The Brazilian black tarantula is a gorgeous spider, and it gets its common name from its beautiful velvety black color. The giant goliath bird-eater is an enormous, docile spider with a black or red/orange abdomen that is coveted for its vibrant colors. In addition to being larger than your average iguana, these tarantulas also have a very interesting life. The spiders are snatched up quickly, so many of the spiderlings end up in the hands of enthusiasts and breeders. This is a favorite of many people, many of who have affectionately referred to the Brazilian black tarantula as “the black lab of tarantulas.
This tarantula is a large, hairy spider with a shiny, dark-colored body. It has no legs and instead uses them as the third set of legs to help it climb. This species of tarantula is the largest of the family Theraphosidae, weighing anywhere from a little over 1 oz. to a little over 5 oz. Their leg span can be anywhere from 4 inches to 8 inches. Distribution and habitat Brazilian black tarantulas are native to Brazil and Uruguay.
Habitat
This tarantula is native to the grassland regions of Brazil and Uruguay. Most of the tarantulas in this genus are found in tropical and subtropical climates, but the black tarantula does not. Grammostola pulchra is a terrestrial species of opportunistic burrowers, so its habitat needs to include appropriate burrowing materials.
Size and Life Span
Brazilian black tarantulas are medium-sized and robust spiders that can reach up to 8 inches in size, though 6 to 7 inches is more typical. The females in this species can live up to twenty years, while the males only live on average between six and eight years.
| Common Name: | Brazilian black tarantula |
| Scientific Name: | Grammostola pulchra |
| Natural Habitat: | Grasslands in Brazil and Uruguay |
| Adult Size: | Up to 8 inches |
| Average Lifespan: | Up to 20 years (females); up to 8 years (males) |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Housing: | 12 by 10-inch enclosure, 65 to 85 °F, 55 to 65% humidity |
| Experience level: | Beginner |
Behavior and Temperament
The Brazilian black tarantula is a very calm and docile spider. Some are described as being extremely fast growers, they are excellent for handling if you want to get the most out of your new pet. They are very slow-moving, and rarely do they flick their urticating hairs off of their rear end, but it is important to still take precautions when handling this spider. Never be nervous when working with a black tarantula. But just in case, certain things can help you to avoid a tarantula attack. Their fangs and venom are usually used to ward off an attack if they feel it is necessary.
Like all New World tarantulas, the Brazilian black tarantula is harmless to humans. The Brazilian black tarantula does not possess a very potent venom, so it’s probably safe to handle these spiders. If you are allergic to bees or wasps, it’s best to avoid contact. Never hold the spider in front of your face. To the tarantula, hairs are not a delicacy, but instead a defensive weapon. Getting them in your eyes or breathing them can be potentially harmful. Some people get a mild reaction while others get a more intense reaction. It’s a matter of personal preference, which may differ from person to person.
The Housing of Brazilian Black Tarantula
Black tarantulas that are Brazilian are terrestrial species. They are typically longer and wider than other tarantula species. The Brazilian tarantula is an opportunistic burrower and will burrow if given a good substrate. If it doesn’t have a suitable substrate it may start crawling. The mentioned minimum depth for your black tarantula is four inches. To ensure you have a perfect growing medium, use chemical-free potting soil or coco fiber as a growing medium. This species does not have high humidity levels. They are best at between 60 and 75% humidity, and they need a dark room. You can add a water bowl to the terrarium to keep it moist. When it’s time to mist your spiderling enclosure, the water should go on the side of the enclosure, so that your spiderlings can drink and stay hydrated. It is rarely necessary for adults.
Enclosure
Tarantulas should be kept in enclosures no larger than 3 times their leg span. Excessive enclosures can cause falls that can damage or kill your Brazilian black. There are many types of terrariums, aquariums, or enclosures that you can use for your tarantulas. Cross ventilation is more important than ventilation from the top of the tank to make temperature moderate. This can be achieved by making the sides of the enclosure have holes on the sides. A hiding area is essential for a tarantula’s well-being. Many keepers decorate their enclosures with artificial plants and pieces of wood or cork bark to create hiding places. The Brazilian black tarantula is one of the hottest spider species, living in a habitat with temperatures that fluctuate between 65 and 85 degrees F.
There is no ideal room temperature for a tarantula. Some keepers have found they do well in warmer temperatures, while others prefer to keep their tarantulas cool. If your home gets too cold, you can install an electric heater on the bottom or sides of your enclosure. Heat mats on the bottom are also nice, but electric heaters are great because they provide more even heat throughout your home. Use the thermometer in the summer to see what the indoor temperature is. If the temperature gets too high, put a fan on the cool side and the heat sink will help keep the room cooler.
Cleaning of Enclosure
If you want to keep your pet spider healthy and odor free, you should clean its tank regularly. Brazilian black tarantulas aren’t messy creatures. They don’t climb walls, eat paper, or need a lot of attention. However, it is still important to thoroughly clean the tank once a week and to remove any waste or leftover food. Perform a deep cleaning of the enclosure once a month. Deep cleaning your aquarium involves removing the substrate, decorations, and water from the aquarium. Clean the aquarium with soapy water and a soft brush to remove any debris that may have accumulated during the cleaning process. Your skimmer may collect dust from your aquarium as it passes through, so it’s not essential to remove the spider. You need to let the tarantula know that you’re the predator and not the prey.
