Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Acanthoscurria sp.

Common name: Brazilian Rusty Birdeater

Indigenous: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia

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 23.5°C. 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.

In the coastal plain of Peru the temperature is normally equable, averaging about 20°C (about 68°F) throughout the year. The coastal climate is moderated by winds blowing from the cool offshore current known as the Peru, or Humboldt, Current. The coast receives less than 50 mm (2 in) of precipitation each year.

Temp/humidity: 74°-82° (23.3°-27.7°C)/65-75% humidity

Enclosure: Spiderling to two inches (5.08cm), Three inches (7,62cm) until adulthood, I 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

Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My adult Brazilian Rusty Birdeater, I give two 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 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 it can attain a leg length of two - three inches (5.08-7.62cm) in the first year.

Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of five (5) to six (6) inches (12.7-15.24cm).

Temperament: This is a more reclusive tarantula. It normally set at the entrance of the burrow with its front legs extended outside the burrow. If disturbed it will slowly go down in the burrow, but will reappear at the entrance within a few minutes.

Comments: A. ferina is an aggressive eating T. They have never refused a meal unless near a molt. This is a good addition to your collection. It is a dusty brown with reddish orange hairs on the abdomen. This species are not often seen in the hobby. This tarantula is easy to care for.

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