Are you looking to add a Brazilian Black Tarantula to your growing invertebrate collection?
If so, you have chosen an incredibly interesting, hardy species of tarantula that is fairly easy to care for.
Keep reading to learn more about the basics of caring for Grammostola pulchra, including housing requirements, temperature, diet, health concerns, and handling considerations.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Brazilian Black Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Grammostola pulchra |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: 5-10 years / Female: 20-30 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 8 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 15 Gallons |
| pH | 6.9-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 70-80° F |
What Are Brazilian Black Tarantulas?
Grammostola pulchra belongs to the family Theraphosidae and is commonly known as The Brazilian Black Tarantula.
This species is native to South America and is among the largest tarantulas in the world, with adults having a leg span of up to eight inches.
The species gets its common name from its thick black coloration with a hint of blue.
The Brazilian Black Tarantula is also renowned for its docile nature which makes them an appealing choice for novice and experienced keepers alike.
What Do Brazilian Black Tarantulas Look Like?
Brazilian Black Tarantulas are relatively large, stout-bodied spiders, reaching a length of about 4-8 inches as adults with males typically being slightly smaller.
They are mostly a dark brown to black coloration, sometimes featuring faint markings of lighter yellow.
These tarantulas have stout legs that are covered in spines, a thick body, and a large abdomen.
Their legs are relatively short compared to other tarantulas, giving them a unique, compact look.
Males have longer, bobbly pedipalps, while females have shorter, more globular pedipalps.
Overall, Grammostola pulchra is a striking, hardy species that is sure to make an interesting addition to any collection.
Benefits Of Using Brazilian Black Tarantulas
Using Brazilian Black Tarantulas in vivariums is an excellent way to observe the behavior of these interesting species up close.
These dark-colored arachnids are one of the larger species of tarantula and require larger housing, temperate temperatures, and specific humidity and feeding guidelines.
Therefore, make sure to thoroughly understand the care requirements further down this guide before you purchase one.
Having a Grammostola pulchra in your enclosure is especially beneficial because they are generally non-aggressive and rarely bite, making them an excellent choice for beginner tarantula enthusiasts.
Brazilian Black Tarantula Facts
The Brazilian Black Tarantula is an attractive terrestrial species native to Brazil.
With proper care, these arachnids can live for many decades in captivity and reach up to several inches in length.
They are mostly docile and mainly feed on crickets, waxworms, and various insects.
Breeding is possible, but it often proves difficult for first-time tarantula keepers.
Habitat
As mentioned briefly earlier, Grammostola pulchra is a species of tarantula native to the subtropical climate of Brazil.
These spiders inhabit humid, tropical forests up to an elevation of 2,500 feet with a large amount of cover and decaying leaf litter for them to hide and forage in.
Brazilian Black Tarantulas spend most of their time underground, emerging at night to hunt for their prey.
Diet
In the wild, Grammostola pulchra feed on a variety of insects and arthropods. They mainly forage at night for their food.
When they spot an insect, they quickly ambush them and inject them with venom to immobilize them.
Some of their favorite food sources include crickets, grasshoppers, and other large insects.
They will also scavenge dead and decaying animals, as well as consume fruit and other plant material on rare occasions.
It is good to note that these tarantulas can go several weeks without eating, so when feeding in captivity, it is best to do so once every two weeks.
Temperament
The Brazilian Black Tarantula is a docile species that prefers to keep to itself.
While these tarantulas can be quite skittish, they tend to be very slow to bite, even when threatened.
They are timid and will likely choose to run away rather than attack.
As long as you handle them gently and respectfully, the large spider will not be likely to bite or cause any harm.
That said, it’s a good habit to use extreme caution when handling them as an unexpected scare or sudden movement could agitate them and cause them to bite in self-defense.
In addition to humans, Grammostola pulchra should not be kept with other animals.
This species of tarantula has an impressive defensive posture and is capable of quickly attacking other animals that enter its space.
Therefore, it is not recommended that you house other animals or insects alongside this species in captivity.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of Grammostola pulchra is approximately five to ten years with females living as long as twenty to thirty years.
These tarantulas generally take at least three years to reach their full adult size.
Brazilian Black Tarantulas take anywhere from two to three months to complete their life cycle from egg to adult.
Females lay their eggs in a sac made of dense silk before attaching it to a wall, tree, or ground.
The eggs remain dormant until the spiderlings hatch, usually when temperatures are warm in the late spring or early summer.
Once hatched, the spiderlings then molt several times throughout the next few months until they reach adulthood.
Breeding
Mating and reproduction in Brazilian Black Tarantulas occur primarily during the warmer months of the year.
The male tarantula will detect the scent of a receptive female and will pursue her.
At this point, a courtship ritual may begin, during which the male will extend his pedipalps briefly toward the female.
