Mike's Basic Tarantula

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Grammostola pulchra

Common name: Brazilian Black

Indigenous: Brazil

Habitat: Most of Brazil has high annual average temperatures, above 22°C (72°F). Only in the South and in the highest elevations does the average fall below this.

A tropical wet climate characterizes much of northern Brazil, with abundant rainfall and little or no dry season. Temperatures average 25°C (77°F). Rainfall averages about 2,200 mm (about 90 in) a year. Over central Brazil rainfall is more seasonal, characteristic of a savanna climate. Eighty percent of the rain falls in summer (October through March). Here rainfall averages about 1,600 mm (about 60 in) a year. In the interior Northeast, seasonal rainfall is even more extreme. The semiarid region receives less than 800 mm (30 in) of rain, which falls in a period of two or three months.

In the Southeast the tropical climate is modified by elevation, with a winter average temperature below 18°C (64°F) and an average rainfall of about 1,400 mm (about 55 in) concentrated in summer. The South has subtropical conditions, with average temperatures below 20°C (68°F) and cool winters.

Temp/humidity: 65°-78°F (18.3°-25.5°C) /55%-65% humidity I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 60-70%.

Enclosure: This is a terrestrial tarantula. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (7.62cm) 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 (10.16cm) of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: This is an opportunistic burrower, therefore 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" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. My adult Brazilian Black, I give two (2) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 7 adult crickets weekly. This species is a aggressive 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, but twice a year I overflow the watering dish to wet half the substrate, to simulate the weather pattern, but when I do, she normally stay away from the wet substrate.

Growth Rate: I have read that this is a slow growing species; but with proper feeding and warmth, the growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased this tarantula as a Juvenile. My girls grew from one inch (2.54cm) to three inches (3") in one (1) year.

Adult Size: They get six-seven inches (15.24-17.78cm). My girls are a solid seven inches (17.78cm) and are eleven (11) years old.

Temperament: This spider 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: This species is prized for its complete uniformed black velvet look. G. pulchra is an awesomely beautiful spider, especially after a fresh molt. It is heavy built, when matured, and a sight to behold.  Another plus for this species is its calmness. This tarantula is a true pet rock. It is very easy to care for and resilient. I own eleven (11) different species of Grammostola, and this is the best eater. The others are casual eaters. You will be proud of your Brazilian Black. This spider is a must have for your collection.

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