Brazilian Red and White Tarantula, White Striped Birdeater
Nhandu chromatus
Theraphosidae (Tarantulas), Order Araneae. They are Mygalomorphs, characterized by downward-pointing fangs.
Physical Description
A heavy-bodied terrestrial tarantula. It features a dark cephalothorax with a pale border, a red-haired abdomen, and strikingly banded legs. The body is covered in dense sensory hairs (setae).
Size Estimate
Estimated leg span of 5-6 inches (13-15 cm). This appears to be a sub-adult or adult specimen based on the thickness of the legs and distinct coloration.
Coloration & Markings
Features a black base color with brilliant white longitudinal stripes on the patella and tibia. The carapace is light grey to tan, and the abdomen is covered in long, vibrant reddish-orange guard hairs.
Web Type
Terrestrial burrower; does not build aerial webs to catch prey but uses silken linings for its burrow and a 'molting mat' on the substrate.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes clustered on a small tubercle (raised mound) on the anterior cephalothorax, typical of Theraphosids, providing limited visual acuity.
Leg Characteristics
Thick and powerful legs designed for digging and ambushing. Distinct white banding on the joints and segments, heavily covered in urticating hairs.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild cytotoxic venom. While not considered medically significant to healthy humans, the bite is mechanically painful due to large chelicerae.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. The primary concern is the urticating hairs, which cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Bites result in localized swelling and pain similar to a bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
Use long tongs for feeding and cleaning. If relocating, use a 'cup and cardboard' method. Never handle near the face due to urticating hairs.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Endemic to the tropical forests and grasslands of Brazil. In captivity, they require high humidity and deep substrate for burrowing.
Behavior & Temperament
Known for a 'defensive' rather than aggressive temperament. They are often skittish and prone to 'kicking' urticating hairs from their abdomen if disturbed. They are active excavators.
Diet & Prey
Generalist carnivore. Preys on crickets, roaches, locusts, and occasionally small vertebrates. They hunt by sensing vibrations through the ground.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in tropical climates, but typically more visible or active during the rainy season when mating occurs.
Description
A stunning, bold-patterned tarantula highly prized by enthusiasts. Its contrasting red, white, and black palette makes it a standout species in any collection or natural habitat.
Key Features
The combination of the white-striped legs, light-colored carapace, and red abdominal hairs is diagnostic for N. chromatus.
Similar Species
Acanthoscurria geniculata (Brazilian Giant White Knee), which has a darker carapace and lacks the dense red abdominal hairs.
Life Cycle
Females can live up to 15-20 years, while males live significantly shorter lives (3-5 years). They reproduce via egg sacs containing hundreds of spiderlings.
Ecological Importance
Apex invertebrate predator in their micro-habitat, controlling insect populations and serving as a food source for larger mammals and birds.
Conservation Status
Not currently listed by the IUCN, but like many Brazilian tarantulas, they face threats from habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.
Interesting Facts
Despite being called 'birdeaters,' their diet consists almost entirely of invertebrates. They are known to be 'bulldozer' spiders, constantly rearranging their substrate.
Photography Tips
Shoot from a low angle to capture the leg banding. Use a ring light or soft flash to highlight the red abdominal hairs without washing out the white stripes.
Identified: 2026-07-06T18:27:19.360584