Defining Characteristics:

• Adult Nhandu coloratovillosus have longer “hairs” mixed in with shorter ones on their legs and abdomen, giving them a shaggy appearance
• They are overall high-contrasting black and cream with long orange “hairs” overlaying shorter black ones on their abdomens.
• This species is so well known for throwing urticating hairs, one common name for them is the Bombardier Tarantula.

Name: Nhandu coloratovillosus is commonly known as the Brazilian Black and White Tarantula. Its species name comes from colorato meaning “colored” and -villosus meaning “hair”. Thus, this is a tarantula with colorful hairs, indeed.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Nhandu coloratovillosus is a fossorial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. Surface area of the enclosure should be no less than two times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and three times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your fossorial spider more than two times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided.

A thermometer is recommended to keep an eye on temperatures in the enclosure.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a slightly dry to slightly humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 40 and 60%. This can be achieved by making sure that roughly 1/4 to 1/2 of the substrate is always slightly moistened with 1/2 or more of the substrate staying dry. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, do not spray your spider directly.  

A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments . 

Size: These tarantulas will be at least 1 inch in diagonal leg-span at time of sale. Females grow up to 6 inches, while males are significantly smaller.

Age: These spiders are about 1 year old at time of sale. Females live 15 years while males generally only reach 4.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating two to three 1/4 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, these particular Nhandu coloratovillosus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Color/Pattern: Nhandu coloratovillosus has many longer “hairs’ poking out here and there that give it a shaggy appearance. They have broad cream bands on a beige to black background on their legs. They have a dark carapace that is rimmed in cream.

Social Behavior: Nhandu coloratovillosus is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species is considered a “Bombardier '' species because of its propensity to throw a lot of urticating hairs with little provocation. They’re very defensive and quick to throw hairs or make threat poses. This spider is not your friend.

Natural Range: In the wild, Nhandu coloratovillosus can be found in the grasslands of Brazil and Paraguay. 

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Nhandu coloratovillosus from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!