Basic Description

One of the most popular tarantula in the hobby. The Grammostola pulchra originated in southern parts of Brazil. This species range from jet black to faded dark grey in coloration as they mature, their black coloration intensifies. On their early stage, they have a mirror patch that are visible and some of the individuals ranges to dark grey to black. 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. A real Grammostola pulchra is one of the most massive species of the Grammostola genus. Eventhought they cannot reach 10" to 12" like the Theraphosa genus. A 7" Grammostola pulchra will be more stocky and bigger in stature than a 7" Theraphosa blondi. In addition, A real pure blood Grammostola pulchhra is capable of reaching 7" to 8" compare to the ones that are being imported from Europe. Eventhough they are big tarantulas this species produce big eggs and a small egg count per sac. Their sac usually ranges from 40 to 80 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

Unfortunately from all the black grammostola that were imported in the past years and labeled as Grammostola pulchra in order to meet the high demand for this species. All the mislabelling contributed in the hybridization of this species. Most of the species that are labeled as Grammostola pulchra are a hybrid of Grammostola molllicoma, quirogai, altieps, pulchra and other black grammostola from Latin America. Its very hard to differenciate which one is which especially quirogai and pulchra hybrid because they have very similar traits with a real pulchra. The only thing that can tell them apart is from a phylogenetic analysis and mature male's tibial hook. However its impossible to ID a female unless its dissected for DNA sequencing. In my personal observation a real pulchra can reach 7" and are very massive which a hybrid pulchra and quirogai are not capable of reaching. Most of the species labeled as pulchra in the market right now will rarely reach 6" because most of them are not pure blood. All our breeders are 7"+ close to 8" and were imported in 2002-2003 straight from Brazil to US. We maintained a clean bloodline throughout the years.

Temperament

Grammostola pulchra is 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 1 to 2 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. I never witness any type of aggression from this species which is why they are my number 1 recommendation 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 specie grow rate from 1 - 10, 10 being the fastest and 1 being the slowest. This specie grow about 4 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 when they are freshly molted.