Grammostola anthracina (Tawny Red Tarantula) 1-1.5"

Grammostola anthracina (Tawny Red Tarantula)

The Tawny Red, or Grammostola anthracina, is a terrestrial tarantula from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. Spiderlings hatch out pink and black, then gradually shift into that deep, almost black coloration accented with red fringing along the underside of the legs as they grow, creating a beautiful high contrast coloration similar to its cousin, the Chilean Rose Hair. This species only grows to about 6 inches in diagonal leg span, with a slow growth rate that takes around 4 to 6 years to reach full size. Like others in the genus, this species has a very long lifespan, with females reaching about 20 to 30 years while males live 3 to 5 years. This species is also very calm and forgiving, and one we recommend for beginner keepers or anyone who wants an easier keeping experience, with a little extra rarity built in. Grab this docile new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as a juvenile.

Why do hobbyists keep Grammostola anthracina?

• Stunning Coloration: A deep, almost black body set off by red fringing under the legs for a bold, high-contrast look.
• Color Change: Slings start off pink and black, much like a Chilean Rose Hair sling, before gradually darkening into that rich adult coloration.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and easygoing, fitting right in with the rest of the beginner-friendly Grammostola genus.
• Long-Lived Companion: Females can live 20 to 30 years, a genuine multi-decade companion for keepers looking for something long term.
• Great Beginner Species: We have seen a consistently high success rate with keepers who start this genus as a spiderling, forgiving of the early mistakes every new keeper makes, which pairs naturally with this species' calm temperament.
• Rare in the Hobby: Rarely available, making this a great pickup for collectors who want something outside the usual Grammostola lineup.

How should Grammostola anthracina be kept?

• Adult Size: Hatches at around 0.5 to 0.75 inch and reaches about 6 inches at full leg span, a manageable size that still makes a strong terrestrial display animal.
• Enclosure: Provide roughly 3 to 4 times the leg span as footprint and 2 times the leg span as height, with substrate at least as deep as the leg span. For this size, that means starting around 4.5 to 6 by 4.5 to 6 by 3 inches, with substrate around 1.5 inches deep, sizing up as it grows.
• Rehousing: Expect two more moves on the way to full size, each new enclosure lasting roughly 18 to 24 months at this species' slow growth rate.
• Temperature: Keep between 65 to 75 degrees F.
• Humidity: Maintain a moisture gradient with a slightly damp lower layer and a drier surface, similar to a morning dew cycle in the wild. Good ventilation is critical.
• Water: A shallow textured water dish works well, something they can grip when climbing out.
• Diet: Feed crickets or roaches around 3/8 inch, matched to the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Calm and easygoing, a great pick for beginners who want a docile, low-key display animal with a little extra rarity.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for Grammostola anthracina?

• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.

Frequently asked questions about Grammostola anthracina

• Is this juvenile past the delicate spiderling stage? Yes. At 1 to 1.5 inches it has already cleared the trickiest early feeding and molting stretch while still having plenty of growth and color development ahead.
• Has the adult coloration come in yet? It is still developing. The pink and black of hatching are shifting toward the deep, almost black adult look with red leg fringing, a gradual change rather than a single jump.

Looking for similar species?

• Browse our New World Tarantulas and Terrestrial Tarantulas collections to explore related care profiles and species groupings.

Listing Notes

• This listing is for a Grammostola anthracina Tawny Red Tarantula juvenile measuring around 1 to 1.5 inches in diagonal leg span, which is the size given in the title, unsexed, with roughly a 50/50 chance of male or female. This juvenile is past the earliest spiderling stretch, with the deep, almost black adult coloration and red leg fringing still developing gradually.
• Looking for other sizes? This species is also available as 0.75-1" Spiderling or 2.5" FEMALE Juvenile.