Bahia Scarlet Birdeater

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton with urticating hairs

This large tarantula has a dark, heavy body with striking reddish hairs, especially on the abdomen and legs. The reddish setae give it a vivid, fiery appearance, and the overall build is robust and powerful.15

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is bold and defensive, especially when young. It may kick urticating hairs readily and can rear up if cornered. It is not a handleable pet and is best for observation. With age, some individuals become calmer, but caution is always advised.125

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This species is active and fast-moving. It needs a large, secure, terrestrial enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing or shallow retreats. It does not need exercise like mammals; its activity is met through exploring, digging, and hiding. Handling is not recommended due to fall risk and defensive behaviour.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming is needed. Provide a shallow water dish, clean the enclosure regularly, and remove uneaten prey. Spot-clean waste and replace substrate as needed to prevent mould and mites. Avoid frequent rearranging of the enclosure as it causes stress.56

Home where they are happiest

Keep in a warm, humid environment with good ventilation. Temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F) are suitable, with moderate to high humidity. Use deep substrate (at least 10 cm) for burrowing, provide a hide and a shallow water dish. The enclosure should be secure and low to prevent falls. This species is not venomous to humans in a medically significant way, but its urticating hairs can cause irritation. It is not illegal to keep, but check local regulations.235

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a varied diet of insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and superworms. Offer prey about the size of the tarantula's abdomen. Young spiders eat every 2-3 days, adults every 7-14 days. Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours, especially during moulting.65

Company who they like around

This is a solitary species. It should be housed alone. It is not a social animal and does not need companionship. Handling is not recommended due to defensive behaviour and risk of injury to the spider from falls.52

The story where it all began

The Bahia Scarlet Birdeater is a tarantula species native to the humid forests of northeastern Brazil, particularly the state of Bahia. It was first described by C. L. Koch in 1841. It is closely related to the Salmon Pink Birdeater (Lasiodora parahybana) but is distinguished by its darker body and more vivid red hairs. In the pet trade, it is valued for its size and striking appearance, though its defensive nature makes it better suited to experienced keepers.127

Recognised by the official bits

The Tarantula Collective

Commonly known as the Bahia Scarlet Birdeater, a New World terrestrial tarantula native to the humid forests of Brazil.2