
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nhandu chromatus
A large terrestrial tarantula with striking white stripes on velvety black legs, a beige-grey carapace and red setae on the abdomen. It grows fast and displays well, but is fast, skittish and readily kicks urticating hairs.
Nhandu chromatus was described by Schmidt in 2004 and is a large terrestrial tarantula from Brazil. Diagonal leg span reaches 15-17cm, and the combination of velvety black legs with white stripes, a beige-grey carapace and red abdominal setae makes it popular. The sexes look alike until the male's final moult, after which he becomes duller and longer-legged and develops palpal bulbs and tibial hooks. Its name has changed repeatedly: Bertani moved it to Vitalius in 2023, so Vitalius chromatus spread through the trade, but a 2026 redescription returned it to Nhandu. It lives in tropical forest and savannah, digging its own burrow or occupying an abandoned one. It is hardy, suiting 20-24 C and 65-75 percent humidity. Because it is fast, skittish and quick to flick urticating hairs it is best handled by experienced keepers. Breeding is relatively straightforward and egg sacs contain large numbers of spiderlings.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Brazilian Red and White lives Females 10-12 years, males about 4 years.
The Brazilian Red and White grows to Leg span 15-17cm; body about 9cm (female) and 7cm (male).
The ideal temperature for the Brazilian Red and White is 20〜24℃. Ideal humidity is 65〜75%.
Origin
Brazil, in tropical forest and savannah
Sources: The Tarantula Collective: Nhandu chromatus / Polish Wikipedia: Nhandu chromatus (husbandry) / Wikipedia: Brazilian red and white tarantula / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Nhandu chromatus Schmidt, 2004
Synonyms: Vitalius chromatus (Schmidt, 2004)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Females 10-12 years, males about 4 years
Size
Leg span 15-17cm; body about 9cm (female) and 7cm (male)
Temperature
20〜24℃
Humidity
65〜75%
Live insects such as crickets, roaches and mealworms
Aim for 20-24 C and 65-75 percent humidity. Keep most of the substrate on the dry side with a full water dish and one damp corner, and ensure cross-ventilation.
Use a horizontal enclosure three to five times the leg span across, filled half to two thirds with substrate, and add a cork bark hide.
Offer live crickets or roaches. The feeding response is very strong; adults suit a feed every two to three weeks.
It is skittish, quick to bolt and frequently kicks urticating hairs, which are strongly irritating. Treat it as a species to watch from outside the enclosure.
Growth is fast and it matures within a few years. Breeding is relatively easy, but an egg sac yields very many spiderlings, so plan where they will go.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Brazilian Red and White is 20〜24℃. Recommended humidity is 65〜75%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Brazilian Red and White is Females 10-12 years, males about 4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Brazilian Red and White typically reaches Leg span 15-17cm; body about 9cm (female) and 7cm (male) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Brazilian Red and White feeds on: Live insects such as crickets, roaches and mealworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Brazilian Red and White varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026