Brazilian Red Head Tarantula (Bumba horrida) 

The Defiant Forest has many captive born tarantulas for sale, including the impressive Brazilian Red Head Tarantula (Bumba horrida) is a beautiful and distinctive New World tarantula admired for the rich reddish coloration of its carapace contrasted with a darker body. Native to Brazil, this species is part of the Bumba genus, a group of terrestrial tarantulas known for their attractive coloration, energetic feeding response, and fascinating behavior.

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula develops a striking reddish-orange head region that stands out against its darker legs and abdomen, giving the spider its recognizable appearance. Its manageable size and engaging behavior make Bumba horrida an appealing species for hobbyists interested in colorful terrestrial tarantulas.

Because of its quick movements and energetic feeding response, the Brazilian Red Head Tarantula is generally recommended for keepers with some experience maintaining tarantulas.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Bumba horrida
Common Name: Brazilian Red Head Tarantula
Type:  - Terrestrial Species
Origin: Brazil
Adult Leg Span: 4–5 inches
Temperament: Fast and somewhat defensive
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Females 12–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Bumba horrida inhabits forested regions of Brazil where it constructs shallow burrows beneath roots, rocks, and natural debris. These burrows provide protection from predators and environmental changes.

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula spends much of the day hidden within its retreat and becomes more active at night when it emerges to hunt insects and other small invertebrates moving across the forest floor.

Like many New World tarantulas, this species thrives in warm environments with moderate humidity.

Appearance

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula is known for its distinctive color contrast.

Typical characteristics include:

• reddish-orange carapace (head region)

• darker legs and abdomen

• compact terrestrial body structure

• subtle color intensification after molting

The reddish head coloration often becomes especially vibrant following molts, making freshly molted individuals particularly striking.

Temperament

Bumba horrida is generally considered an alert and quick-moving species. When disturbed, the spider will usually retreat quickly into its hide rather than confront threats directly.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Brazilian Red Head Tarantula possesses urticating hairs on the abdomen which it may kick if threatened.

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

Enclosure Setup

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula does well in terrestrial enclosures that provide substrate depth and secure hiding places.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• several inches of substrate for burrowing

• cork bark or natural hide

• moderate humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing a naturalistic enclosure setup allows Bumba horrida to display normal behaviors in captivity.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Bumba horrida 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 specimens typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula often exhibits a strong feeding response and quickly captures prey introduced into its 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.

Following molts, the reddish coloration of the carapace often appears brighter and more pronounced.

Why Keep the Brazilian Red Head Tarantula?

The Brazilian Red Head Tarantula (Bumba horrida) is valued among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• attractive reddish carapace coloration

• compact terrestrial species

• fascinating hunting and feeding behavior

• hardy tarantula that adapts well to captivity

For hobbyists looking for a colorful terrestrial tarantula with engaging behavior, the Brazilian Red Head Tarantula makes a rewarding 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 explore other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.