Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Acanthoscurria paulensis

Common name: Brazilian Giant Black

Indigenous: Mato Grosso, a province of Central Brazil.

Natural Habitat: The landscape elements in the Brazilian region include the Serra do Cachimbo, which forms the northeastern arm, and the Serra dos Caiabis and Serra Formosa, which form the eastern arm of the region. All of these western Serras are well-drained savannas with 6-8 wet months and an average temperature of 75 degrees. The seasonal rains define this habitat. During the flood season, from December to May, much of this area is under water and becomes a flooded forest/shrubland. The rest of the year is fairly dry, and because the soil is porous, the wetlands and pools dry quickly to form massive flats and dry forest patches, as well as patches of savanna and moist forest.

Temp/humidity: 72°-82° degrees/65-75% humidity

Enclosure: Use a terrarium that will allow at least four inches (10.16cm) of substrate

Substrate: Use four inches (10.16cm) of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: Place a bark for a starter burrow hide. If this species is given enough substrate it will burrow.

Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies. When they reached 1/2" (1.27cm), I introduced baby crickets. My adult Brazilian Giant Black, I give two- one inch dubia roaches or five adult crickets weekly. This species, I found to be an aggressive eater. I also give her one pinkie-mouse or a house gecko once a year for variety.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank, even though after eight years, I have never seen mine drink. I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish then I allow it to dry out.

Growth Rate: The growth rate for this species is medium with proper heating and feeding.

Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of five to six inches (12.7-15.24cm)

Temperament: This is not a defensive tarantula and would rather retreat to the hide than stand and fight.

Comments: This is an aggressive eating T. She has never refused a meal unless near a molt. An attractive addition to your collection, black with cream thin bands on the legs joints after a fresh molt. It is rarely out of its burrow.

All rights reserved, ©

All photos on this website are courtesy of Mike Basic Tarantula unless stated otherwise. It's prohibited to copy without permission of author.