Brazil is home to some of the most fascinating and diverse spiders in the world. From giant tarantulas to colorful web-builders, these spiders live in forests, grasslands, and even near homes. While some may look scary, many are harmless and play an important role in nature.
In this article, you’ll discover 15 types of Brazilian spiders with simple identification tips, appearance details, and key facts about each one.
1. Phoneutria fera (Brazilian Wandering Spider)
The Phoneutria fera is one of the most feared spiders in Brazil. Known for its speed and strong venom, it belongs to the group commonly called “wandering spiders” because it hunts without webs. It plays an important role in controlling insect populations in the rainforest.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a large and hairy body. Its color is mostly brown or dark gray with black patterns or stripes on its legs. The male and female look similar, but females are slightly larger.
- Body length: Up to 5 cm (2 inches)
- Leg span: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to gray with black or reddish markings
- Leg bands: Black bands or stripes on long, strong legs
- Body texture: Densely hairy
- Movement: Extremely fast and active, especially at night
- Defense posture: Raises front legs and shows fangs when threatened
- Habitat clue: Found in banana bunches, woodpiles, or inside shoes and clothes left outdoors
Venom & Danger
The venom of Phoneutria fera is powerful and affects the nervous system. A bite can cause intense pain, sweating, blurred vision, and muscle cramps. In very rare cases, it can be life-threatening, especially for children or those with health problems. Quick medical help is important after a bite.
Habitat in Brazil
This spider lives mainly in the Amazon Rainforest and surrounding areas. It prefers warm, humid environments like under logs, inside tree bark, or in human homes. It is mostly active during the night and hides in dark places during the day.
2. Phoneutria nigriventer (Brazilian Armed Spider)
The Phoneutria nigriventer is closely related to Phoneutria fera. It’s also a wandering spider and is considered one of the most venomous spiders in South America. Its name “nigriventer” means “black belly,” which is one of its key features.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a large body with strong legs. It is brown or gray with dark markings. The belly is usually black or very dark.
- Body length: Around 4–5 cm
- Leg span: Up to 14 cm
Identification
- Color: Light brown or gray with dark, almost black belly
- Legs: Long, hairy legs with banded patterns
- Markings: Sometimes has red or orange hairs near its mouth
- Defense posture: Raises front legs and spreads fangs when threatened
- Behavior: Very aggressive and fast-moving at night
- Location clue: Found in urban areas, banana plantations, and forests
Venom & Danger
Its venom affects the nervous system and can be very painful. It may cause shaking, sweating, and heart problems. Serious cases are rare, but medical care is always needed after a bite.
Habitat in Brazil
Found mostly in southern and southeastern Brazil. It hides in warm, dark places like under logs, inside houses, or in banana bunches. It hunts at night and stays hidden during the day.
3. Lasiodora parahybana (Salmon Pink Birdeater)
The Lasiodora parahybana is one of the largest spiders in the world. It looks scary because of its size, but it’s not very dangerous. This tarantula is calm and usually only attacks if it feels threatened.
Appearance & Size
It is black or dark brown with salmon-colored hairs on its legs and abdomen. Its legs are thick and hairy, and its body is big.
- Body length: Up to 10 cm
- Leg span: Up to 25 cm or more
Identification
- Color: Dark body with pinkish or salmon-colored hairs
- Size: Very large and heavy compared to most spiders
- Legs: Thick and covered in reddish hairs
- Behavior: Slow-moving and calm unless provoked
- Defense: Flicks hairs from its abdomen when disturbed
- Location clue: Lives in burrows in the rainforest floor
Venom & Danger
Its venom is not deadly. A bite might feel like a bee sting. The main threat comes from its urticating hairs, which can irritate the skin and eyes. It usually avoids people and only bites if cornered.
Habitat in Brazil
This tarantula is native to northeastern Brazil. It prefers humid forests and lives in underground burrows. It comes out mostly at night to hunt small insects, frogs, or even tiny birds.
4. Grammostola pulchra (Brazilian Black Tarantula)
The Grammostola pulchra is also called the Brazilian black tarantula. It is calm, quiet, and one of the most popular pet tarantulas in the world. Even though it looks big and scary, it is not dangerous to humans.
Appearance & Size
This tarantula is fully black, from its legs to its body. Its black color can look shiny under light. It grows slowly but becomes large over time.
