Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 6718395

Brazilian Giant Blonde Tarantula

Nhandu tripepii

Also known as Brazilian Giant Blonde, Blonde Birdeater

Brazilian giant blonde tarantulas spend their time in subterranean burrows throughout central and northeastern Brazil, waiting to ambush passing invertebrates and small vertebrates. Covered in thick, golden-tan hairs, these impressive terrestrial arachnids rely on sensitive leg setae to detect micro-vibrations in total darkness. When threatened, they readily kick irritating urticating bristles from their abdomen before attempting a defensive posture.

TerrestrialBurrowingNocturnal
Brazilian Giant Blonde Tarantula reference1 / 2
Licensed reference(c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Large insects
  • Small lizards
  • Rodents
Predators
  • Tarantula hawk wasps
  • Coatis
  • Large frogs
ThreatsHabitat loss and overcollection for exotic pet trade
HabitatsTropical dry forests, scrublands, and savannahs
Life span10–20 years for females; 3–5 years for males
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyTheraphosidae
  3. GenusNhandu
  4. SpeciesNhandu tripepii
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Flicks irritating abdominal hairs and delivers a painful bite; keep a safe distance and avoid handling.
Why it is dangerous
Flicks specialized abdominal urticating hairs that cause severe skin itching and eye irritation, along with a painful venomous bite.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Distinguished by an expansive leg span and a dense coat of light tan to golden hair covering the body.
What to do
Observe from a respectful distance and avoid direct contact or cornering a spider in a defensive pose.
Responsible observation
  • Burrow Locating: Search for silk-lined burrows or crevices near root structures during twilight hours.
  • Lighting Caution: Use red or dim illumination to view nocturnal movements without causing distress.
  • Handling Safety: Never touch or blow on the spider, as agitation triggers itchy hair-flicking.
Related species
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