Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Acanthoscurria juruenicola

Common name: Brazilian Orange Banded

Indigenous: Mato Grosso, a provinces of Central Brazil.

Natural Habitat: The landscape elements in the 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/scrubland. 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: 76°-85° degrees/65-75% humidity

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

Substrate: 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 Orange Banded, I give two B. dubia roaches or adult crickets weekly. This species I found to be a good eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank, even though after five years, I have never seen mine drink water. 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 fast. With proper temperature and feeding, mine has achieved a leg length of three inches (7.62cm) in the first year, from 1/4" (0.635cm) spiderlings.

Adult Size: This species may attain a leg length of six (6) to seven (7) inches (15.24-17.78cm)

Temperament: This is a skittish and somewhat of a defensive tarantula. It will pose a threat; but would rather retreat than stand and fight.

Comments: It is a good eating T. She has never refused a meal unless near a molt. It is also an attractive addition to your collection and is not often seen in the hobby.

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