Big, fast, and flashy — Lasiodora klugi is a heavyweight terrestrial tarantula that combines size, color, and a powerful feeding response. A great species for those who want a giant spider that’s hardy and absolutely stunning when fully grown.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Scarlet Bird Eater
Scientific Name: Lasiodora klugi
Origin: Brazil (Bahia region)
Size: 8–9 inches (20–23 cm) leg span — absolute unit
Lifespan:
- Females: 15–20+ years
- Males: 4–6 years
Temperament: Skittish, defensive, heavy hair kicker
Coloration
Deep black or dark brown base body
Bright, velvety red/orange hairs on the abdomen (scarlet glow in good lighting)
Red hues become more vivid as they mature
Thick, powerful legs built for tackling prey
Housing & Care
Enclosure Type: Terrestrial — needs lots of floor space for its size
Substrate: 5–6+ inches of slightly moist substrate (coco fiber/topsoil mix)
Humidity: 65–75% — slightly moist lower layers recommended
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
Decor:
- Large cork bark hide or half-log
- Water dish (deep enough to hold water for a giant)
- Plenty of open ground for roaming and ambushing prey
These spiders will bulldoze, rearrange, and occasionally burrow — give them room to do their thing!
Feeding
Diet: Crickets, roaches, large mealworms, occasional dubia
Feeding Schedule:
- Slings: 2–3x/week
- Juveniles: Weekly
- Adults: Every 7–10 days
Extremely aggressive feeders — feeding day is an event!
Why It's a Powerhouse
One of the largest tarantulas in the hobby
Striking scarlet abdominal hairs make it stand out from other "big brown" spiders
Hardy and fast-growing compared to other giants
Powerful, energetic feeding behavior
A "showstopper" species — everyone will ask about it!
Notes
Kicks hairs aggressively when disturbed — potent irritant
Not recommended for handling — fast, heavy, and easily stressed
Needs strong, escape-proof enclosures due to size and strength
Can outgrow a standard adult enclosure — plan for future upgrades
