Home / Tarantulas / Brazilian Redrump Tarantula (Grammostola actaeon)

Brazilian Redrump Tarantula (Grammostola actaeon)

Discover the Brazilian redrump tarantula, a unique spider native to southern Brazil. This tarantula shares striking resemblances with the Grammostola gigantea and Grammostola iheringi. Keep reading to uncover fascinating details about this captivating creature!

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Brazilian redrump tarantulas boast a significant size range of 12-15 cm.
  • Color: Their overall body is black, except their abdomen which is covered in dark red setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: These tarantulas will kick the urticating hairs on their limbs as a defense.

Grammostola Actaeon

Eggs

They produce fewer eggs compared to other tarantulas, only 40-50. However, these eggs are considerably larger than that of most other spider species.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are dark grey initially before taking on the coloration of the adults.

The Web

These spiders only produce webbing to cover their eggs inside a small sac.

Are Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas have venom, like most tarantulas. However, their venom is generally not harmful to humans and is used mainly to capture their prey.

Can Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. While the bite might be painful due to their large fangs, it’s usually not dangerous for humans.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Brazilian Redrump Tarantula

The ecological significance of the Brazilian redrump tarantula cannot be overstated. As a predator, it plays a pivotal role in controlling populations of insects and other small animals, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Their behavior reflects a remarkable adaptation to their environment, living in temperate forest habitats where they contribute to the biodiversity of the region.

Natural Predators: Despite their formidable appearance, Brazilian redrump tarantulas have natural predators, including birds, larger mammals, and other species of spiders. Their survival strategies include the use of urticating hairs and venom to deter these predators, along with their tendency to seek refuge in burrows or under logs and rocks.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their diet primarily consists of crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and mealworms, which they skillfully capture using their venom and agility. This predatory behavior is essential in regulating the prey populations and preventing any single species from becoming overly dominant, which could disrupt the ecological balance.

Relationship with Humans: The relationship between humans and Brazilian redrump tarantulas is multifaceted. While some people keep them as pets due to their fascinating appearance and behavior, others may view them with fear. Nonetheless, they are an essential part of their native ecosystems and have minimal adverse interactions with humans.

Quick Facts

Other names Brazilian wooly black tarantula
LifespanMales: 6 years, Females: 15-20 years
DistributionSouthern Brazil, also parts of Uruguay
HabitatForests with temperate climates
DietCrickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. first described this spider in 1903.

In conclusion, fascinating yet harmless, the Brazilian Redrump Tarantula is a striking species with a modest bite.

Discover the Brazilian redrump tarantula, a unique spider native to southern Brazil. This tarantula shares striking resemblances with the Grammostola gigantea and Grammostola iheringi. Keep reading to uncover fascinating details about this captivating creature!

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: Adult Brazilian redrump tarantulas boast a significant size range of 12-15 cm.
  • Color: Their overall body is black, except their abdomen which is covered in dark red setae.
  • Other Characteristic Features: These tarantulas will kick the urticating hairs on their limbs as a defense.

Grammostola Actaeon

Eggs

They produce fewer eggs compared to other tarantulas, only 40-50. However, these eggs are considerably larger than that of most other spider species.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings are dark grey initially before taking on the coloration of the adults.

The Web

These spiders only produce webbing to cover their eggs inside a small sac.

Are Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas have venom, like most tarantulas. However, their venom is generally not harmful to humans and is used mainly to capture their prey.

Can Brazilian Redrump Tarantulas Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or provoked. While the bite might be painful due to their large fangs, it’s usually not dangerous for humans.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Brazilian Redrump Tarantula

The ecological significance of the Brazilian redrump tarantula cannot be overstated. As a predator, it plays a pivotal role in controlling populations of insects and other small animals, thus maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Their behavior reflects a remarkable adaptation to their environment, living in temperate forest habitats where they contribute to the biodiversity of the region.

Natural Predators: Despite their formidable appearance, Brazilian redrump tarantulas have natural predators, including birds, larger mammals, and other species of spiders. Their survival strategies include the use of urticating hairs and venom to deter these predators, along with their tendency to seek refuge in burrows or under logs and rocks.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their diet primarily consists of crickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and mealworms, which they skillfully capture using their venom and agility. This predatory behavior is essential in regulating the prey populations and preventing any single species from becoming overly dominant, which could disrupt the ecological balance.

Relationship with Humans: The relationship between humans and Brazilian redrump tarantulas is multifaceted. While some people keep them as pets due to their fascinating appearance and behavior, others may view them with fear. Nonetheless, they are an essential part of their native ecosystems and have minimal adverse interactions with humans.

Quick Facts

Other names Brazilian wooly black tarantula
LifespanMales: 6 years, Females: 15-20 years
DistributionSouthern Brazil, also parts of Uruguay
HabitatForests with temperate climates
DietCrickets, dubia roaches, locusts, and mealworms

Did You Know

  • British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock F.R.S. first described this spider in 1903.

In conclusion, fascinating yet harmless, the Brazilian Redrump Tarantula is a striking species with a modest bite.