrestrial species),
• Vertical space and anchor points for silk (arboreal species),
• A dark, secure hide,
• Stable temperature and humidity,
• Regular access to live food,

…then you’re actually doing better than nature in many ways.

In the wild, tarantulas face predators, parasites, environmental hazards, and food scarcity. In captivity, they have:

• No threats,
• Consistent food supply,
• No risk of dehydration or predation,
• Stable climate conditions.

A correctly sized enclosure doesn’t restrict them-it protects them. This is not a creature that will get bored with the same 4 walls, it thrives on knowing they are there. 

Avoid over-sizing the enclosure

Especially for terrestrial species, a tank that’s too large can confuse them and make it harder to locate prey. Long stretches of open space may be interpreted as unsafe terrain. They can also struggle to find food if prey items escape their detection range.

As a rule of thumb:

• Terrestrial species: Floor space 3x body length, substrate depth 1.5–2x leg span.
• Arboreal species: Vertical height 2–3x leg span with appropriate anchor points.

Ethical Tarantula Keeping is Welfare Over Assumptions

The idea that a pet needs space to run, explore, or play is true for dogs, cats, birds, and rodents. It’s not true for tarantulas. Their world is different, measured not in miles, but in inches and CM.

What tarantulas want:

• Security
• Darkness
• Predictability
• A hide they can call home

What they don’t want:

• Bright lights
• Big open spaces
• Constant handling or movement

Treating them like reptiles or mammals is a mistake. Treating them like the reclusive ambush predators they are? That’s the key to a long-lived, low-stress tarantula.

Final Thought: Keepers Are Conservators

Keeping tarantulas ethically and correctly isn't just about giving them space—it's about respecting their biology. And in that sense, a small but well-designed enclosure is more natural than people think. You’re not denying them freedom; you’re giving them what they’ve evolved to need.

Sources used:

1. “Home Range and Movement of the Desert Tarantula, Aphonopelma chalcodes” – Journal of Arachnology. Found tarantulas had extremely limited movement ranges, often under 3 meters.

2. “Tarantulas of the World” by Rick C. West and Jan Ove Rein

Discusses habitat-specific behaviors across major species.

3. “Captive Husbandry of Terrestrial Tarantulas” – British Tarantula Society Detailed best practices for replicating burrow-based lifestyles.