| Special Notices |
| Setup notes |
This is a large, heavy-bodied terrestrial tarantula, so I keep the enclosure low, secure, and practical. Give it floor space, a sturdy hide, moderate substrate depth, and no excessive climbing height. A fall can be dangerous for a spider this big. |
| Name note |
This species is widely known in the hobby as Nhandu chromatus, but it is also listed under the updated name Vitalius chromatus. The common names Brazilian Red & White and White Striped Birdeater are both used for this beautiful Brazilian terrestrial. |
| Care videos |
Check out the Urban Tarantulas YouTube channel for care, setup, feeding, and show-and-tell videos to see how we keep and feed our tarantulas: Urban Tarantulas on YouTube. |
| 🧰 Care Details |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C). Warmer temperatures usually mean faster growth because they molt more often, but I still prefer steady warmth over pushing extreme heat. |
| 💧 Humidity |
Aim for about 75–80% inside the enclosure with good ventilation. Keep part of the substrate lightly moist, especially for babies and juveniles, but avoid swampy substrate, stale air, or long-term bone-dry conditions during molt. Water dishes are optional; I usually skip them except for larger species. |
| 🏠 Housing |
| 🏠 Babies |
Use a 1–4 oz deli cup with needle ventilation. Add enough substrate for security, plus a tiny hide or starter burrow. Keep one section lightly moist without soaking the cup. FREE container at checkout IF requested; not included otherwise. |
| 🏠 Juveniles |
Larger specimens should be kept in an enclosure around 2–3x body size, flexible by the individual. Give juveniles floor space, a secure hide, moderate substrate depth, and good airflow. They can grow quickly, so be ready to size them up as they molt. |
| 🏠 Adults |
Adults need a secure terrestrial enclosure with generous floor space, a sturdy hide, and enough substrate to cushion the spider and support light digging. Keep the height conservative because adult Brazilian Red & Whites are large, heavy tarantulas that should not have a long fall. |
| General Diet |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Crickets + roaches work great, especially Dubia, Red Runner, and Lobster roaches. Babies should get baby crickets or baby roaches. If prey is too big, pre-kill by crushing the head, leave it, then remove leftovers or bolus. Occasional treat for super large specimens: pinky/hopper mouse or feeder lizard very sparingly; excess calcium can cause constipation/pooping issues. We never use pinhead crickets because they do not provide enough protein. |
| In-depth Facts |
| 🕷️ Latin name / Scientific name |
Vitalius chromatus; also widely known as Nhandu chromatus in the hobby. |
| 📛 Common name(s) |
Brazilian Red & White Tarantula, Brazilian Red and White, White Striped Birdeater. |
| 🌡️ Temperature |
75–85°F (24–29°C), with steady warmth and no extreme heat spikes. |
| 💧 Humidity |
About 75–80% inside the enclosure. Keep the substrate lightly humid with airflow, avoiding both swampy conditions and long-term bone-dry substrate. |
| 📍 Locale |
Brazil. I keep this species like a large Brazilian terrestrial: warm, secure, well ventilated, and lightly humid without being wet. |
| 🏷️ Category |
New World terrestrial; large, fast-growing, bold, opportunistic burrower with a strong feeding response and heavy urticating hair defense. |
| 📏 Size |
Females commonly reach about 7–8 inches DLS; males are usually smaller and leggier, around 5.5–6.5 inches DLS. Max size is typically around 8 inches DLS with a strong, heavy-bodied build. |
| 🪶 Urticating hairs |
Yes. This New World terrestrial can kick urticating hairs when stressed, and larger specimens can kick a lot of them. I recommend using tools during maintenance and keeping handling to a minimum. |
| ⏳ Growth rate |
Fast. Babies and juveniles can put on size quickly with regular feeding, proper moisture, and warm stable conditions because they molt more often. |
| 🧭 Life span |
Females commonly live around 12–18+ years with good care; males usually live about 4–6 years. |
| 🍽️ Feeding |
Usually a bold, reliable eater once settled. Offer appropriately sized crickets or roaches, and remove uneaten prey or bolus. This species often hits food hard, so use feeding tongs and give the spider room to strike safely. |
| 🎯 Recommended levels |
Anyone can own this species as long as they respect its size, appetite. It is especially great for keepers who want a hardy, fast-growing, colorful New World terrestrial with bold striping and a dramatic feeding response. |
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| ⚠️ Safety Disclaimer |
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Safety Disclaimer: Tarantula bites are extremely rare, and there are no recorded human fatalities. Venom strength varies by species; Old World tarantulas are usually more potent than New World tarantulas, with Poecilotheria known for especially strong venom. Larger tarantulas may also deliver more venom.
If bitten, stay calm. Most symptoms fade within minutes to hours, though potent species may cause discomfort for up to a week. In 13 years, I’ve only been bitten once, and symptoms were gone after one week.
Handling is at your own risk. I’m not responsible for bites or injuries. Always prioritize your safety and the tarantula’s well-being.
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