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How I Order Tarantulas Online Using Tarantula List

Last updated: October 29, 2025

TL;DR: I built this tool to make it easier for me to find where to order specific tarantulas online. Search for each species you want on TarantulaList.com and you'll see listings only from vendors that have all of your selected species in stock (so you can ship in one box), as well as a direct link to the vendor page to review the listing and purchase if desired.

Why I’m Writing This

I made this tool initially for myself, so of course it is intuitive to me. This guide is to show you how I use the tool, and to try to answer any likely questions people will have.

What I Plan To Buy

Pre-checks

Step-by-step Ordering Workflow (Using Tarantula List)

  1. Search the target species

    As I mentioned earlier, I am looking for a Caribena versicolor and a Brachypelma emilia. I want to get both from the same vendor so that I only have to pay one shipping fee. I added both species using the autocomplete search bar at the top. Search results with query visible

  2. Compare listings and policies

    Looking over the listings, it appears three vendors have both species available. The slightly larger B. emilia sling, and the 2–3″ C. versicolor juvie from Great Basin Serpentarium stand out to me.

  3. Pick a vendor that meets your criteria

    If I haven't used a particular vendor before, I always look for reviews and feedback to ensure trustworthiness. I am understanding of an occasional negative review, as people are far more likely to post online about a bad experience than a good one. In this case, I found a great review of Great Basin Serpentarium from Tom's Big Spiders, who I trust to provide accurate information. The review is quite old, 2014, but I know Tom updates his information if things change in a big way. I then reviewed the vendor's Terms and Conditions page for live arrival guarantees, health guarantees, etc.

  4. Use the Vendor filter to see all in-stock items from that seller

    Now that I've decided I want to order these two spiders from Great Basin Serpentarium, I will do a quick check of all their listings just to see if there is something else I might want. I do this by removing my initial search queries (clicking the little X next to the species names), and clicking the vendor box in the top right and selecting only this one. Vendor filter toggled

  5. Build a single-box bundle

    Today, I've decided to use some restraint and only get the two spiders I set out for. I click the "open" link next to each of them, verify the details on the vendor website, and click add to cart for both. Bundle view or cart with items My shopping cart from an order placed on October 27th, 2025.

  6. Checkout details

    Next I just go through the checkout at the vendor website as normal. This will vary depending on which vendor you select, but the process will be familiar for anyone who has ordered anything online before.
    Checkout showing one shipping fee Order confirmation showing 1× B. emilia sling, 1× C. versicolor 2–3″, Delivery $65, Total $258; hold for pickup (city redacted).

    Cost Breakdown

Item Amount
B. emilia sling $38
C. versicolor juvie $155
Delivery $65
Box add-ons* (if any) $0
Total paid $258
* It is less common than it was in the past, but some vendors will charge additional fees for heat or cool packs. This order contained a heat pack due to shipping temperatures, and it was included in the delivery charge.

Shipping Timeline

This was a faster experience than I anticipated. I was impressed with getting confirmation and shipping scheduling done so quickly, and having my spiders just 48 hours after ordering. A picture of the customer parking sign at the FedEx ship center

Packaging and Unboxing

As usual with the FedEx ship center, I showed my ID, signed a screen, and was given my box by a concerned looking employee. Something about the word "harmless" makes people think it isn't harmless. Box exterior label

I got out all of my supplies to get started with unpacking. All my supplies arranged on the table

The box was well insulated and padded. It contained a heat pack. Both vials were clearly labeled so I could readily tell which spider was which (though the size was a big clue in this case as well). Contents of the package, two vials and a heat pack

Acclimation and First 48 Hours

Enclosure setup for B. emilia Enclosure overview Pictured: 6x3x3" horizontal enclosure set up for B. emilia spiderling. Includes cork hide, water dish, leaf litter, and approximately 1.5-2" of substrate.

Enclosure setup for C. versicolor Enclosure overview Pictured: 6x6x8" vertical enclosure set up for C. versicolor juvie. Includes cork bark tube, jackfruit leaves, mounted water dish, driftwood twigs for anchors and climbing.

Transfer method

Both spiders were packed in paper towel. I just slowly removed the paper towel using my forceps, and unrolled in the enclosures so the spider was facing the interior of the enclosure. I then gently prodded each spider with the soft end of a paintbrush to get them to walk in. The C. versicolor posed for a picture mid-transfer.

Transfer in progress (safe distance)

Transfer in progress (safe distance)

Post-transfer checks

Both spiders seem to be starting to settle in. The B. emilia has found the starter burrow, and the C. versicolor found a nice spot to sit near some cover in the back.

Caribena versicolor in new home

FAQs

Is one vendor cheaper than splitting vendors when shipping is flat?

Yes, almost always. There would need to be a huge price disparity in spiders between vendors for this to not be the case. See my Why Buying From One Vendor Can Save You Money on Shipping guide for details.

Is two-day shipping acceptable for slings?

I don't think it's worth it. Most vendors don't even offer it anymore, and when it is offered it's only marginally cheaper than overnight. I always take the overnight option.

How did you choose the vendor for this order?

I searched for the two species I wanted on Tarantula List in order to see which vendors had both available. Then I considered size, price, and reputation.

Why did you do hold for pickup vs home delivery?

With either option, the package will arrive in my city the morning after it is shipped. With hold for pickup, I can grab it right when the FedEx ship center opens at 9 a.m. and take it home. With home delivery, it gets loaded onto a local truck from the ship center, and gets to my house at some point during the day. Hold for pickup minimizes the time until I have the delivery at my house.

Do freebies change what you buy?

For me personally, typically not. I understand some people just like having a large collection, and if that sounds like you freebies are great. For me, I only let a freebie influence my decision if it is a species I had on my "want list" to start with.

Disclosures

For this article, I paid full retail price and did not collaborate with the vendor (Great Basin Serpentarium) in any way. I do intend to have affiliate relationships with some vendors in the future in order to keep working on the site, but at the time of this writing I do not. I will update this disclosure if that changes.

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