B
Species Profile

Brazilian Black Tarantula

Grammostola pulchra

The Velvet Black Burrower
Dan Olsen/Shutterstock.com

Brazilian Black Tarantula Distribution

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Endemic Species
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Found in 1 country

🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) A brilliantly black and large leg span spider, the Brazilian Black tarantula makes for a strikingly pretty pet.

At a Glance

Wild Species
Also Known As Black beauty, Brazilian black
Diet Insectivore
Activity Nocturnal+
Lifespan 10 years
Weight 0.05 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

Species authority: described as Grammostola pulchra by Cândido Firmino de Mello-Leitão (1921).

Scientific Classification

A large, terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, notable for its velvety jet-black coloration and generally docile temperament compared with many other tarantulas.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Arachnida
Order
Araneae
Family
Theraphosidae
Genus
Grammostola
Species
pulchra

Distinguishing Features

  • Velvety, uniform black body and legs (dark overall appearance, especially in adults)
  • Robust, heavy-bodied terrestrial build typical of Grammostola
  • New World tarantula traits including urticating hairs (defensive) rather than medically significant venom

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Length
♂ 5 in (5 in – 6 in)
♀ 7 in (6 in – 8 in)
Weight
♂ 0 lbs (0 lbs – 0 lbs)
Top Speed
1 mph
Estimated from similar tarantulas
Venomous

Appearance

Primary Colors
Black
Secondary Colors
Gray Brown
Skin Type Chitinous exoskeleton densely covered in setae; abdomen bears defensive urticating hairs (New World theraphosid trait).
Distinctive Features
  • Velvety, uniform black setation is the primary visual identifier in the hobby/trade for Grammostola pulchra (contrasts with many Grammostola that show browns/reds).
  • Robust, terrestrial build: heavy-bodied with thick legs adapted to ground-dwelling rather than arboreal climbing.
  • Defensive equipment includes abdominal urticating hairs that can be kicked toward threats; this is characteristic of New World tarantulas (urticating setae discussed broadly for Theraphosidae by Cooke, Roth & Miller, 1972).
  • Typically associated with a burrow/scrape or shelter at ground level; often sits at the burrow entrance when established (behavioral note relevant to appearance/posture in situ: low, grounded stance).
  • Adults are often called large terrestrial tarantulas, with leg spans around 14–18 cm. Reliable scientific size data from wild adults are limited, so exact maximum size is uncertain.
  • Taxonomic anchor: originally described as Grammostola pulchra by C. F. de Mello-Leitão (1921); current usage and nomenclature reflected in the World Spider Catalog (latest online updates).

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is present but subtle in coloration (both sexes are predominantly black); it is more evident in body proportions and mature male secondary sexual structures typical of theraphosids.

♂
  • Generally smaller-bodied and leggier at maturity (more slender overall proportions).
  • Mature males develop emboli on the palpal bulbs (mating organs) and typically show tibial apophyses ('mating hooks') on the first pair of legs in theraphosids; presence/shape is used in sexing mature specimens.
  • Often exhibits a relatively smaller, less rounded abdomen compared with adult females, especially after the ultimate molt.
♀
  • Generally larger and heavier-bodied with a fuller abdomen and more robust overall build, consistent with long-lived, sedentary terrestrial theraphosids.
  • Color remains a deep, uniform black into adulthood; overall appearance tends to stay more 'stocky' compared with mature males.

Did You Know?

Species authority: described as Grammostola pulchra by Cândido Firmino de Mello-Leitão (1921).

Adult size commonly reported in captivity: ~14-17 cm legspan; robust, heavy-bodied for the genus.

Female longevity is exceptionally high among pet spiders: commonly 20+ years in captivity; males typically live ~5-8 years (shorter adult lifespan after maturity).

Color change with age: juveniles are often brownish to charcoal and gradually become uniformly jet-black as they mature.

Primarily terrestrial: spends much of its life at or below ground level in a retreat rather than webbing vegetation.

Defense is New World-typical: it relies more on kicking urticating hairs than on biting; venom is not considered medically significant to humans compared with many other animals.

Slow growth is characteristic of Grammostola: many keepers report several years to reach adult size, especially in cooler or drier setups.

Unique Adaptations

  • Urticating setae (defensive abdominal hairs): specialized barbed hairs that can be kicked into a predator's face, causing irritation-key defense in many New World theraphosids.
  • Velvety black setae: dense hair coverage can reduce water loss and offers camouflage in shaded soil/leaf-litter habitats; the uniform black is a distinctive identification trait among commonly kept Grammostola.
  • Low-energy metabolism: well adapted to long intervals between successful prey captures, enabling survival with infrequent feeding.
  • Silk use for engineering (not prey capture webs): silk is used to line retreats, create "trip lines" that transmit vibrations, and provide stable molting platforms.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Burrow/retreat construction: uses a ground hide or shallow burrow, often reinforcing it with silk to stabilize soil and line the retreat.
  • Sit-and-wait ambush hunting: typically remains still at the burrow entrance and lunges at passing prey rather than actively chasing.
  • Threat display sequence (variable by individual): freezing → raising front legs → flicking urticating hairs from the abdomen; many individuals skip escalation and choose retreat.
  • Nocturnal/crepuscular activity patterns: more likely to wander, drink, or hunt in low light while remaining hidden during the day.
  • Seasonal fasting: may refuse food for weeks to months, especially before molts (premolt) or during cooler/drier periods.

