Entre Rios Tarantula
Grammostola iheringi
The Grammostola iheringi, known as 'Entre Rios Tarantula' or the 'Queen of the South'. Among the most enormous (6.7-7.9 inches legspan), slender and fast Grammostolas in existence. Visually similar to the actaeon (black body and blood red abdomen), it stands out from it by an unmistakable trait: a gaudy stripe of dark red or burgundy hairs that runs along all the black legs. Unusually active and very voracious, it requires large terrestrial terrariums and solid subtropical hygrometric management.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
55 - 70 %
Température diurne
24 - 28 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 24 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog reports a distribution in Brazil and Uruguay for Grammostola iheringi. The taxonomic source does not characterize habitat.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog lists Grammostola iheringi (Keyserling, 1891) as an accepted species in the genus Grammostola, family Theraphosidae. The source does not provide genetic results.
Behaviour and Habits: The taxonomic source does not provide behavioural observations for this species.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The taxonomic source does not provide a morphological description or sexual-dimorphism measurements; none are inferred here.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: The World Spider Catalog records Brazil and Uruguay for Grammostola iheringi; 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.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cette espèce provient de : Brasile / Argentina (Aree forestali e pampa umida, stato di Entre Ríos).
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors Amazonie
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- Grammostola iheringi 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.
- Taille adulte
- 22.86 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- Grammostola iheringi 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.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- Like most tarantulas, Grammostola iheringi 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.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- It is a strictly solitary animal. If housed with conspecifics, they will inevitably fight, resulting in serious injury or death. They do not form colonies or tolerate the presence of other tarantulas, except during brief and carefully monitored mating encounters.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Grammostola iheringi 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.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Tolerant
- Handling Grammostola iheringi 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
- Non requise
- Tarantulas like Grammostola iheringi 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.
- Mue
- Regular
- Molting is a critical and vulnerable process for Grammostola iheringi, 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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