This is a specific care sheet for Brazilian black tarantulas (Grammostola pulchra), for more in this genus see Category:Grammostola.
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The Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) is a terrestrial species native to Brazil. The species is desirable in the pet trade because of their long life and reputation for being docile and gentle in temperament, as well as for its appealing dark coloration. Commonly known as the Brazilian black, mature specimens are almost entirely black. Like most new world tarantulas it possesses urticating hairs, although it is said to have a reduced tendency to kick them off when handled, which adds to its desirability as a pet. The Brazilian Black is a slower growing species, taking up to seven years to reach sexual maturity. Because of a ban on the export of wild caught specimens and its slow growth, mature females (preferred because of their long life) are generally expensive. Mature males also live much longer when adult than the average tarantula.
| Tarantula Information (for a more detailed Tarantula care review see Tarantula Care Sheets | |
| Regions Found: | Brazil/Uruguay |
| Class: | Terrestrial |
| Longevity: | Males 6-7yrs, Females 20yrs+ |
| Adult Size: | 15cm-19cm |
| Temperament: | Docile |
| Urticating Hairs: | Yes |
| Venom Potency: | Unknown |
| Grammostola pulchra Housing Requirements | |
| Tarantula Housing: | Floor space is more important than height, a deep substrateshould be provided for burrowing. A good retreat is required. |
| Temperature: | Between 24-28°C (75.2-82.4°F) |
| Humidity: | 65-70% |
| Special Requirements: | May brumate in winter |
| Breeding Grammostola pulchra Tarantulas | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Medium |
| Egg sac size: | Estimated 200 |
| Danger to Male: | Possible sexual cannibalism |
| Grammostola pulchra Diet | |
| Livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Grammostola pulchra | |
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Breeding Grammostola pulchra
Breeding tarantulas can be extremely difficult but can also be extremely rewarding. Grammostola puclhra are relatively easy to pair together, but getting the female to produce an egg sac can be challenging. The females need to brumate through a winter cycle to prompt the genetic drive to reproduce. The females are generally good about not attacking the males after pairing.
The basic steps involved in breeding tarantulas are discussed further:
- Preparation for breeding
- Tarantula breeding
- Looking after an egg sac
- Birthing
- Caring for the female
- Caring for the spiderlings