Cultural Significance

In Brazil, ground tarantulas are called "bird spiders" and appear in folk stories—feared but also met with curiosity. Grammostola pulchra is liked for its calm nature and black color, helping make captive-bred tarantulas seen as pets and teaching animals.

Myths & Legends

Naming lore (scientific etymology): the species epithet means "beautiful" in Latin, a direct nod to the spider's unusually uniform, elegant black appearance when mature.

Modern keeper folklore: among tarantula enthusiasts, G. pulchra is often called a "beginner's tarantula" in hobby tradition-an informal cultural label reflecting stories of unusually calm individuals kept as classroom or outreach animals.

An old tarantula legend, tarantism, said a spider bite caused wild dancing only cured by the tarantella. Though linked to Mediterranean wolf spiders, it is often retold about large tarantulas like Grammostola pulchra.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Unknown

Protected Under

  • Brazil: Law No. 9,605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law) - prohibits the capture, keeping, or sale of native wildlife without authorization; enforcement and permitting are typically administered by IBAMA and state environmental agencies.
  • Brazil: Law No. 5,197/1967 (Wildlife Protection Law) - establishes federal protection for native fauna and forms part of Brazil's legal framework governing the collection, transport, and commercialization of native wildlife.
  • CITES: Not listed at the species level (no CITES Appendix listing specifically for Grammostola pulchra).

Life Cycle

Birth 700 spiderlings
Lifespan 10 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
3–15 years
In Captivity
5–25 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Solitary
Breeding Pattern Transient
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian black tarantula) is solitary and terrestrial. Males roam and mate with multiple females; females may store sperm in spermathecae. Mating is brief, internal, after courtship near burrows; males leave. Females make and guard egg sacs; no helpers.

Behavior & Ecology

Social No stable group Group: 1
Activity Nocturnal, Crepuscular
Diet Insectivore Large ground-active insects-especially crickets and cockroaches-are among the most readily accepted prey in captivity; published, species-specific field data identifying a single preferred prey type for this tarantula are currently limited.

Temperament

Generally docile/low-reactivity compared with many theraphosids (especially common in long-established captive lines), often choosing immobility or retreat over escalation
Defensive repertoire typical of New World tarantulas: threat posture, retreat to burrow, and release/flicking of urticating abdominal setae; biting is usually a last resort
Burrow- and site-faithful; tends to remain near a retreat and ambush prey rather than actively ranging widely
Males become markedly more mobile and risk-prone upon maturity, wandering to locate females (a common theraphosid pattern; species-specific movement distances for G. pulchra are not well quantified)

Communication

none No airborne vocal calls documented
Chemical signaling via pheromones on silk and substrate Female silk cues used by males to locate receptive females; widely documented across spiders and theraphosids
Substrate-borne vibration signaling Male courtship drumming/tapping; female responsiveness mediated through vibration and contact cues-common across Theraphosidae
Tactile communication during courtship and copulation Leg palpation, contact positioning; male tibial apophyses/leg holds used to manage female fangs during mating in many theraphosids
Visual/gestural displays at close range Threat posture, leg raising; primarily effective at short distances in low-light conditions

Habitat

Grassland Savanna Shrubland Woodland Agricultural/Farmland
Biomes:
Temperate Grassland Savanna Temperate Forest
Terrain:
Plains Hilly Valley
Elevation: Up to 2952 ft 9 in

Ecological Role

Terrestrial arthropod predator in Brazilian habitats (a burrow-associated tarantula), contributing to top-down control of ground-dwelling insect and other arthropod populations; also serves as prey for vertebrate predators (e.g., birds, small mammals, reptiles) and as a host for parasitoids and pathogens typical of large spiders.

Regulation of local insect/arthropod abundance through predation Energy transfer from invertebrate prey to higher trophic levels (as prey for vertebrates) Soil microhabitat influence via burrowing (small-scale aeration/structuring around retreats)

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Ground-dwelling insects Cockroaches Beetles and beetle larvae Moths and caterpillars Large arthropods

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Grammostola pulchra, Brazilian Black Tarantula, is a wild species, not domesticated. People encounter it in homes or through the exotic pet trade. Captive breeding is common to ease wild taking; Brazil limits wild collection and export, so many traded animals are sold as captive-bred. As New World Theraphosidae, urticating hairs cause mild irritation; serious bites are rare.

