Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Grammostola sp. "Formosa"

Common name:  Paraguay White Hair

Indigenous: Paraguay

Habitat: The climate of Paraguay is subtropical. At Asunción average temperatures range from about 17°C (about 63°F) in July to about 27°C (about 80°F) in January. In the Chaco and other points to the north temperatures often reach 38°C (100°F). Annual rainfall averages some 1,120 mm (44 in) in the Asunción area, some 815 mm (32 in) in the Gran Chaco, and some 1,525 mm (60 in) in the eastern forest regions. The Chaco has heavy rainfall in the summer and almost no rain in the winter.

Temp/humidity: 65°-78° /55%-65%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 65%.

Enclosure: This is an opportunistic burrower. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (3") of substrate for burrowing. As sub-adult-adult I use a terrarium that will allow at least four inches of substrate

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

Retreat/Hide: I place a bark for a starter burrow hide.

Food Consumption: I fed the new born spiderlings fruit flies, than when they reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets. My sub-adult Paraguay White Hair, I give two (2) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 7 adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater. The only time this tarantula refuses food is when it is near a molt.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink. I keep the substrate in the terrarium dry.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling.

Adult Size: I read that they get six-seven inches (15.24-17.78cm). I have three that are about three inches.

Temperament: This is a very laid back, easy to handle species. It has never kicked hair at me nor given a threat pose. She is always out in the open and is friendly.

Comments: A fairly new and not describe species. It looks similar to a Brazilian Black but more smoke grey. A nice looking species to own.

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