Lighting

The sun plays an important role in a tarantula’s life but indirectly because it is vital to so many of its natural predators and possible prey items. In a captive environment it becomes null and avoid excluding mating (only in most extreme circumstances).

Tarantulas do not require a direct light source. Periods of indirect (ambient) room lighting or direct red or blue lights can be used for viewing without causing distress. Keep in mind any direct cage lighting will increase temperatures. I do not recommend the use of any light source for heating. No pet enclosure should be placed in front of a window because you lose the ability to maintain temperature control and it will promote bacteria growth.

What role do light cycles play in reproduction?

In many animals you can change or stop reproduction by playing with the light cycles. My *guess* is you would only see impact in tarantula mating if you put them in a constant state of high noon sunlight.

Is calcium required for a proper diet?

Vitamin D was reclassified as a hormone that is produced. Its manufacture begins with exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun. Tarantula feral behavior, lacking the necessity of the sunlight, demonstrates dietary supplement of vitamin D is not needed.

Sources:

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, August 12, 2008: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp

Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Calcium, Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, August 12, 2008: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/calcium.asp

Chitin: Wikipedia, August 12, 2008: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitin

Carbohydrate: Wikipedia, August 12, 2008: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate

Polysaccharide: Wikipedia, August 12, 2008: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polysaccharide

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