Danger Level

Low
  • Urticating hairs: can cause itchy dermatitis; airborne hairs can irritate eyes and mucous membranes (more serious if rubbed into eyes).
  • Bite (rare in a calm species): typically localized pain and swelling; serious systemic effects are uncommon for New World Grammostola species but individual reactions/allergies are possible.
  • Handling risk: falls can severely injure or kill the tarantula (abdomen rupture), indirectly increasing bite/defensive-hair incidents during mishandling.

As a Pet

Suitable as Pet

Legality: Keeping Brazilian Black Tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) is usually legal unless local rules ban invertebrates. Exports from Brazil and imports to some countries may be restricted. Always check laws and use documented captive-bred animals.

Care Level: Easy

Purchase Cost: $75 - $600
Lifetime Cost: $800 - $2,500

Economic Value

Uses:
Exotic pet trade (captive-bred specimens) Captive breeding and retail supply chains Education/outreach (zoos, classrooms, public demonstrations) Scientific/medical interest (limited; primarily comparative venom and silk research)
Products:
  • Live animals (slings/juveniles/adults) sold as pets
  • Breeding services/offspring (spiderlings) for trade
  • Educational programming using live display animals

Relationships

Predators 5

Tarantula hawk wasp
Tarantula hawk wasp Pepsis
Tarantula hawk wasp Hemipepsis
Coati
Coati Nasua nasua
Burrowing owl
Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia
Teiid lizards
Teiid lizards Teiidae

Related Species 6

Chilean rose tarantula
Chilean rose tarantula Grammostola rosea Shared Genus
Chilean rose tarantula
Chilean rose tarantula Grammostola porteri Shared Genus
Ihering's tarantula Grammostola iheringi Shared Genus
Brazilian giant black tarantula Grammostola actaeon Shared Genus
Mexican red-knee tarantula
Mexican red-knee tarantula Brachypelma hamorii Shared Family
Arizona blonde tarantula
Arizona blonde tarantula Aphonopelma chalcodes Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 4

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Mexican red-knee tarantula Brachypelma hamorii Ground-dwelling New World theraphosid that ambushes prey from a burrow or retreat, uses urticating hairs for defense, inhabits seasonally dry habitats, and exhibits low-aggression, sit-and-wait behavior.
Arizona blonde tarantula
Arizona blonde tarantula Aphonopelma chalcodes Terrestrial, burrow-associated theraphosid with a similar lifestyle: a nocturnal/crepuscular ambush predator that stays near a permanent retreat, and with a comparable suite of predators (notably pompilid wasps and vertebrate insectivores).
Brazilian salmon pink tarantula Lasiodora parahybana A large-bodied South American terrestrial theraphosid that occupies overlapping prey guilds (large insects and other arthropods, with occasional small vertebrates) and faces similar predators; it differs in temperament and defensive tendencies but overlaps strongly in niche as a large, ground-level ambush predator.
White-knee tarantula Acanthoscurria geniculata Neotropical terrestrial tarantula that hunts from a burrow or retreat and consumes similar prey (orthopterans, roaches, beetles). Shares the broad defensive toolkit typical of New World tarantulas (urticating hairs, threat display).

They can get to be 7 inches long!

The Brazilian black tarantula, also known as the black tarantula, is a hairy black tarantula that is native to Brazil. They also live in parts of Uruguay and are kept as pets by some exotic pet enthusiasts. Their dark silky black coloration makes them stand out from other tarantulas. Brazilian black tarantulas are also one of the biggest tarantulas reaching 6-7 inches as adults. The females are larger than the males and live quite a bit longer.

Amazing Brazilian Black Tarantula Facts

  • These spiders are covered in spikey black hairs.
  • Brazilian black tarantulas are less venomous than other tarantulas.
  • They are slow movers and have an easy going temperament.
  • Males live 6-8 years while females can live more than 20 years.
  • The females do try to eat the males after mating.

Brazilian Black Tarantula Scientific name

The scientific name of the Brazilian black tarantula is Grammostola pulchra. There are around 1,000 different tarantula species. Tarantulas are some of the biggest spiders in North and South America. They are commonly called black tarantulas as well.

Brazilian Black Tarantula Appearance

Brazilian Black Tarantula

Brazilian black tarantulas are less venomous than other tarantulas.

©iStock.com/skydie

The Brazilian black tarantula has a black body and is covered in black hairs. Their bodies have two sections, the cephalothorax (head and thorax together) and the abdomen. Their jointed legs are almost as thick as a human finger and even their legs are covered in spikey hairs. Females are larger than males and can get to be 6-7 inches long. That is about the same length as an average cell phone.

