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Westside Tarantulas

Grammostola actaeon - Velvet Black Bird Eater - For Sale

Grammostola actaeon - Velvet Black Bird Eater - For Sale

Regular price $288.00
Regular price Sale price $288.00
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Size and Sex

The Velvet Black Bird Eater (Grammostola acteon)

Better Than the Brazilian Black?

Grammostola actaeon, commonly referred to as the Velvet Black Bird Eater is the ultimate combination of beauty, calm temperament, and fast growth — (For a Grammostola) This remarkable species hails from the lush grasslands and forests of Brazil, and it’s quickly gaining legendary status among hobbyists for being the fastest-growing Grammostola species in the world! Unlike its cousin the Brazilian Black (G. pulchra) that can take over 10 years to reach only 4 inches in leg span… G. actaeon is very fast growing! Often reaching 5 inches DLS in only 3 to 5 years. This is practically unheard of within the genus Grammostola, as it’s considered one of the slowest growing genera out there! 

A Fluffy Black Beauty that’s Vastly Underrated!

From its jet-black body to its fluffy hair due and fiery red hairs on its abdomen, G. actaeon looks like it was hand crafted for collectors!. As Sub-Adults, their abdomen will go from bright red to a deep cherry tone blending perfectly with her midnight black fluff! Creating an unforgettable visual contrast. Additionally, you can expect Grammostola actaeon to reach 6 to 7 inches DLS as a full grown adult which I consider the sweet spot as it’s large enough to  impress, yet still small enough to comfortably handle!

Docile and Beginner Friendly 

What truly sets the Velvet Black Bird Eater apart is its gentle, tolerant nature. This is a species I can confidently recommend to beginners — it’s hardy, easy to care for, and extremely relaxed during hand on interactions. While many large new world tarantulas will flee or kick hairs when disturbed, Grammostola actaeon will just sit calmly or slowly walk along your hand. And unlike many fast-growing spiders, it doesn’t trade speed for attitude! In short, the Velvet Black Bird Eater is everything hobbyists love rolled into one: beauty, hardiness, personality, longevity and fluff! If you’re looking for a species that will turn heads and warm hearts, this is the one to bring home!

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WESTSIDE TARANTULAS

Species Profile

Everything You Need To Know At A Glance.
Experience Level
Beginner
Temperament
Calm & Confident
Type
Terrestrial / New World
DLS
Adult Size
6”+ DLS
Country of Origin
Brazil
Life Span
♀20-30+ Years

Care & Husbandry Guide

🏠 Enclosure & Substrate

A terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height is ideal for this heavy-bodied species. Provide a deep layer of compactable substrate such as coco fiber or a soil-based tarantula mix, along with a cork-bark hide and a full water dish. Keep climbing height limited to reduce the risk of injury from falls. As the tarantula grows, upgrade the enclosure gradually while maintaining plenty of usable ground space.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Grammostola actaeon does well at normal room temperatures, ideally around 70–78°F. This species does not require tropical, constantly wet conditions. Keep the lower layers of the substrate slightly moisture-retentive while allowing the surface to remain mostly dry, and provide good ventilation throughout the enclosure. A full water dish should always be available. Avoid keeping the enclosure excessively damp or stagnant.

 🍽️ Feeding & Water 

Juveniles can be offered appropriately sized crickets, roaches, or similar feeders about once a week, while larger specimens and adults generally do well with a substantial meal every 7–14 days. Adjust feeding based on body condition and appetite rather than following a rigid schedule. Always provide a clean water dish. Refusing food for extended periods can be completely normal, particularly when approaching a molt.

🕷️ Species-Specific Care 

Grammostola actaeon is a large, heavy-bodied Brazilian terrestrial known for its deep velvet-black adult coloration and generally confident demeanor. Like many Grammostola, growth can slow considerably as the spider matures, making patience part of keeping this species. Provide substantial substrate and minimize unnecessary climbing opportunities because falls can be dangerous for large terrestrial tarantulas. Once established, this is generally a hardy species that can make an impressive long-term display animal.