Brazilian Black Spider (Latin name: Grammostola pulchra), also known as the Brazilian Black Velvet Spider, is a popular species among bird spider enthusiasts. It is native to the grasslands of Brazil and Uruguay. These spiders are favored for their gentle temperament, their shiny black color, and their long lifespan, which can exceed 20 years. However, in recent years, the visibility of artificially bred juveniles has been very low, indicating that breeding this species in captivity is quite challenging.
The Brazilian Black Spider is considered a relatively large species in the Grammostola genus, with adult individuals reaching a body length of 17 to 19 centimeters and a leg span. The color of young juveniles is pink and gradually turns black after reaching approximately 5 to 6 centimeters with each molt. They have excellent adaptability and can thrive in dry environments.
In the wild, they usually do not dig their own burrows, but find ready-made ones, such as occupying the burrows of small rodents. In captivity, you can provide a hiding place, such as a suitable piece of driftwood or half of a clay flowerpot. The suitable temperature is 25-27℃, with a humidity of 50%. It is recommended to use relatively dry peat or coconut bricks as substrate. The Brazilian Black Spider is a species suitable for beginners, but the opportunity to buy one is very rare. It is one of the species that enthusiasts who pursue rare species are enthusiastic about.
It is recommended to keep Brazilian Black spiders for pet lovers. Whether it is for experienced collectors or beginners, they are very suitable. They have a gentle temperament and are not prone to kicking hairs, making them a highly recommended species.
1. Emaciation Disease
When you find that the spider's body becomes dull and the surface starts to dry and turn yellow, it is likely that emaciation disease has occurred. This condition is generally caused by the spider not eating well, leading to malnutrition.
2. Intestinal Inflammation
In contrast to emaciation disease, this condition occurs when the spider eats too much. Constantly feeding the spider or feeding it with food at a low temperature can cause bloating and abdominal pain in the spider, eventually leading to intestinal inflammation.
3. Hemiplegia
Spiders do not have high requirements for their environment, but when the temperature is too high, especially during summer when it is hot and humid, and the spider's cage is far from the ventilating opening, the spider may experience symptoms similar to heatstroke, with its legs paralyzed due to nerve damage, resulting in hemiplegia.
4. Constipation
The main cause of constipation is usually a lack of water. In addition to food, spiders also need to consume water. If the owner only feeds the spider but doesn't provide water, the water content in the food cannot supply the spider's body with the required moisture.
5. Black Rot Disease
When a spider refuses to eat and move, experiences decreased mental activity, and develops black ulcerative lesions in the abdomen, it is showing signs of black rot disease. The cause of this condition is water and food not being fresh enough, and the spider getting infected with bacteria from contaminated food, which can lead to death in severe cases.
6. Mold Disease
Especially in the southern regions, during the hot and humid weather of summer, spiders' bodies are prone to bacterial invasion. Their joints become increasingly stiff, and their bodies become more humid, providing favorable conditions for bacteria to thrive and causing the appearance of mold spots on the spiders.
7. Parasites
Parasites can be considered the most disgusting illness for spiders. If they are small insects, it may be manageable, but when aggressive parasites crawl on the spiders, it looks extremely nauseating. Besides disrupting the spider's rest, they may also carry other viruses, causing multiple infections and posing a threat to the spider's life.
1. Temperature
The temperature is best controlled between 25 and 30. The temperature difference between day and night should not be too large. Pay attention to cooling and heatstroke prevention in summer, and warming and keeping warm in winter to ensure the healthy life of spiderlings.
2. Humidity
The humidity should be maintained at around 65. Too low humidity can cause dehydration and eventually lead to emaciation and death of spiderlings. If the humidity is too high, spiderlings are prone to edema and death. If the humidity is too high, spiderlings are also prone to waterlogging and mold disease.
3. Ventilation
Good ventilation can make spiderlings strong and reduce diseases. Air pollution, dampness, and stuffiness are the main causes of spiderlings' death.
4. Food
Spider feedings mainly include small animals such as yellow mealworms, small earthworms, etc. Animal blood can also be fed (note that salt should not be added to the blood). If conditions permit, artificial formulated feed can be used. The formula can be: 50% egg yolk, 20% honey, 20% milk, 4% vitamin additives, and 3% lactation. After mixing, it can be fed on a plate or sponge.
5. Light
First of all, there should be adequate light. When conditions permit, it can be taken outside to see the light. (Spiders don't like light, so there should be a place to avoid direct sunlight to ensure spider safety). Normally, windows should be opened frequently, but direct sunlight should be avoided.
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