Uruguayan Black Tarantula

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Grasslands and dry scrublands of Uruguay and southern Brazil. Lives in deep self-dug burrows in the soil.

Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Theraphosidae, genus Grammostola. Closely related to and frequently sold as Grammostola pulchra in the hobby.

Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial, burrowing, and nocturnal. Known for its extremely docile temperament and slow movements, rarely kicking urticating hairs.

Morphology: Jet-black velvet body with soft hairs. Females are stocky and live up to 20 years; mature metals are smaller with longer legs and tibial spurs.

Terrarium Setup: Needs a terrestrial-style enclosure (minimum 40x30x30 cm) with low height to prevent injuries from falls. Provide 10 cm of dry coconut fiber substrate and a half-log shelter.

Lighting and Heating: Keep temperatures at 20-26 °C. If needed, use a side-mounted heat mat controlled by a thermostat. No special lighting or UVB required.

Humidity and Hydration: Moderate humidity (60-75%). Keep the substrate dry, overflow the shallow water dish slightly once a week to create a small damp spot.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed gut-loaded crickets, roaches, and locusts. Feed spiderlings weekly and adults once every 10-14 days. Supplements are not necessary.

Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Do not house tarantulas together as they are cannibalistic and will fight to the death.

Health and Common Diseases: Abdomen rupture from falls is the main cause of death. During molt cycles, never disturb the tarantula or leave live crickets inside.