Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Nhandu chromatus

Common name: Brazilian Red

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: 76°-82° /65%-75%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 70%.  I also dampen one-half of the substrate in the terrarium by overflowing the water dish then I allow it to dry out.

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

Retreat/Hide: This is a 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" I introduced baby crickets, My sub-adult Brazilian Red and White , I give one (1) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 5 adult crickets weekly. This species is a great 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 (6"-7"). After ten years (10) she is a solid six inches.

Temperament: I read that this species was semi-aggressive, my Brazilian Red and White has given me a defensive pose many times; but I can't ever remember her kicking hair at me.

Comments: I believe that tarantulas are individuals. My two (2) C. chromatus have different personalities. One is feisty and every time I open her enclosure, she goes into a defensive mode. The other, when I open her enclosure, I am able to rub her abdomen, without her getting upset; same species, different nature.

They are good display spiders, and a welcome addition to any collection. Nice coloring too.

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