T. Albopilosus life stages and more

[Arobustus]

Hello everyone, I'm getting my first Tarantula and its a curly hair Juvenile. I did my research on feeding, care and husbandry, however I could not find the life stages and how to differentiate between them and when to know my Juvenile has turned into an adult. If there is a website or link that explains it I would greatly appreciate it.
I also have a question about their urticating hairs. Since urticating hairs are on their abdomens, does handling them require gloves? and also how to not have it agitated and defensive. Do they prefer a specific lighting, or noise levels? Thanks

 

[emartinm28]

Not sure about the juvenile/adult thing, but I think the spermathecae are the way to tell if a female is mature or not. With the males of course they develop emboli and tibial hooks and become very leggy when compared to females.

We recommend you do not handle any T, there are many stories of people dropping and killing their Ts. It just isn’t worth the risk.

No lighting requirements, they prefer it darker. And as long as there aren’t a lot of strong vibrations near the enclosure they will be fine.

 

[Edan bandoot]

Don't handle em , the life stages are mostly arbitrary and don't greatly affect care.

They prefer lownoise as they can physically feel the vibrations.

Albos are about the least photosensitive of any of my arachnids.

 

[viper69]

Handling kills T