Grammostola anthracina female • 3″ (tawny red tarantula)

Description

Listed here is a Grammostola anthracina juvenile female tarantula. Commonly known as the tawny red tarantula, G. anthracina was originally identified in southern Uruguay. However, its range extends to the subtropical savanna grasslands of adjacent Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. At one point G. anthracina was said to come in two color forms, the dark gray form with reddish hairs offered on this page, but also a jet-black form. The latter was ultimately shown to be a different species, now called Grammostola quirogai.

Along with G. pulchra, G. pulchripes, A. chalcodes and T. albopilosus, the tawny red tarantula is worthy of consideration as a first tarantula. Medium large in size, females easily reach 6 inches. G. anthracina has a subtle color pattern. Reddish brown hairs offset a dark gray background. Disposition is gentle. Mature males nearly look like a different species, with leg hairs redder and more widespread.

It will take a few years for this female to reach full adult size, but part and parcel she will live upwards of 25 years with good care. G. anthracina is low maintenance. An added plus is they are drought tolerant.

For juveniles and older specimens, such as that listed here, we use slightly dry substrate and keep humidity only a bit higher than that of typical room air. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine with growth faster towards 80-85F. A water dish can be useful to ensure against dehydration, especially if ventilation is liberal.

Photos: 1-female specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2,3-sibling female recently sold (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dry to dry substrate for juveniles and older
• water and ventilate to achieve a dry to slightly humid environment
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80-85F
• consider a hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment