Tarantula Care Center

The Grammostola pulchra tarantula (common name Brazilian Black Tarantula) is often refered to as the ‘best pet tarantula’ due to it’s docile temperament, and beautiful velvety black coloring.

As such this particular species of tarantula is often in scarce supply due to the high demand, and when available may be much higher priced than some of the more common and easier to breed species of tarantula.

The Brazilian black is related to the Grammostola rosea (Chilean Rose), and like it’s relative, is known to fast for several months at a time, so don’t worry if your tarantula isn’t feeding on a regular basis.  Provide adults with fresh water daily and Watch the spiders abdomen for signs of poor health.

Grammostola pulchra – Brazilian Black Tarantula Care Sheet

Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchra

Also Known As: Brazilian Black

Range: Native to grassland areas in Brazil and Uraguy

Size: 5″ to 6″

Life span: Females can live up to 20 years.

Housing: Due to the larger size of the Grammostola pulchra, a larger than usual enclosure is recmomended.  Adults will live comfortably in a 10 gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.

Substrate: 3 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.

Decor: Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places. Moss can be added for floor cover.

Temperature: 75F to 80F

Humidity: 60% – 75% (Med) Regular misting may be required to maintain the appropriate humidity.

Growth: Slow

Diet: Insects such as crickets, grass-hoppers, beetles, moths, meal worms and cockroaches.  Larger adults may also enjoy pinkie mice and smaller lizards.

All tarantulas that have at least a 3″ legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.

Temperament: Grammostola pulchra are docile, not prone to flicking uricating hairs, and one of the better species of tarantula for handling.

Notes: n/a

For a comprehensive guide to Grammostola pulchra – Brazilian Black Tarantula care, visit:

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