Basic Description

This is the most biggest Grammostola species reaching a size of up to 8"+. The Grammostola iheringi originated in southern parts of Brazil. This species range from jet black to faded dark grey in coloration with buish highlight as they mature. Just like other Grammostola their coloration intensifies as they reach adulthood. On their early stage, they have a mirror patch that are visible and some individuals ranges from dark grey to black. As they mature the mirror patch starts to become a heart shape pattern. From slings to mature individual these specimens are very robust and bulky. They have thick legs, big abdomen, and as they reach adult stage their carapace becomes more massive and define. Even though they are leggy they have a fuzzy characteristics that gives them that stocky look compare to leggy genus like Poecilotheria. This species can compete with other tarantulas when it comes to coloration, personality and overall appearance. This is one of my top 5 favorite tarantula species. Eventhough they are big tarantulas this species produce big eggs and a small egg count per sac. Their sac usually ranges from 80 to 120 eggs compare to other species of big tarantulas that can produce 500 to 2000 per sac. Despite being establish for so long this species is very hard to breed. Small egg count, slow growth rate, difficult to breed and a high demand for this species makes a pure blood Grammostola pulchra very hard to find.

Controversy

There are rumors that some of the specimens where accidentally crossed bred with actaeon which resulted to an actaeon that has a redrump. However, in my opinion is that black actaeon probably has a different locales.

Temperament

Grammostola iheringi is one of the best beginner pet tarantulas. Most individuals are very docile and hardy. They are usually out from their house or burrow which is perfect as a display pet. From 1 - 10 being ten the most aggressive this specie is 2 to 3 in most individuals. I have raised 100s of individuals and they have the best personality from all the species of tarantulas I worked with. They move very slow and have a very sweet demeanor. Some individuals can be skitish but that behavior can be corrected with regular handling so far I haven't any type of aggression from this species which is why they are my top 1 recommendation for giant tarantulas for first time tarantula hobbyist.

Diet

In captivity they usually feed on crickets, roaches, mice, small reptiles and amphibians. They only eat once or twice a week. Depending on the size of the abdomen of the tarantula, they can survive for weeks without eating.

Housing

Tarantulas can be house in different size containers. 1 inch tarantula can be house in a deli cup. 3-5 inch can be house in a 5 gallon tank. 6 inch and above can be house in a 10 gallon tank. They can also be house in a shoe box to save space.

Tarantulas need moist substrate so that their book lungs will not dry out. Any of the following substrate can be use, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, cocofiber and orchid bark, top soil, black forest moss and clay soil.

Water dish is required, not a lot of people know but tarantulas drink too. Make sure that the water dish is clean at all times to stop the development of bacteria in the tarantula cage.

Growth Rate

This species grow rate from 1 - 10, 10 being the fastest and 1 being the slowest. This specie grow about 5 out of 10 speed, with daily feeding they can reach breedable size in 4 years in captivity which is power feeding but with regular feeding of once every 2 weeks they can get reach adulthood in 8 to 10 years. The life span of a tarantula is connected to its molt count.

Special Feature

Very massive in stature, one of the most docile tarantula in the hobby, jet black color with bluish highlight and a heart shape pattern in the back.