Brazilian black tarantulas are slow movers and if you watch them it looks like they are walking in slow motion. Although they have eight eyes on the top of their head they rely on their hairs to sense movement around them.

Brazilian Black Tarantula Behavior

Brazilian black tarantulas spend most of their lives in their burrows. They either dig their own or move into an abandoned hole from another animal. As nocturnal animals they leave their burrows at night to find prey. Instead of actively hunting they stay hidden in the top of their burrow and wait for something to pass by. They eat insects, small mice and small lizards. If one of these animals gets too close to their burrow they snatch it and inject it with their fangs. Their venom paralyzes the prey and the digestive juices liquefy it so the tarantula can ingest the insides.

If threatened tarantulas will sometimes flick their urticating hairs at the predator causing irritation, especially if the hairs land in the eyes. Brazilian blacks are less likely to use this self defense mechanism which is another reason why they are favored in the pet trade. They are easily handled and don’t seem to mind being held. Their temperament is described as easy going and laid back.  

Brazilian Black Tarantula Habitat

Brazilian black tarantula’s are from Brazil but they also live in parts of Uruguay. They prefer the warm, wet grasslands where the temperatures are around 60°- 70°. As terrestrial animals they spend most of their lives on the ground. They spend the day time deep in their burrows and come out at night, hiding at the entrance of their burrows waiting for prey to pass by. Brazilian black tarantulas are solitary animals and live by themselves except when it is time to find a mate.

Brazilian Black Tarantula Predators and Threats

Predators of Brazilian black tarantulas include lizards, snakes, some birds and coyotes. In Brazil (and Uruguay) there are also tarantula hawks which are not hawks at all but wasps. These large wasps that can get to be 2 inches long have a bright blue body and orangish wings. They can attack a tarantula and sting it, paralyzing the tarantula long enough to haul it off to a nearby burrow. The wasp then lays an egg on the tarantulas abdomen and buries it alive. When the larvae hatch it immediately eats the buried tarantula.

To protect themselves from predators, including tarantula hawks, Brazilian black tarantulas keep hidden during the day in their burrows. If approached they can rear their front end up, hiss and throw their urticating bristles at a predator. In general, Brazilian blacks are less likely to take this step and are more likely to flee vs. fight.

What Eats Brazilian Black Tarantulas?

Snakes, lizards, some birds, coyotes, and tarantula hawks (a wasp) eat Brazilian black tarantulas. The riskiest time of day for the Brazilian black tarantulas is at night when they are out and about looking for food. Males are also at a higher risk during mating season when they must leave their burrow to locate a mate.

What Do Brazilian Black Tarantulas Eat?

Brazilian black tarantulas eat crickets, roaches, small lizards, and mice. They tend to be aggressive eaters. After their prey has been snagged and stunned with venom they use their digestive juices to liquefy the prey before settling in and enjoying their meal. They typically need 2-3 meals per week. Captive tarantulas are fed 2-3 insects per week for optimal health.

What is the Conservation Status of Brazilian Black Tarantulas?

Brazilian Black Tarantulas are not listed by the IUCN as a threatened species. They are popular in the pet trade because of their all black coloration and mild temperament. Be sure to review the laws in your country and work with a reputable breeder if you decide to keep one as a pet of your own.

Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan

Similar to other tarantulas, Brazilian black tarantulas are solitary animals. When it comes time to mate the males do leave their burrows to find a suitable female. If they find a burrow with a female in it they will tap their leg near the hole and wait for the female to approve them. Based on breeding captive Brazilian blacks it seems the females can be picky and not mate with just any male. If she is receptive the male still has to be cautious not to get eaten. Females will try to bite and/or eat the males during courting. The males spin a “sperm web” where they deposit their sperm then try to carefully insert the sperm into the lower opening on the female. If the male gets away safely they can mate with more than one female.

The females will lay 600-650 eggs each year. Once the eggs are laid they wrap them up with their webs and keep them in a safe location in their burrows. One of their habits is to turn the batch of eggs over to even tings out, which is called brooding. 2-3 weeks later the spiderlings hatch looking much like their adult version, just smaller. After a few more weeks with their mother the the spiderlings are on their own.

Males have a life span of 6-7 years while females can live to be 20 years old or longer. There are documented cases of female Brazilian black tarantulas reaching the age of 30 years old! Their long life span is one of the reasons they are a desired pet for spider lovers.

Population

Due to their recluse behavior it is hard to get an accurate count. They also live in habitats that have dense vegetation making it difficult to locate them. They are not listed by the IUCN as a threated species. The exotic pet trade monitors their numbers and tries to regulate the export of these spiders.

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Sources

  1. Everything Reptile / Johnathan David / Accessed October 19, 2022
  2. ITIS - Integrated Taxonomic Information System / Accessed October 19, 2022
Cindy Rasmussen

About the Author

Cindy Rasmussen

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".
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