Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola Pulchra)
The Brazlian Black Tarantula – Grammostola pulchra, is a head turning and stunning species of tarantula, more commonly known as the Brazilian black tarantula.
This is a fantastic choice for people who are fairly new to the hobby. They do not have the bad temper that many other species do. They are gentle and very chilled and one of the species that are quite safe to hold.
It is worth mentioning how absolutely stunning this species is. A chunky and sturdy little beast covered in what looks like crushed black velvet (obviously not though!)
Due to it not being an overly sensitive species, this also makes it a great choice for beginners. It is quite hard to go wrong with them. They are very resilient and are not heavily dependent on their ideal temperature being spot on.
Scientific name:
Grammostola pulchra
Distribution:
Brazil
Natural habitat:
As yet, there is much to be written and research about this species in its natural habitat. What little is known is that it is a ground dweller for sure. It is resourceful and will attempt to make a home out of what is around it. This might be inside a pre-made burrow from another animal, or under a nice quiet dark log.
Food:
Compared to a lot of species of tarantula, this laid back chilled beauty has a much less aggressive feeding habit. It can happily be fed once a week if not less. However some enthusiasts have argued this and insisted they are very good eaters. Crickets are always a very good choice, plus throwing in cockroaches, meal worms, or anything else of that nature.
Lifespan:
The Grammostola pulchra female can live up to a whopping 30 years in captivity if it is well cared for. The male sadly less, living a maximum of six years.
Mating:
The mating process for this species can be on the tricky side. Some enthusiasts have suggested raising the temperature and humidity in the female’s enclosure prior to mating. Some hobbyists chose to keep the male and female tanks close together prior to mating, some witnessing them drumming and tapping to each other over this period. Some have chose to bring the temperature down drastically in the female’s enclosure post mating with minimal disturbance.
Housing:
These sturdy tarantulas can reach up to around 7 inches, so it would be sensible to give adequate room. A large glass or plastic enclosure that will give plenty of room for a thick layer of substrate will be suitable.
If you need help buying an enclosure why not check out our enclosure review. Click here for the article.
Habitat layout:
As this is a terrestrial species, plenty of substrate is needed. For a sling around four inches is suggested. Slings in particular have a habit of burrowing deep as a survival mechanism to stay out of the way of predators. Adding in additions which can serve as a ready made hidey hole will be a welcome addition. Digging out a little bit of the substrate to start it off is always an option. However this little tank will easily move the substrate around to where it wants it. Of course fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Development rate:
Very slow compared to many other species. Again this could be argued by other enthusiasts. Some suggest anywhere from 1 to 3 inch growth within 12 months.
Temperature:
After people read that this species if from Brazil, they would be forgiven for turning the heat well up. However this species is actually from a more arid region, so super heating is not necessary. The mid 70’s is always a safe bet, with humidity of around the same.
Personality:
This species is considered to be a fantastic starter. They are gentle and slow, do not have a tendency to attack or bite. Some hobbyists have said over the years theirs have never flicked hairs or ever shown signs of aggression. If you insist on wanting to handle your pet tarantula, this is the species to pick.
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Reproduction:
Should a mating attempt have been successful, after some weeks your female should lay an egg sack. This sack can carry in or around 650 slings.
I sponsor the BioClub for students at my middle school in Kansas. We use our animals for educational presentations to younger students in our district. We have had two tarantulas that have died, I am assuming due to age, and I am currently researching the best species for our program. I have heard that the ‘Brazilian Black Tarantula’ is the best choice. I was wondering if you might agree or could recommend a different one? Also, do you have recommendations from whom to purchase? Cost is always a concern, but quality and support are equally important to me. Thanks so much.
Hi! I do agree that the brazilian black is an AWESOME choice ! Very docile and beautiful. But there are other species that could be also a very good choice. First choose something from the new world (the americas)
Second opt for one in these genras : brachypelma, grammostola, aphonopelma.
For the brachypelma I would recommend the brachypelma albopilosum Nicaragua (there is the honduran but it is less fluffy but as docile) they make excellent display and also are very very tame and calm (from a subadult age already) thay usually are names “Hondurian Curly Hair”.
For the aphonopelma I would recommend the aphonopelma chalcodes which is also called The Arizona Blondie as they are navie from AZ.
Hope I would have helped
My male just died, at an age of around 10. He was delightful. Mellow, willing to be held, and not defensive. One thing we noticed, however, is that when we neglected to handle him for a time, he would become less friendly, and would avoid walking on human hands. So if you are wanting to handle them, I’d recommend keeping it regular.
We got ours with elementary aged children, and my daughter (then about 8) took to him immediately. Based on my somewhat limited experience (we’ve had a number of tarantulas), I would recommend a BB as a top choice.
Grammostola pulchras are an excellent choice, however, their cost may be a deterrant, however, G. porteri or G. pulchripes are equally docile and calm. If you have the choices of gender, females will definitely live longer. Aphonopelmas are great, but I notice that their personalities can vary greatly from one molt to the next, most Brachypelmas like to kick their hairs, which is unpleasant for most people.