What does spiderling mean?

A spiderling, often shortened to sling, is a young tarantula that has not yet reached juvenile size. Some are only a few millimetres across, while others are already sturdy enough to make you wonder how something so small can look so determined.

Spiderlings are popular because they are usually more affordable and you get to watch the animal grow. The trade-off is that they need more careful monitoring than a larger juvenile or adult.

How care differs from adults

Spiderlings are normally kept in smaller, well-ventilated containers so they can find prey and settle properly. The enclosure should fit the spider, not the keeper's dream display tank.

• Use tiny prey or pre-killed food where needed.
• Avoid over-large enclosures that make feeding and monitoring difficult.
• Keep husbandry steady, with sensible moisture for the species.
• Expect growth speed to vary hugely between species.

Should beginners buy spiderlings?

They can, but a juvenile is often easier for a first tarantula because it is more visible, more robust and less fiddly to feed. If you do choose a spiderling, choose a hardy species and read the species care guide first.