Defining Characteristics:

• Largest member of the genus Grammostola
• Can grow up to 8 inches!
• Much more active than most tarantulas

Name: Grammostola iheringi is commonly known as the Entre Rios Tarantula. Its scientific name honors Hermann Friedrich Albert von Ihering, a German-Brazilian Zoologist in the late 1900s. Its common name refers to the Amazon River delta area in which it can be found.

Recommended Enclosure Size and Set Up: Grammostola iheringi is a tropical, terrestrial 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.

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! We recommend against allowing your 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.

Temperature (°F):  This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75° 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 humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 55% and 70% . This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least lightly moistened. 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 and keep humidity up, 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 about 1.5 inches, measured across diagonal leg span. Females can grow to be up to 8 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. 

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 6-10 years in males, and 20 years in females when provided the adequate environment. 

Feeding: At the time of sale, this animal is eating 3 to 6 - 1/4 inch crickets, once a week. Prey items should be no larger than the size of the spider’s abdomen and grow in size as the animal does. Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, as they may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Do not offer your animal food directly after a molt, depending on its age the hardening process could take 48 hours all the way up to a week. 

Sexing: Due to age, Grammostola iheringi sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. Check out our individually listed animals to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As adults, Grammostola iheringi are mostly so jet black that they appear to have blue highlights. The abdomen is a fiery cherry red with a shiny dark pattern dorsolaterally.                                                                                 

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

This species can be quick to react defensively. It is bold and active as an adult. They can often be seen exploring their habitat. Although they have urticating hairs, the effects are mild and G. iheringi is not likely to use them.

Natural Range: Grammostola iheringi is from Southern Brazil.

History in the Hobby: This species has been around the hobby for decades, but are still somewhat uncommon.