Brazilian Red Tarantula Care Sheet

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

Brazilian Red Tarantulas are large and shaggy tarantulas. These rare tarantulas have long red hairs covering their body, that's how they got their common name! A Brazilian Red Tarantula can make a pretty good display tarantula since they are large and don't really burrow. Since the Brazilian Red Tarantula is from the non-extensive genus Nhandu, it can be picked out on a price list without much confusion. These tarantulas are aggressive, and are more on the skittish side. The urticating hairs from the Brazilian Red Tarantula are supposedly more severe than many other species, and they are not shy about flicking their hairs at a potential predator or threat, which could be its' owner! Not a beginners' species, the Brazilian Red Tarantula is a good display tarantula.

Range	Rainforests and savannahs of southern Brazil, and Paraguay.
Type	Terrestrial.
Diet	Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, and an occasional pinkie mouse.
Full Grown Size	6 to 6.5 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	80 to 85° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%.
Temperament	Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing	Babies can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	3 to 5 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	No decorations are really needed, but you can add a log, or cork bark.
Other Names	Brazilian Orange 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!