What setup principle must keepers follow that mirrors the *A. seemanni* environment in Guanacaste region of Costa Rica?
Emphasizing dry substrate and a horizontal orientation with deep substrate for burrowing
Understanding the natural geographic location and habitat specifics of *Aphonopelma seemanni* directly informs appropriate captive husbandry practices. Since the species originates from terrestrial environments within dry tropical forests and grasslands, keepers must replicate these conditions in their enclosures. This translates into a necessity for a predominantly horizontal enclosure design that allows for a deep layer of substrate, enabling the spider to construct extensive burrows—a critical behavior for survival. Furthermore, the setup must emphasize drier substrate conditions, contrasting sharply with the setups required for non-terrestrial species from high-humidity rainforest canopies.
