Scarlet Bird Eater (Lasiodora Klugi)

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