Once the female allows the male to mount her, mating will begin.
Following mating, the female will form an egg sac and lay up to 150 eggs.
After the eggs have hatched, the spiderlings will remain in the web and molt several times, over the course of a few weeks, before dispersing into the wild.
Where To Find Brazilian Black Tarantulas
For those looking to find Grammostola pulchra in the wild, there are a few places you may be able to locate one.
These tarantulas can be primarily found in southern Brazil near the La Plata region.
However, since they prefer to stay hidden, it can be quite a challenge to find them in the wild.
If you don’t feel up to the challenge, you can always purchase one from a pet shop, reptile expo, or through an online breeder.
Before purchasing, make sure the vendor is reputable and has a good record of supplying healthy and ethically sourced spiders.
There are also a number of online spider forums which can connect you with local breeders.
Brazilian Black Tarantula Care
Caring for Brazilian Black Tarantulas requires providing them with suitable housing, correct temperature and humidity levels, a nutritious diet, and occasional handling.
Additional supplies, such as a shallow water dish or terrarium substrate for burrowing, will also be needed to provide an appropriate habitat for the tarantula.
Health concerns, such as mites and other parasites, should be monitored regularly and addressed as needed.
Tank Requirements
An ideal tank setup for Grammostola pulchra should have a 15-gallon terrarium or paludarium with a secure lid or screened cover.
A humid hide should be provided, as Brazilian spiders prefer humid environments.
The substrate should be earthy, as Brazilian Black Tarantulas dig shallow burrows, and a shallow water dish will also be required.
The optimal temperature range for these spiders is 70-80° F, and they prefer a pH and hardness level between 6.5-7.5.
Additionally, these spiders like a dark and quiet environment, so timed terrarium lighting is necessary, as day/night cycles help their biological clocks function.
What Do Brazilian Black Tarantulas Eat?
Feeding Grammostola pulchra can be fairly easy as long as you have the right diet and variety to offer.
In the wild, they primarily feed on insects, although they can also feed on small mammals, amphibians, and other invertebrates in certain circumstances.
It is vital to note that, since they are basically ambush predators, they will wait until an animal enters their range or until they sense the presence of food before they will go out of their way to feed.
Here are some suggestions of what you can feed Brazilian Black Tarantulas in captivity:
• Crickets
• Mealworms
• Superworms
• Waxworms
• Small Pinky Mice
• Cockroaches
• Earthworms
• Fish
• Frogs
• Reptiles
• Beetles
Make sure that all food items are gut loaded and dusted with a calcium or mineral supplement, depending on your tarantula’s needs.
Additionally, you should remember to provide fresh water for your pet spider.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Brazilian Black Tarantulas
When choosing tankmates for your Brazilian Black Tarantula, it is essential to select animals that are of similar size and temperament.
Fortunately, there are several options, including:
Morphing Spiders: These spiders can often live together harmoniously, as they have similar sizes and habits.
Cockroaches: Keeping cockroaches or other small insects in the same tank as a tarantula can be beneficial, as it provides an easy source of additional food for the spider.
Centi-Decapoda: These small crustaceans are a great tank mate for a tarantula and provide an additional source of entertainment.
Keep in mind that it is essential to choose tankmates that are free from parasites or other diseases and that you should monitor how your spider interacts with its tankmates to ensure everyone is living peacefully.
Conclusion
Taking care of a Brazilian Black Tarantula can be a rewarding experience, as they are hardy, low-maintenance pets.
With the right environment, suitable food and diet, and proper handling, you can ensure your arachnid has a long healthy life.
It’s also good to be aware of common health concerns and be able to recognize any signs of illness in your pet.
With these key points in mind, you should now be equipped to successfully care for Grammostola pulchra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Brazilian black tarantulas are generally good for handling, as long as the user is experienced with handling tarantulas.
However, it is important to note that all tarantulas have the potential to bite, so proper care and respect should always be taken when handling any species.
Brazilian black tarantulas are considered good for beginners due to their docile temperament, manageable size, hardiness, and availability, but it’s important to research and provide proper care without handling them.
The price of a Brazilian black tarantula can vary depending on factors such as the age, size, and gender of the spider, as well as the seller and location.
On average, you can expect to find Brazilian black tarantulas priced between $50 to $150, with some specimens being higher or lower in the price range.
It’s always advisable to purchase from reputable breeders or pet stores to ensure the health and proper documentation of the tarantula.
Yes, like most tarantula species, Brazilian black tarantulas are capable of flicking hairs from their abdomens if they feel threatened.
It is important to keep these hairs away from skin and mucous membranes and the best practice is to wear gloves when handling tarantulas.
The lifespan of a Brazilian black tarantula can be anywhere from 5 to 30 years, depending on the sex, environment, and care that they receive.