Grammostola Pulchra (Brazillian Black) Tarantula Care Guide
Common Name: Brazilian Black Tarantula
Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchra
Lifespan: 20-30 years (females), 6-8 years (males)
Size: 6-7 inches (leg span)
Grammostola pulchra is a favorite among tarantula keepers due to its docile temperament, ease of care, and striking appearance with its velvety black coloration. It's an ideal tarantula for beginners and experienced keepers alike.
Housing
- Enclosure Size: A 5-10 gallon tank is ideal for adults. This terrestrial species prefers more floor space than height, so choose a low and wide enclosure. We would recommend any of the Terrestrial Enclosures we have in the shop.
- 0.5"-1": Terrestrial Sling Crib
- 1"-3": Small Slider or Small Cuboid
- Full size adult: Large Slider, Large Cuboid, or Large Coffin.
- If you wish to go a bit overboard, you can do the Terrestrial XL but for this species it is not needed at all.
- Substrate: 3-5 inches of coco fiber, peat moss, or topsoil. Grammostola pulchra enjoys burrowing, so provide enough substrate for digging. We recommend the Arachnidirt in our shop.
- Hide: Provide a hide such as a cork bark, half log, or small cave for the tarantula to retreat into. We have a ton of great accessories.
- Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold but avoid creating a draft.
Temperature and Humidity
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C). They tolerate room temperature well, but avoid temperatures below 65°F (18°C).
- Humidity: 60-70%. Light misting once a week should be sufficient to maintain the humidity level. Avoid making the substrate too damp.
- Water Dish: Provide a shallow water dish with clean, fresh water at all times.
Diet
- Food: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, mealworms, or other appropriate-sized insects. Adults can be fed every 7-10 days, while juveniles should be fed every 5-7 days.
- Size of Prey: Prey should be smaller than the tarantula’s abdomen.
- Feeding Notes: Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to avoid stress and maintain cleanliness.
Temperament/Personality
- Behavior: Grammostola pulchra is known for its calm, docile nature, making it one of the most sought-after species for beginners. They are slow-moving and tend to be non-aggressive.
- Handling: This species is generally tolerant of handling due to its calm demeanor, but handling should be limited to prevent stress or accidental injury.
Molting
- Signs of Molting: They may stop eating and become sluggish for days or even weeks before molting. Grammostola pulchra may also become more reclusive during this time.
- After Molting: Avoid feeding for at least a week to allow the exoskeleton to harden fully before offering food.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot Clean: Remove any uneaten prey and waste regularly. Monitor humidity to prevent mold or mite infestations.
- Full Cleaning: Change the substrate and clean the enclosure every 6-12 months or when it becomes dirty or too humid.
General Notes
- Burrowing: Although they don’t always burrow, Grammostola pulchra may dig shallow burrows if given enough substrate. It’s a good idea to provide this option.
- Lighting: No special lighting is required. Avoid direct sunlight or bright, hot light sources that can raise enclosure temperatures too much.
- Activity: This species is primarily nocturnal but may be seen moving around during the day. They are relatively inactive compared to some other species, often sitting calmly in their enclosure.
Where to find this tarantula?
- Coming soon