| 📺 Special Notices & Video Resources |
Want to see the "Black Lab" in action? I have videos on my channel showing off their temperament and feeding response.
▶️ Watch Setup & Care Videos on UrbanTarantulas
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| 🌡️ Care Details |
| Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C). They are very comfortable at room temperature, but keeping them slightly warmer (upper 70s to low 80s) can help encourage a slightly faster growth rate. |
| Humidity |
Moderate (60–70%). While they are from Brazil, they do not need a swamp. I keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish. For smaller specimens, overflowing the water dish slightly to dampen a corner of the substrate is perfect. |
| 🏠 Housing Configurations |
| Babies (Slings) |
A 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation works best. I can include a FREE container at checkout if you request it in the notes; otherwise, it is not included. |
| Juveniles |
As they grow, move them to a terrestrial enclosure about 2–3× their body size. A hide (cork bark) is recommended, though they are often bold enough to stay outside. |
| Adults |
A standard 5–10 gallon terrestrial enclosure. Provide deep enough substrate for them to bulldoze if they want, though adults are usually heavy display spiders. |
| 🍽️ General Diet |
I feed a mix of crickets and roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster, Madagascar Hissing).
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Babies: Feed baby crickets or roaches. If the prey is too large, I pre-kill it (crush the head) and leave it in; they will scavenge. Remove leftovers/bolus to prevent mold.
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Important: We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein.
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Treats: For super large specimens only, an occasional pinky mouse or feeder lizard can be offered very sparingly. Excess calcium from vertebrates can cause constipation, so keep this rare.
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| 🧬 In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Scientific Name |
Grammostola pulchra |
| 📛 Common Name |
Brazilian Black |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C) |
| 💧 Humidity |
60–70% (Don't let it get swampy) |
| 📍 Locale |
Brazil and Uruguay (Grasslands) |
| 🏷️ Category |
Terrestrial; Opportunistic burrower (usually display) |
| 📏 Size |
Approx 7–8 inches (Very stocky build) |
| 🪶 Urticating Hairs |
Has, hardly ever kicks. |
| ⏳ Growth Rate |
Slow (but generally faster than G. rosea) |
| 🧭 Life Span |
Females 30+ years; Males 5–6 years |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Great eaters, rarely fast compared to other Grammostola. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Beginner / Premium Display Species |
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Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.
It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.
Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.
Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula. |
