BRAZILIAN RED TARANTULA  

• Native to the rainforests and savannahs of southern Brazil, and Paraguay. They are a New World species.
• All black with bright red hairs covering their entire body.
• Not for beginners, they can be a little bit faster and nervous, making them a good display species for more advanced keepers.
• Terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground. Also considered an opportunistic burrower.
• Adults range in size from 6” – 6 1/2” in leg span. With males being smaller than females.
• Uncommon species in the hobby making them an excellent addition to any collection.

Diet

Small spiderlings (slings) will eat pinhead crickets. As they grow they can eat larger sized prey. Dubia, and other types of feeder roaches, are good feeder options as well. Small slings (1/4-1/2” or less) can be fed as often as two to three times per week. Larger slings (1/2” and above) can be fed once per week, while adults can be fed as few as every three to four weeks.

Depending on your feeding schedule, be sure to feed an appropriately sized meal and remove any uneaten insects the following day. A good general rule of thumb to deternine appropriate meal size is the insect should be about the same size as the tarantula’s abdomen. As with any pet, never feed any insects that have been found. Use only insects specifically bred as feeders. A healthy weight for a tarantula is same size abdomen as carapace.

Housing  

Slings can become very stressed if kept in too large of an enclosure and will often die if they are moved to a larger enclosure too soon. Slings should be housed in small condiment cups or deli cups until they nearly outgrow it. When they outgrow their enclosure they should be moved to a slightly larger one until they reach at least a few inches in leg span, then they can be moved into their final adult sized enclosure. Adults of this species can comfortably be housed in a 5-10 gallon. Enclosure size should be three times the tarantula’s body length.

The bedding should consist of a minimum of a thick layer of either peat moss, coco-fiber &/or a soil-type substrate. Their humidity should range from 60% - 80%. One half of the enclosure should be misted once every few days as needed. The substrate should never be swampy but never too dry. Do not spray the tarantula directly, as it can agitate and stress them. Any tarantula should be given a very shallow water dish as soon as their enclosure will allow it.

Temperatures should be maintained between 76-82 degrees during the day with a slight drop at night.

Handling & Care

Brazilian Red Tarantulas are semi-aggressive and will defend their territory. Like other terrestrial species, they will flick urticating hairs off of their abdomen when stressed. These hairs can have a varied effect on people ranging from no reaction to itching and burning lasting a few days. Brazilian Reds have been noted to have more irritating urticating hairs than most species. Although Brazilian Reds are more likely to take a defensive pose if threatened than to flick hairs.

If you notice your Tarantula lying on its back, it is molting. At this time, remove any uneaten insects and do not touch the tarantula. Molting is a very stressful time for a tarantula where they become very vulnerable. When they are ready to molt they will become lethargic, stop eating, become timid and may begin building a web.

Venom

All tarantulas have some sort of venom. Brazilian Reds have a very mild venom, much like a bee. Everyone has a different reaction and some people may be allergic. Caution should always be exercised when handling any tarantula.