Brazilian Black & White (Nhandu Coloratovillosus)

Chunky, flashy, and full of personality — Nhandu coloratovillosus is a large terrestrial species famous for its bold white striping and thick body. It's tough, fast-growing, and known for its "always hungry" attitude. A great species if you love active, visible tarantulas with some sass.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Brazilian Black & White

Scientific Name: Nhandu coloratovillosus

Origin: Brazil

Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 15–20 years
• Males: 3–5 years

Temperament: Skittish, defensive when provoked, heavy hair kicker

Coloration

Jet black body base

Bold white striping across the knees and legs

Densely haired, giving a "fluffy" but powerful appearance

Dramatic contrast makes them real eye-catchers even from a distance

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial — needs floor space more than height

Substrate: 4–5 inches of substrate (slightly moist but well-draining)

Humidity: 65–75% — keep one side of the enclosure lightly moist

Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)

Decor:

• Cork bark hide, plants, and a large water dish
• Plenty of open floor space to roam and bulldoze around

Known to redecorate aggressively — expect substrate rearrangement!

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, superworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 7–10 days

Voracious feeders — known to charge prey without hesitation

Why It's a Fan Favorite

Striking black-and-white contrast — looks amazing in any setup

Active and visible — rarely hides for long

Strong feeding response (always exciting to watch)

Fast-growing for a New World species

Hardy and adaptable — not too fussy about care

Notes

Can be very defensive if stressed — will flick hairs aggressively

Not ideal for handling — skittish and quick to defend itself

Needs good ventilation to prevent mold with higher humidity

Benefits from regular spot cleaning due to how messy they can be