Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula (Nhandu cerradensis) 

The Defiant Forest has many captive born tarantulas for sale,The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula (Nhandu cerradensis) is a large and impressive New World tarantula admired for its bold coloration and powerful build. Native to Brazil, this terrestrial species is known for the striking contrast between its reddish body tones and bluish leg highlights, giving it a distinctive appearance among South American tarantulas.

Members of the Nhandu genus are well known for their impressive size, energetic feeding response, and hardy nature in captivity. The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula grows into a robust adult with thick legs and a commanding presence, making it an exciting species for hobbyists who enjoy large terrestrial tarantulas.

Because of its quick movements and defensive tendencies, Nhandu cerradensis is generally recommended for keepers with some experience maintaining tarantulas.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Nhandu cerradensis
Common Name: Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial
Origin: Brazil (Cerrado region)
Adult Leg Span: 7–8 inches
Temperament: Defensive with strong feeding response
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Nhandu cerradensis inhabits the Cerrado biome of Brazil, a vast tropical savanna characterized by grasslands, shrubs, and scattered trees. These tarantulas construct burrows beneath rocks, roots, and natural debris where they remain hidden during the day.

The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula emerges mainly at night to hunt insects and other small prey moving across the ground. The warm temperatures and moderate humidity of its natural environment should be replicated in captivity for optimal health.

Like other members of the Nhandu genus, this species adapts well to captive conditions when provided with proper enclosure setup.

Appearance

The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula is admired for its impressive size and colorful contrast.

Typical characteristics include:

• reddish tones across the carapace and abdomen

• bluish hues visible on the legs

• thick legs and robust terrestrial body structure

• large adult size typical of Nhandu species

After molting, the red and blue tones often appear more vivid, making freshly molted specimens especially striking.

Temperament

Nhandu cerradensis is known for having a strong feeding response and alert temperament. When disturbed, the spider may retreat quickly into its hide or display defensive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula possesses urticating hairs on its abdomen which it may kick as a defensive mechanism.

Because of its size and energetic behavior, this species is generally best suited for keepers with some experience maintaining tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula should be housed in a terrestrial enclosure that provides ample floor space and secure hiding areas.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• several inches of substrate for burrowing

• cork bark or natural hide

• moderate humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing sufficient substrate allows the tarantula to construct shallow burrows similar to those found in its natural habitat.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Nhandu cerradensis feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult tarantulas typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula often exhibits a powerful feeding response and quickly seizes prey introduced into the enclosure.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Before molting, the spider may refuse food and become less active. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

Because this species grows relatively quickly, noticeable size increases often occur after molts.

Why Keep the Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula?

The Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula (Nhandu cerradensis) is prized among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• impressive adult size

• attractive red and blue coloration

• hardy species that adapts well to captivity

• powerful feeding response and active behavior

For hobbyists seeking a large and visually impressive terrestrial tarantula, the Brazilian Red and Blue Tarantula makes an exciting addition to a tarantula collection.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to discover other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.