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Brazilian Bromeliad Tarantula

Pachistopelma rufonigrum

PachistopelmaTheraphosidae

intermediate
Brazilian Bromeliad Tarantula (Pachistopelma rufonigrum)
original: R. Bertaniprocessed by: P. Coxhead, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Pachistopelma rufonigrum is a small, attractive arboreal from Brazil's Atlantic Forest with a distinctive rust-red and black coloration. In the wild they are bromelicolous — living inside bromeliad leaf axils — so they appreciate an enclosure with tight, secure retreat spaces rather than open tubes. They require higher humidity than most arboreals (~80%) with excellent cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant air. Mist lightly every 1-2 days. They are a rare and under-kept species but relatively docile by arboreal standards. The genus Pachistopelma contains only a handful of described species, all restricted to Brazil. Not commonly available — seek captive-bred specimens from reputable breeders.

Husbandry Requirements

Temperature & Humidity

Temperature

72-82°F

Humidity

75-85%

Enclosure Sizes

Sling:2x2x4 inches
Juvenile:5x5x8 inches
Adult:8x8x12 inches

Substrate

Type:coco fiber, sphagnum moss
Depth:2 inches

Feeding Schedule

Sling:2x per week
Juvenile:weekly
Adult:every 5-7 days

Prey size: small

Quick Stats

Type

arboreal

Adult Size

3-4 inches

Growth Rate

moderate

Native Region

Northeastern Brazil (Pernambuco, Bahia — Atlantic Forest)

Temperament

Docile but fast; seldom defensive, an interesting display species

Behavior

Webbingmoderate
BurrowingNo
Water DishRequired

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