Mike's Basic Tarantula

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Acanthoscurria sternalis

Common name: Argentina Giant Black Rump

Indigenous: Argentina

Habitat: Temperate climatic conditions prevail throughout most of Argentina, except for a small tropical area in the northeast and the subtropical Chaco in the north. In Buenos Aires the average temperature range is 20° to 30°C (67° to 86°F) in January and 8° to 15°C (46° to 60°F) in July. In Mendoza, in the foothills of the Andes to the west, the average temperature range is 16° to 32°C (60° to 90°F) in January and 2° to 15°C (35° to 59°F) in July. Considerably higher temperatures prevail near the tropic of Capricorn in the north, where extremes as high as 45°C (113°F) are occasionally recorded. Climatic conditions are generally cold in the higher Andes, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. In the western section of Patagonia winter temperatures average about 0°C (32°F). In most coastal areas, however, the ocean exerts a moderating influence on temperatures.

Precipitation in Argentina is marked by wide regional variations. More than 1,520 mm (60 in) fall annually in the extreme north, but conditions gradually become semiarid to the south and west. In the vicinity of Buenos Aires annual rainfall is about 950 mm (about 37 in). In the vicinity of Mendoza annual rainfall is about 190 mm (about 7 in).

Temp/humidity: 76°-85° (24.4°C) d/65-75% humidity

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

Substrate: I 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

-29.40°Food Consumption: I fed my new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My adult Argentina Giant Black Rump, I give 2 inch (5.08cm) B. dubia roaches or 8 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater, and attacks its prey with purpose. 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, though after eight years, I have never seen mine drink, and she always fill the water dish with substrate. 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 to fast, with proper heating and feeding, it will reach the three inch (7.62cm) mark within a year time.

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

Temperament: This is one of the most docile of the Acanthoscurria species in the hobby. It is not defensive tarantula and doesn't retreat to the hide, but will allow me to rub her butt with no problem.

Comments: This is an aggressive eating T. She has never refused a meal unless near a molt. A. sternalis is rare must have addition to your collection. It is dark brown-black with faint beige stripes at the knee, after a fresh molt. As adults, they stay out in the open most of the time.

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