Brazilian Black Tarantula

Scientific Name: grammostola pulchra

This spider is striking in the simplicity of its appearance. The species is covered in short fine hairs giving it the appearance of velvet and is jet black in colour. It is not an aggressive tarantula but is somewhat nervous when approached. They reach a leg span of around 18cm.

Habitat:

Occurring in the grasslands and forests of Brazil and Uruguay the Brazilian black tarantula will often take over the burrows of other species rather than dig its own. These retreats are usually positioned beneath some type of object such as the base of a tree trunk or rock outcrop.

Diet:

Large insects are the preferred diet, particularly beetles.

Reproduction:

Males can be differentiated from females by the presence of tibial spurs on the legs and the enlarged bulbs at the end of the palps, the appendages between the front legs. Mating usually takes place in autumn and the eggs are produced the following spring.