When you’re working on deep cleaning jobs, it’s helpful to have an extra clean tank so you can move it into another area when the spider in the everyday tank is finished. Add some food to the temporary tank to make the spider feel more comfortable. The hot water should work fine to clean the tank and decorations of your pet enclosure. If you have stubborn stains in the enclosure that no amount of scrubbing will remove, use a small amount of dish soap. Never use bleach or chemical cleaners, because the fumes will kill your spider.
Feeding
A healthy diet is essential for Grammostola pulchra. Brazilian black tarantulas are very hearty eaters and will eat anything that they can overpower. For younger tarantulas, smaller food items like pinhead crickets are a good option. To provide a varied diet for your Brazilian black tarantula you can use captive-bred locusts, dubia roaches, mealworms, and live crickets.
Pinky mice or even lizards may also be options, though they should not be offered regularly. There are a couple of arguments against high calcium levels for captive molt diets, but for most reptiles, the level of calcium is not a problem. Be careful when offering your tarantula anything that has been caught from outside. A tarantula can get very sick if a wild animal eats it. Doing so can potentially expose your spider to pesticides or parasites, which can ultimately kill it.
Molting
One of the most important parts of an invertebrate’s life cycle, molting, is necessary for growth. Tarantulas usually begin to darken as they prepare to molt before they do so. When your spider becomes sluggish, stops eating, and is hiding, it’s time to put it in its enclosure. It’s important to note these common signs in your black-spotted tarantulas. Its discarded molt may be hard to find. Although your tarantula’s health status will vary from one individual to another, it may be important to monitor your tarantula and give it special care and a feeding routine if you notice symptoms that may indicate it has a molting period. Seek the advice of a vet who knows tarantulas, or maybe even has an experienced keeper who will be able to advise you.
Reproduction and Breeding
The Brazilian Black Tarantula or the American Black Widow is solitary most of the time. They’ll gather for breeding in June through September. When a male is interested in mating, he will go to the female and if she is receptive, he will deposit his sperm into her receptacle under her abdomen. Soon after 2-3 weeks, she will lay more than 600 eggs in a sack that will soon hatch into spiderlings.
The male spider begins by weaving a web from silk, thread, or grass that’s then placed upon a horizontal surface. The spider then rubs its abdomen on the web. It then releases a sticky substance that helps to attach itself to the silk.
The male spider inserts its pedipalps or appendages into the female spider’s genital opening to deposit a spermatophore, a protein. The pedipalps of the tarantula are the same color as the body of the spider. Male and female spiders recognize each other as belonging to the same species. A receptive woman will let down her guard in this initial encounter and exchange of signals and relax into a receptive state. The male inserts his pedipalps into the lower opening of the female’s abdomen, also called the opisthosoma. The female Grammostola pulchra is fiercely guarding her egg sac. The sac should be turned at least once a week to prevent it from becoming misshapen or deformed. She will massage the sac to keep it soft. This is a process that is known as brooding.
How Much Do Brazilian Black Tarantulas Cost?
Brazilians are attracted to black tarantula ownership because it’s one of the most attractive ways to own a pet tarantula. These tarantulas are incredibly easy to care for, and if you keep them in a safe area, they won’t cost you a lot of money and time. You should expect to spend between $100 and $200 on a good quality Brazilian black tarantula. They’re very fun pets. Thankfully, caring for these tarantulas is relatively cheap, as all they need is a steady supply of insects.
The Brazilian Black Tarantula can’t be found in America because this spider must be imported into the country. The Brazilian black tarantula must be imported with proper documentation to protect it from being illegally traded. If you’re thinking about getting an imported tarantula as a pet, you should make sure your breeder shows you their paperwork before you purchase the animal. A healthy Brazilian black tarantula is essential when buying one. A spider with an unhealthy diet is unlikely to survive much longer than a healthy one. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right type of spider. Make sure it comes from a reputable breeder.
Common health issues of Brazilian Black Tarantula
These arachnids are very tough creatures. They have very little chance of suffering from illness or disease. Although there are still some common health issues that can arise from poor care, if you learn how to take care of your pet tarantula properly, you can keep your pet healthy. Tarantulas need both food and fresh water to stay healthy. The problem of dehydration occurs when your tarantula’s body loses too much water. You feel thirsty and might be weak. If you want your black tarantula to thrive, you’ll need to provide your pet with access to fresh, clean water.
While in captivity, many different kinds of parasites could infest your tarantula’s tank, but it all depends on the specific tank climate When there is excessive humidity and the temperature exceeds 75 degrees F, mites, and worms are usually found on feeder insects that aren’t captive-bred. Treat your pet spider with the appropriate medication depending on the severity of the parasite infestation.
When you are choosing your first black tarantula, you should know that Brazilian black tarantulas require more ventilation than most tarantulas. Mold in a tank is unhealthy for the spider, so it needs to be removed. If it is not treated promptly, your spider could become sick or die. Make sure your tank is ventilated and that it doesn’t have any mold or fungal problems. If it does have these problems, get rid of them. For more tarantula species visit here.
