Grammostola pulchra Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re shining the spotlight on a sleek, velvety shadow of a tarantula — Grammostola pulchra, better known as the Brazilian Black Tarantula. With its deep, matte black body and calm, hardy nature, this species is both striking and surprisingly easy to care for.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Grammostola pulchra (some overlap / confusion with Grammostola quirogai)
Common name: Brazilian Black Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial (New World)
Native to: Brazil (and similar regions / populations sometimes from Uruguay)
Adult size: Females ~6–7″ leg span
Temperament: Docile, calm, slow-moving; rarely defensive
Lifespan: Females up to ~30 years or more; males much shorter
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate (great for display keepers)
Fun Fact:
Its satin-black coloring gets even more luxurious after a fresh molt — it’s like a velvet cloak over its body.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, G. pulchra lives in grasslands, scrub, and open plains — not heavy forest, more open terrain where it takes advantage of shallow retreats rather than digging deep burrows.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70-78°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 60-70% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
G. pulchra is known for its gentle nature and tolerance — one of the more “hands-off friendly” species.
• Spiderlings: More skittish and likely to burrow or hide when disturbed
• Adults: Calm in demeanor, will often remain in view or retreat to hides rather than show aggression
• Handling: Often tolerated better than many tarantulas, though handling should still be minimal and careful
Observation tip:
If you see substrate being rearranged, blocked hide entrances, or digging, it might be preparing a molt or settling into its space. Give it peace and don’t disturb too much.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black) is a striking and elegant tarantula for keepers who value both beauty and ease of care. Its deep black coloration, calm nature, and resilience make it a wonderful species for both beginners and experienced tarantula enthusiasts. With a proper terrestrial setup, moderate humidity, stable feeding, and respect for its natural behavior, this tarantula can thrive and be a majestic part of your collection for many years.