Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Kochiana brunnipes

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Common name: Dwarf Pink Leg

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: 78°-82° (25.5-27.8C), 70-80% humidity.  I keep this species temperature at 80° (26.6C) degrees and the humidity at 75%. I also keep one-half (1/2) of the substrate in the terrarium basically dry. I mist the other side once every two (2) weeks.

Enclosure: This is a obligate burrower. As a spiderling, I used a vial that would allow at least three inches (7.62cm) of substrate for burrowing, and three inches (7.62) as subadult-adult in a small terrarium.

Substrate: three inches (7.62) of substrate in a vial, and three inches (7.62cm) in a small terrarium. (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 first fed her fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2" (1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. Now I give my Dwarf Pink Leg  two (2) one-half inch (1.27cm) B. dubia roaches or one-1/2 inch (1.27cm) crickets weekly. This species is a good eater.

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

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling of 1/8" (0.635cm) in size. After the first year she had grown to three-fourth inch (1.905cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low to mid 80's, it will reach full size within two (2) years at this growth rate.

Adult Size: I read that they get two inches (5.08cm). My Dwarf Pink Leg has attained a leg length of two and one-half inches (6.35cm).

Temperament: This is a docile, but seclusive species.  It is an obligate burrower and I rarely see he, but for some unknown reason, she will surface and stay out for about two weeks. This behavior occurs about every six months.

She has never kicked hair at me nor given me a threat pose.

Comments: This is another great colorful Dwarf tarantulas. It will stay at the mouth of the burrow with its pink legs showing, waiting for prey.