Brazilian Red Head (Bumba horrida)

Compact, bold, and underrated, Bumba horrida is a terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil that stands out thanks to its distinctive red-orange carapace and chill personality. A perfect blend of manageable size, hardy temperament, and unique looks — ideal for collectors who want something “off the beaten path.”

Quick Facts

Common Name: Brazilian Red Head

Scientific Name: Bumba horrida

Origin: Brazil

Size: 3.5–4.5 inches (9–11 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 10–12+ years
• Males: ~3–4 years

Temperament: Calm to slightly skittish, rarely defensive

Coloration

Fiery reddish-orange carapace — like a glowing ember

Velvety dark legs and abdomen, sometimes with a faint bluish shimmer

Subtle striping near the knees

Small size, big contrast — really pops in natural light

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial — moderate floor space, good depth for digging

Substrate: 3–4 inches of moist-but-not-wet substrate

Humidity: 65–75%

Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

Decor:

• Cork bark or small hide
• Water dish
• Some light leaf litter or moss for aesthetics

Will burrow if given the depth — not necessary, but appreciated.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Reliable feeder — not aggressive but usually takes prey quickly

Why It’s Worth a Spot in Any Collection

That red head — unique coloration not seen in many other species

Smaller size = great for compact enclosures

Hardy and low-maintenance

Not aggressive, relatively easy to work with

Rare in the hobby — definitely not your average display spider

Notes

Can be shy, but will often sit out if undisturbed

May kick hairs when stressed, though generally mild

Doesn’t like overly dry conditions — keep humidity steady

A bit slower growing than some species, but worth the wait