Brazilian Red & White Tarantula (Vitalius chromatus)

Brazilian Red & White Tarantula (Vitalius chromatus)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Brazilian Red & White Tarantula (Vitalius chromatus)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-006

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Vitalius chromatus inhabits the Atlantic rainforest biome of southeastern Brazil, occupying leaf litter and shallow burrows beneath decaying logs at elevations of 100–700 m asl. Ambient temperatures range 22–27 °C with relative humidity (RH) between 75–90 % (Lucas et al., 2004; Silva & Costa, 2012).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2011–2013) observed individuals constructing silken retreats under bark slabs and dense leaf mats, rarely more than 8 cm above ground (Marques & Pérez‑Miles, 2000).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal ambush predators, emerging ~1 h after dusk and remaining active for 3–4 h before retreating (Lucas et al., 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut content analyses revealed ~60 % orthopterans, 25 % coleopterans, and 15 % isopods/myriapods (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure at least 25 × 25 × 20 cm (10 × 10 × 8 in) with clear front panel and secure latch.

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm layer of coconut fiber mixed with peat moss (1 : 1), topped with a thin layer of leaf litter to simulate forest floor (Coyle, 1995).

  • Hides & Decor: Provide cork bark flats, half logs, and flat stones to encourage burrow entrances and silk lining.

  • Ground Cover: Maintain leaf litter layer to support natural foraging and retreat behaviors.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient room temperature of 22–27 °C (72–81 °F); no supplemental heating sources.

  • Humidity: Target 75–85 % RH; mist substrate edges 2–3 times per week, avoiding direct spray on retreats (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on back or sides; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi from abrasion (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 5–6 small crickets twice weekly, adjusting for growth and appetite (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey at burrow entrance using long-handled forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to prevent stress and mold.

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow ceramic dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; clean and refill every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional light misting supports humidity but avoid waterlogging substrate (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Defensive and fast; capable of flicking urticating hairs and lunging when disturbed (Jones et al., 2005).

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft-tipped tongs or gentle coaxing with a paintbrush for maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Noticeable decrease in appetite, darkening abdominal cuticle, and increased silk lining inside retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable high humidity; avoid substrate disturbance for 48 h pre- and post-molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreat cleanliness to prevent stuck exuviae (Mendoza et al., 2014).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of theraphosid spiders in Brazilian rainforests. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of neotropical tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in arboreal and terrestrial tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Defensive behaviors in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Lucas, S.M., Pérez-Miles, F. & Locht, C. (2004). Natural history of Vitalius species. Arachnology Letters.

  • Marques, F.P.L. & Pérez-Miles, F. (2000). Microhabitat preferences of Brazilian tarantulas. Neotropical Entomology.

  • Mendoza, J.R., Pérez-Miles, F. & Locht, C. (2014). Natural history of Davus pentaloris. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Silva, R.J. & Costa, F.G. (2012). Species distribution of theraphosid spiders in Atlantic forest. Neotropical Entomology.

This canvas document serves as the definitive Invert-Labs care guide for the Brazilian Red & White Tarantula.

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