The Chilean Gold Standards: A Guide to Homoeomma chilensis & orellanai for UK Keepers
Introduction
If you were to ask any veteran keeper to name the "perfect" tarantula, the Homoeomma chilensis (Chilean Flame) and its close relative, Homoeomma orellanai, would be the top contenders. Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Chile, these species represent the pinnacle of arachnid charm.
H. chilensis: Famous for its charcoal-grey velvet coat and brilliant red patch on abdomen.
H. orellanai: Often called the "Chilean Bumblebee," with yellow/orange patch of hair on abdomen and a slightly different leg-to-body ratio.
For the UK keeper, these aren't just pets; they are legendary companions known for being the most inquisitive and gentle spiders in the entire hobby.
Size, Growth, and Longevity
Both species are small-to-medium terrestrial tarantulas, reaching an adult diagonal leg span of 7 - 10cm(3 to 4 inches). However, keepers in the UK must be prepared for their exceptionally slow growth rate. These spiders are the definition of "glacial," often taking several years to grow just a few centimetres. The silver lining to this slow development is their remarkable longevity; females are extremely hardy and can live for 20 to 25+ years, making them a true legacy pet.
Temperament and Suitability
The temperament of the Homoeomma genus is unmatched: they are famously the most docile tarantulas in the world. Unlike almost any other species, they are known for their active curiosity. Instead of bolting or flicking hairs, they are often seen calmly walking toward an open enclosure door to see what is happening. As new-world spiders, they do have urticating hairs, but they are almost never used.
Because of their rock-solid reliability and "puppy-dog" nature, they are the ultimate recommendation for beginners in the UK. They are also high-priority "must-haves" for advanced collectors. Their demand significantly outweighs their supply, making them some of the most prestigious and valuable spiders to own.
Enclosure Setup
The Homoeomma duo is exceptionally easy to house. They require a terrestrial setup with 8cm to 10cm of dry substrate. While they are opportunistic burrowers as spiderlings, adults are classic "display" spiders that prefer to sit out in the open.
To thrive in the UK, they prefer a cooler, stable environment. They do perfectly well at standard room temperatures of 18°C to 23°C, meaning extra heating is rarely required in a typical UK home. They prefer a drier environment with a humidity level of 40% to 50%. Keep the substrate mostly dry and provide a shallow water dish. They are steady eaters of small crickets, roaches, and locusts, though their slow metabolism means they only need to be fed once every week or two.
Conclusion
The Homoeomma chilensis and Homoeomma orellanai are masterpieces of evolution. Their stunning velvet aesthetics, combined with a temperament that is truly unique in the spider world, make them a crowning achievement for any UK collection. While they require patience due to their slow growth and can be an investment to acquire, the experience of keeping a "Chilensis" or "Orellanai" is widely considered the pinnacle of the tarantula-keeping hobby.
