This incredible species first hit the U.S. hobby in 1998. It was and still is very impressive to a majority of the hobby due to it's color, pattern and size. It is a very "showy" species. Always active, eats frequently and everything, grows quickly and is one of the larger-growing species. Scientific description author and date: (C. L. Koch, 1841) Range: Santarem, Brazil Type: Opportunistic burrower/wandering terrestrial. Color/pattern/appearance: Overall black with white-banded legs and with "pen striping" in white on the front of the legs and reddish-brown abdominal hairs. Slender-legged, but large carapace and abdomen. Maximum size: 8" Temperature: 78F-85F day. No lower than 60F at night. Humidity: 70-80% Tank setup: Adults can be housed in 10 gal. tanks with 4"-6" deep "Cocosoft" substrate or peat moss, shallow and wide water dish. Cork bark or resin plastic shelter. Feeding requirements: Spiderlings/juvs twice a week small crickets (1-2). Sub-adults/adults once a week med./large crickets (2-3), roaches (1-2) or pinkie mouse or rat pup. Water requirements: Mist tank 1-2 times a week with fine water mist to keep humidity around 80%. Change water dish whenever fouled or at least 1-2 times a week. Disposition: Aggressive. Do not free handle. Will kick urticating hairs, go into threat display and bite if distrurbed. Venom effects: Unknown. Assumed to be medically insignificant though like most tarantulas. Growth rate: Fast. Males mature in 1.5 yrs. Females in 2.5-3 yrs. Breeding remarks: Female is aggressive. Male is nervous in most cases. Number of eggs: 1,000-2,000 . This particular adult female for sale is 7.5"+ (very large!)