Defining Characteristics:

• The vast majority, if not all, of the Grammostola pulchra in the pet hobby are actually Grammostola quirogai
• A robust species typically growing to a diagonal legspan up to 7 inches
• Known for being very docile, slow-moving, and calm, and are considered a great beginner spider

Name: Grammostola quirogai is commonly known as the Uruguayan Black Beauty Tarantula. The specific epithet quirogai honors a person with the surname Quiroga. While the formal scientific paper does not specify which person named Quiroga is being honored, the most likely candidate is Uruguayan writer Horacio Quiroga (1878–1937), who was famous for his stories about the supernatural and the struggles of humans against nature in the wilderness of the Misiones Province of Argentina.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Grammostola quirogai is a terrestrial species. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than 2 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 4+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

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

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a slightly dry to slightly humid environment, 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 at least slightly moistened with half or more of the substrate staying dry. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve 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, but 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: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 3/4 of an inch. Females can grow to be up to 7 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 8-10  years in males, and 20+ years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 6 to 12 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3 to 6 - 1/8 inch crickets. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms as size is appropriate. 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, Grammostola quirogai sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. 

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As spiderlings, Grammostola quirogai can fluctuate between a brown and black coloration throughout their body. After a molt, they may appear even a light brown. As they mature, their entire body becomes a velvety jet black.                                                                                            

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

This species spends a lot of time underground when young. As adults, they are often seen out and about in their habitat.

Natural Range: Grammostola quirogai is found in Uruguay, and it has also been found in parts of northern Argentina and southern Brazil.

History in the Hobby: This species has been in the tarantula keeping hobby for decades.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

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