When setting up an enclosure for the terrestrial Aphonopelma seemanni, what spatial dimension should be prioritized over vertical height?
Answer
Floor space or surface area.
Since the *Aphonopelma seemanni* is fundamentally a terrestrial species, meaning it spends the majority of its life on the ground rather than climbing high structures, its enclosure design must reflect this. The primary focus for successful housing involves maximizing the floor space or surface area available within the container. Prioritizing horizontal space over excessive vertical height is crucial because if the spider does manage to climb and subsequently fall, a tall enclosure increases the potential distance of the drop. A shorter enclosure with ample surface area reduces this inherent risk, aligning better with the spider's natural inclination to remain close to the ground.

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