Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula) 0.5-0.75"

Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula)

The Brazilian Black Tarantula is one of the most beloved beginner species in the hobby, and this 0.5 to 0.75 inch spiderling is the most affordable way to start one. Right now this baby tarantula still shows the reddish coloration and black abdomen it hatched with, well before the deep jet black look that gives the species its name sets in around 2.5 inches. Raising a Grammostola pulchra spiderling from this size means watching that entire transformation happen in your own collection. This new world tarantula for sale grows into one of the calmest, most forgiving species available, making it a smart, low cost entry point whether this is a first tarantula or a fiftieth.

Why do hobbyists keep Grammostola pulchra?

• Color Change: Starts out reddish with a black abdomen and slowly deepens into a solid, velvety jet black by around 2.5 inches, a rewarding change to watch unfold from this early stage.
• Docile Temperament: Even at the spiderling stage this species tends to settle in calm, a preview of the exceptionally easygoing adult it becomes.
• Beginner Genus: Grammostola has one of the best beginner reputations of any genus in the hobby, and pulchra is the classic entry point.
• Hobby Favorite: A long standing staple that has introduced countless keepers to the hobby.

How should Grammostola pulchra be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches 5 to 6 inches at full leg span, with a heavy bodied build and slow, deliberate movement.
• Enclosure: Start this spiderling in a 6 by 6 by 4 inch enclosure with about 2 inches of substrate, a small cork hide, and light leaf litter for cover. We size the cage for a third of adult size rather than for the spiderling's current size, so this small tarantula has real room to grow before it needs its next home.
• Rehousing: Two rehouses total for life. Next is a 12 by 12 by 8 inch enclosure with about 4 inches of substrate around the 2 inch mark, then an 18 by 18 by 12 inch adult setup with 6 inches of substrate around the 4 inch mark. Grammostola pulchra is a slow grower even among Grammostola, often taking 4 to 6 years to reach full size, so expect roughly 18 to 24 months out of this first cage.
• Temperature: Maintain between 65 to 75 degrees F with stable conditions.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate lightly moist without letting it stay soggy, allowing the top layer to dry between mistings. Good ventilation is critical. Cross ventilation works best, but ample top ventilation can also be effective as long as the enclosure is not over-misted.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Prey length should run about a quarter of the leg span, roughly the width of the carapace (head). At this size that is a 1/8 to 3/16 inch cricket or roach nymph. Feed at least once a week, placing prey near the burrow entrance or hide.
• Temperament: Calm and unhurried even as a baby tarantula, one of the easiest spiderlings to keep on track with consistent care.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Sling Coloration: Hatches reddish with a black abdomen, then turns fully jet black around 2.5 inches, one of the more dramatic ontogenetic changes in the genus.
• Unsexed Offering: This size ships unsexed, with roughly even odds of male or female, typical for spiderlings at this stage.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.

Listing Notes

• This is our smallest and most budget friendly size option for Grammostola pulchra. It is a great way to add this beginner favorite to a collection at the lowest entry price, and to raise a Brazilian Black tarantula through its full color change from day one.

Classification Note

There is ongoing discussion within the hobby regarding the distinction between Grammostola pulchra and Grammostola quirogai, as both have appeared in the trade under similar names. While they are recognized as separate species, much of what has historically been sold in the hobby has been labeled as G. pulchra. There is a good chance that, based on descriptions of both species, what we call Grammostola pulchra is actually Grammostola quirogai. These were sold to us as pulchra, so we will continue to use this name until a paper distinguishes hobby pulchra from wild forms of pulchra and quirogai. Since we cannot make species determinations based on color alone, changing the name without that evidence would be irresponsible. That is why we are keeping this listing as Grammostola pulchra "Hobby" form.