Brazilian Redrump Tarantula
Grammostola actaeon
The Grammostola actaeon, known as 'Brazilian Redrump Tarantula'. One of the most impressive and fast-growing Grammostola, it stands out from the nature of the genus. Massive (6.3-7.1 inches legspan), it features a completely velvet black body with a thick and bright tuft of blood red bristles on the abdomen. Extremely voracious and active compared to its cousins (rosea, pulchra), it is highly appreciated by terrarium keepers for its giant size and ease of breeding in humid subtropical biomes.
Umgebung
Terrestrisch
Luftfeuchtigkeit
55 - 70 %
Tagestemperatur
24 - 28 °C
Nachttemperatur
20 - 24 °C
Artbeschreibung
Origin and Habitat: The World Spider Catalog records Brazil and Uruguay as the distribution of Grammostola actaeon; it does not provide a habitat description.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The World Spider Catalog lists Grammostola actaeon (Pocock, 1903) as an accepted species.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited catalog does not document behavioural observations.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited catalog does not provide a morphological diagnosis or sex-specific comparison.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Terrarium Setup: The World Spider Catalog records Brazil and Uruguay for Grammostola actaeon; this distribution record does not establish enclosure dimensions, substrate or furnishings.
Lighting and Heating: The cited catalog provides no captive lighting or temperature protocol.
Humidity and Hydration: The cited catalog provides no captive humidity or hydration target.
Feeding and Supplementation: The cited catalog provides no captive diet, frequency or supplementation protocol.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The cited catalog does not establish cohabitation criteria.
Health and Common Diseases: The cited catalog provides no veterinary guidance.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Diese Art stammt aus: Brasile / Uruguay (Foreste e praterie subtropicali, sud del Brasile).
Ursprung
Extra-Amazonas-Südamerika
Profil der terrestrischen Wirbellosen
- Diät
- Carnivore
- Grammostola actaeon is an opportunistic ambush predator that thrives on a diet of appropriately sized live insects. Crickets, roaches, and mealworms make excellent staple feeders for this species. Prey should be gut-loaded and occasionally dusted with supplements to ensure optimal nutrition. It is important not to overfeed, as a highly distended abdomen can increase the risk of fatal injuries from falls. Remove any uneaten live prey after 24 hours to prevent them from stressing or injuring the spider.
- Erwachsenengröße
- 8 cm
- Lebensstil/Mikrohabitat
- Terrestrial
- Grammostola actaeon is perfectly adapted to its specific ecological niche, requiring a setup that closely mimics its natural environment. Terrestrial species need deep, specialized substrate for burrowing, while arboreal species require vertical cork bark tubes and elevated hides. They are generally solitary creatures that should be housed individually to prevent predation. A proper water dish and an appropriate microclimate are essential components of their enclosure. They lead a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they do not require excessively large enclosures compared to active reptiles.
- Aktivitätszyklus
- Nocturnal
- Like most tarantulas, Grammostola actaeon is primarily nocturnal, showing the highest levels of activity during the night. They generally remain hidden in their burrows or web tubes during daylight hours to avoid heat and predators. Once the lights go out, they often emerge to sit at the entrance of their hide, waiting to ambush passing prey. Despite being mostly inactive during the day, they may occasionally venture out for water or to adjust their webbing. Maintaining a natural photoperiod is recommended to support this internal circadian rhythm.
- Sozialität
- Solitary
- This is a strictly solitary and highly cannibalistic species. Specimen should never be cohabitated under any circumstances except for carefully supervised breeding attempts. Even newly hatched spiderlings will readily prey upon each other if not separated into individual vials quickly enough.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Grammostola actaeon requires careful introduction of the mature male to the female's enclosure to minimize the risk of cannibalism. The male will drum on the substrate to announce his presence and gauge the female's receptivity. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing hundreds of eggs. She will guard this sac fiercely for several weeks until the spiderlings emerge. Providing optimal temperature and humidity during this incubation period is critical for the success of the clutch.
- Giftig
- Yes
- Handhabungstoleranz
- Tolerant
- Handling Grammostola actaeon is generally discouraged by experienced keepers, as it provides no benefit to the spider and introduces significant risks. A fall from even a minor height can rupture their delicate abdomen, resulting in fatal injury. Additionally, they can deliver a painful bite or release irritating urticating hairs if they become stressed or defensive. If they must be moved for enclosure maintenance, the "catch cup" method is the safest and most stress-free approach. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the animal over the desire to interact physically.
- Brumation
- Nicht erforderlich
- Tarantulas like Grammostola actaeon do not undergo true brumation, but their metabolism may slow down considerably if exposed to cooler winter temperatures. In captivity, it is best to maintain a stable, warm temperature year-round to ensure healthy growth and digestion. If temperatures do drop slightly, you may notice a decrease in appetite and activity levels. Never allow the enclosure to reach freezing temperatures, as this will quickly prove fatal. Heating should always be provided via a thermostat-controlled heat mat applied to the side, never the bottom, of the tank.
- Häutung
- Regular
- Molting is a critical and vulnerable process for Grammostola actaeon, allowing it to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Before molting, they often refuse food for weeks, become sluggish, and may spin a molting mat of webbing. They will typically flip onto their back to shed their old exoskeleton—never mistake a spider in this position for a dead one. It is crucial to maintain adequate humidity during this time and strictly avoid feeding them until their fangs have fully hardened. Disturbing a tarantula mid-molt can be fatal, so they must be left completely alone.
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