The brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra), or Brazilian black tarantula as it is also called, is part of
Species: pulchra can be seen in southern Brazil and the eastern part of Uruguay. In the wild the species is found in the South American Pampas. A prairie-like habitat.
Food Grammostola pulchra
Spiders are opportunistic in terms of food. They eat whatever comes their way, in the premise of profiting in case of food shortages in the future. Food consists of small invertebrates (Blaptica dubia, Blatta lateralis). Food should be provided in accordance with the size of the tarantula (not to exceed the size of the body) for several reasons: the predator can become prey, the tarantula is easily stressed, it is very sensitive, digestion is a complex phenomenon that must be carefully regulated and any excess can cause problems in the future.
They will be offered in the tarantula space once a week. If after 24 hours the food is not eaten, carefully remove it and try in a week.
Spiderlings-mealworms, Blatta lateralis, crickets
Adults-superworms, Blaptica dubia, pinkie.
Do not feed your tarantulas with food caught in polluted areas of cities, or places where insecticides may have been used, even if the trapped insects appear healthy.
Features Grammostola pulchra
Its docile temperament, long lifespan , and black color make Grammostola pulchra one of the most desirable tarantulas. The enthusiasm of a beginner who wants such a species can be abolished only if the price of these specimens is not in accordance with his budget. Grammostola pulchra is a terrestrial species, reaching at maturity between 13 and 15 centimeters. Life expectancy varies greatly between the two sexes, so females can reach 20 years, while males do not pass the age of 5 years. The growth rate of the specimens of this species is reduced ( the specimen from my terrarium grew faster than Avicularia Avicularia and Psalomopoeus Cambridgei, I suspect it is male).
To grow, the Spider forms a new skin under its present exoskeleton. Then the skin on the outside is removed in a process known as "shedding". before a Moult, from a few days to a few weeks, the tarantula is wary of eating and appears lethargic. If you find your spider lying on its back, don't panic or disturb it! This is when your spider is most sensitive and vulnerable.
Terrarium
Spiderlings can be kept in plastic boxes with holes for ventilation, and adults in terrariums 40x25x25cm (Wxwxh). The temperature in the terrarium should be between 23-26 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity between 60-70%. If the tarantula is over 7 centimeters, you can offer it fresh water in a container. If it is smaller it will drink from the water you spray in the terrarium to maintain humidity. The substrate used in the terrarium of this species – combination of coconut and peat with a depth of 7-8 centimeters (be careful not to contain fertilizers or other chemicals). Tarantula does not necessarily need decoration, but you can add a piece of Cork bark to use as a hiding place. (my copy digs a lot, used cork bark to build its shelter).
Venom
All species of tarantulas possess venom. Although it is not very potent, bites are never placute.De as well as any species of tarantula and Grammostola pulchra can be unpredictable and a bite can occur at any time. For these reasons we recommend maximum attention when the tarantula is fed, moved or when its terrarium is cleaned.
It is not recommended to handle tarantulas, especially those without experience.
Reproduction Grammostola pulchra
To successfully achieve this transfer the tarantulas will initiate a complex mating ritual. Mature males will build a web, on which they will rub their abdomen thus releasing an amount of sperm, then they will insert their pedipalps into the sperm and fill their "sex bulbs", in these structures the sperm will be stored until a receptive female is met. Also with the help of these structures the males introduce spermatophores into the seminal receptacles (spermathecae) of the female.
Mating begins with the male and female locating each other with the help of pheromones and vibrations. Once they have determined that they are of the opposite sex and belong to the same species, mating can begin. The male will try to immobilize the female using the tibial apophyses, anatomical formations that appear once sexual maturity is reached. After he has managed to immobilize her, he will transfer the spermatophores from the "sex bulbs" to the external uterus and the seminal receptacles (spermathecae) of the female.
Once mating is complete, the male will quickly retreat to avoid being eaten. Sexual cannibalism is common in tarantulas, but not very often.
Tarantulas are oviparous animals, after mating the eggs are deposited in a cocoon. The time elapsed from mating to spawning is also very variable (can stretch from one month to 8 months), this duration is caused by various factors such as: season, temperature, humidity, feeding, the duration elapsed since the last shedding of the female, etc.after spawning the female will take care of the cocoon, the maternal instinct being very developed. depending on environmental conditions, the female will turn, rotate or even move the cocoon.
In some species belonging to the genera Hysterocrates, Stromatopelma, Holothele, Psalmopoeus, Tapinauchenius, Pterinochilus etc.the phenomenon of "double clutching" was observed, i.e. the deposition of two cocoons resulting from a single mating. The number of eggs laid varies greatly, being proportional to the age but especially to the size of the female laying. The record is considered to belong to a female of Lasiodora parahybana, with over 2000 eggs at a single laying. In small species there are cocoons with only 30-50 eggs.
To get out of the egg nymphs use a structure called "egg-teeth" at the base of the pedipalps, similar to that which occurs in birds or reptiles. in nature, or in captivity when the cocoon is not opened, at this stage the chicks are in the sack, unable to feed and still dependent on the nutrients provided by the egg. This stage has different names:" eggs-with-legs "" prelarvae "or" nymph I", after another 3-5 weeks follows a new Moult. Once it is reached the stage of" nymph II "or" larva", at this stage the chicks are more mobile, possess developed chelicerae but still can not feed.
At the next Moult, it reaches the stage of "spiderling", the Chick leaves the cocoon and has all the characters and characteristics of an adult tarantula.
