Grammostola pulchra
The Grammostola pulchra or Brazilian Black Tarantula is, for many, the end all be all of beginner tarantulas. Even from those hobbyists who would argue that other tarantulas make better starter pets, this beautiful and impressively sized creature makes the top list for 90% of the experts in the hobby. The only downfall of this species is their price, which is directly tied to the fact that these are arguably one of the slowest growing species, only to top certain Brachypelma and Aphonopelma species. With a distal leg span reaching upwards of 8” for females, this slow-growing gentle giant is an absolute must-have in any tarantula keeper's collection, regardless of experience level.
The Grammostola pulchra or Brazilian Black Tarantula is, for many, the end all be all of beginner tarantulas. Even from those hobbyists who would argue that other tarantulas make better starter pets, this beautiful and impressively sized creature makes the top list for 90% of the experts in the hobby. The only downfall of this species is their price, which is directly tied to the fact that these are arguably one of the slowest growing species, only to top certain Brachypelma and Aphonopelma species. With a distal leg span reaching upwards of 8” for females, this slow-growing gentle giant is an absolute must-have in any tarantula keeper's collection, regardless of experience level.
The Grammostola pulchra or Brazilian Black Tarantula is, for many, the end all be all of beginner tarantulas. Even from those hobbyists who would argue that other tarantulas make better starter pets, this beautiful and impressively sized creature makes the top list for 90% of the experts in the hobby. The only downfall of this species is their price, which is directly tied to the fact that these are arguably one of the slowest growing species, only to top certain Brachypelma and Aphonopelma species. With a distal leg span reaching upwards of 8” for females, this slow-growing gentle giant is an absolute must-have in any tarantula keeper's collection, regardless of experience level.
What's the ideal diet for a Brazilian Black Tarantula?
All Tarantulas can eat a variety of feeders. Stick to crickets, dubia roaches, silkworms, horned worms occasionally, and a superworm or mealworm as the occasional treat!
How should I keep a Brazilian Black Tarantula?
For this particular creature, you can start with a small Terrestrial Terrain enclosure if under a ¼” - 1.2” spiderling (sling), and when they get to be about 1” in size, you will want to upgrade to the medium or large Terrestrial Terrain enclosure. Feed them as slings once a week, twice if their opisthosoma (abdomen) looks small, but if the opisthosoma is wider than their prosoma (pneumothorax), then wait a couple of days to feed. For juveniles or adults, stick to feeding once a week, nothing larger than their opisthosoma. Make sure to keep a full water dish at all times; wider and deeper is fine. Your tarantula can’t drown; they float on water.
How long could a Brazilian Black Tarantula live?
Females are believed to live roughly 20+ years, with males reaching up to 6 years on average. All estimates are based on multiple sources.
Some photos provided by iNaturalist and our community, credit to:
Nico Hernandez, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Bella Heard and “Daisy” the spider, all rights reserved
