Brazilian Black and White Tarantula Care Sheet

Brazilian Black and White Tarantula
(Brazilopelma colloratvillosum)
by Jon Fouskaris

Brazilian Black and White Tarantula
SUB-ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Brazilian Black and White Tarantula is a very rare, expensive, and desirable tarantula species! It is another beautiful black and white striped tarantula, like the Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata), but with broader strips of white hairs. This tarantula species can get fairly large too, adding to it's appeal. The Brazilian Black and White Tarantula is not usually seen for sale in the United States, but can be found easier in Europe. These tarantulas aren't too aggressive, but won't hesitate to flick urticating hairs if disturbed. Brazilian Black and White Tarantulas can be great display tarantulas because they are so hard to obtain, along with the beauty they possess. If you are looking for a great rare tarantula for your collection, keep this species in mind, and keep looking!

Range	Savannah, grassland, and pampas areas of Brazil.
Type	Terrestrial.
Diet	Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and an occasional fuzzy mouse.
Full Grown Size	6.5 to 8 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	80 to 85° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament	Semi-docile and calm.
Housing	Babies can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	3 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Brazilian Giant Black and White Tarantula.

*Please note that ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. Also, New World species of tarantulas like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!