Grammostola pulchra

Taxobox
name = Brazilian black tarantula


image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Arachnida
ordo = Araneae
subordo = Mygalomorphae
familia = Theraphosidae
genus = "Grammostola"
species = "pulchra"
binomial = "Grammostola pulchra"
binomial_authority = (Mello-Leitão, 1921)

"Grammostola pulchra" is a terrestrial tarantula native to Brazil. The species is desirable in the pet trade because of its long life and reputation for being docile and gentle in temperament, as well as for its appealing dark coloration. Commonly known as the "Brazilian black," mature specimens are almost entirely black. Although like most new world tarantulas it possesses urticating hairs it is said to have a reduced tendency to kick them off when handled, which adds to its desirability as a pet. The Brazilian Black is a slow grower, taking up to seven years to reach maturity. Because of a ban on the export of wild caught specimens and its slow growth, mature females (preferred because of their long life) are generally expensive.