Brazilian red rump tarantula (Grammostola actaeon)

Short answers

Brazilian red rump tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

40×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height).

Brazilian red rump tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Brazilian red rump tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Brazilian red rump tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females 20–25 years, males 4–6 years.

Brazilian red rump tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

60–70 %

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

40×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)

Substrate

A coco humus or soil mix they can dig in, 8–12 cm deep; a cork hide, a water bowl

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets, locusts)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week or every 10–14 days, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–17 cm leg span (body ~6–7 cm)

Life expectancy

females 20–25 years, males 4–6 years

Origin

Southern Brazil and Uruguay

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

Black with a reddish abdomen. Calm and slow like the other Grammostola, though it may well show a threat posture when disturbed. It grows slowly.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

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Related species

• Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) – Beginner
• Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola porteri) – Beginner
• Entre Rios tarantula (Grammostola iheringi) – Intermediate
• Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) – Beginner
• Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) – Beginner
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Brazilian red rump tarantula (Grammostola actaeon) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm (floor area matters more than height)), substrate (A coco humus or soil mix they can dig in, 8–12 cm deep; a cork hide, a water bowl), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.