Brazilian white-striped birdeater (Nhandu chromatus)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Brazilian white-striped birdeater (Nhandu chromatus) (origin: Brazil (and adjoining Paraguay and Argentina)). Adult size around 15–18 cm leg span (body ~7–8 cm). Life expectancy females 15–20 years, males 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Brazilian white-striped birdeater: How big does the enclosure need to be?
40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in).
Brazilian white-striped birdeater: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot — (no basking spot; even room warmth), at night 20–22 °C.
Brazilian white-striped birdeater: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal).
Brazilian white-striped birdeater: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 15–20 years, males 3–5 years.
Brazilian white-striped birdeater: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–22 °C
- Basking spot
- — (no basking spot; even room warmth)
- Humidity
- 65–75 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in)
- Substrate
- Coco humus or peat, 8–10 cm deep for digging; one corner slightly damp, a water bowl
Feeding
- Food
- Insects: house crickets, crickets, roaches. No vertebrates are needed
- Feeding interval
- adults 1×/week or every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–18 cm leg span (body ~7–8 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females 15–20 years, males 3–5 years
- Origin
- Brazil (and adjoining Paraguay and Argentina)
- Protection status
- Not protected (no CITES, no German Federal Nature Conservation Act listing); no registration duty
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is essential. Territorial and cannibalistic; put them together only briefly for supervised breeding
Notes
A robust, pretty beginner's species, but markedly defensive and nervous: it readily sheds strongly irritating urticating hairs and shows a threat display. No handling. Do not keep the substrate permanently wet.
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Related species
- Brazilian giant blonde tarantula (Nhandu tripepii) – Intermediate
- Brazilian white-striped birdeater (Nhandu coloratovillosus) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Brazilian white-striped birdeater (Nhandu chromatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (40×30×30 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in)), substrate (Coco humus or peat, 8–10 cm deep for digging; one corner slightly damp, 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nhandu_chromatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nhandu_chromatus, https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/caresheets/nhandu-chromatus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).