- Body length: Around 7–8 cm
- Leg span: Up to 15–18 cm
Identification
- Color: Pure black, sometimes with a velvet-like shine
- Body shape: Thick and rounded body and legs
- Movement: Slow-moving and calm
- Behavior: Rarely bites, very docile
- Defense: May flick hairs if stressed
- Habitat clue: Found on open ground or near low vegetation
Venom & Danger
This spider is not harmful. Its venom is very mild and not dangerous to people. A bite is rare and not serious. The hairs can sometimes cause skin irritation, but it’s easy to handle with care.
Habitat in Brazil
It is found in grasslands and open forests in southern Brazil. This spider spends most of its time in shallow burrows and only comes out at night to look for food.
5. Acanthoscurria geniculata (Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula)
The Acanthoscurria geniculata is one of the most beautiful spiders in Brazil. It is known for the white stripes on its legs. This spider is big, bold, and often seen in the exotic pet trade.
Appearance & Size
It has a black or dark brown body with bright white bands on its legs, which makes it easy to recognize. It is large and heavy.
- Body length: 8–9 cm
- Leg span: Around 20 cm
Identification
- Color: Dark brown or black with white bands on each leg joint
- Legs: Long and strong, striped
- Body: Hairy and bulky
- Movement: Active and fast when disturbed
- Defense: May raise front legs or flick hairs
- Habitat clue: Lives near forest floors and burrows
Venom & Danger
This tarantula has mild venom. Its bite is not dangerous but can cause pain and redness. The hairs it releases when threatened can be irritating to the skin or eyes.
Habitat in Brazil
Found in the Amazon region of northern Brazil. It lives on the ground and hides in burrows or under logs. It hunts at night and rests during the day.
6. Avicularia avicularia (Pinktoe Tarantula)
The Avicularia avicularia, commonly called the Pinktoe Tarantula, is a gentle and tree-dwelling spider. It gets its name from the pinkish tips on its feet. Unlike many other tarantulas, this one prefers to live off the ground, in trees or plants.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a dark body with a greenish or bluish shine and pink or reddish toes. It is smaller than some other tarantulas but very beautiful.
- Body length: Around 4.5–6 cm
- Leg span: Up to 13–15 cm
Identification
- Color: Dark body with green or blue shine; pink toes
- Body type: Slender and covered in soft hairs
- Legs: Long and good for climbing
- Behavior: Calm and jumps when frightened
- Defense: Rarely bites; may jump to escape
- Habitat clue: Often found on trees, walls, or plants in humid areas
Venom & Danger
Its venom is very mild and not dangerous to humans. A bite may feel like a bee sting but is rare. The spider may release fine hairs as a warning but prefers to run or jump away when scared.
Habitat in Brazil
This species lives in tropical forests in northern Brazil. It builds silk tunnels in tree hollows, bark, or even in houseplants. It is active mostly at night and feeds on small insects.
7. Vitalius dubius
The Vitalius dubius is a ground-dwelling tarantula found mainly in southeastern Brazil. Though not very colorful, it is strong and large. It is known for being defensive when disturbed but rarely bites unless provoked.
Appearance & Size
This spider is usually dark brown to black with a wide, flat body. It does not have bright markings like some other tarantulas but grows quite large.
- Body length: Around 7–8 cm
- Leg span: Up to 17 cm
Identification
- Color: Solid dark brown or black
- Legs: Thick and strong, no bright stripes
- Body: Flat, wide body with short reddish hairs
- Behavior: Defensive posture when threatened
- Movement: Fast and powerful on the ground
- Habitat clue: Found in dry forest floors or near rocks and burrows
Venom & Danger
The venom is mild and not a danger to humans. The spider may kick irritating hairs when threatened. Bites are uncommon and usually happen only if the spider is cornered.
Habitat in Brazil
This tarantula lives in forests and grasslands in São Paulo and nearby regions. It creates burrows or hides under rocks and logs. It hunts small insects and avoids light.
8. Nephila clavipes (Golden Orb-Weaver)
The Nephila clavipes, also known as the Golden Orb-Weaver, is famous for spinning large golden-colored webs. This spider is not dangerous, but its web is one of the strongest in nature. It’s easy to spot because of its long legs and colorful body.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a long, thin body with yellow, orange, and black colors. Its legs are very long and sometimes look striped.
- Body length: Females up to 4–5 cm; males are much smaller
- Leg span: Females up to 12–15 cm
Identification
- Color: Yellowish body with orange or black markings
- Web: Large golden silk webs, often over 1 meter wide
- Legs: Very long, often black with yellow bands
- Behavior: Calm, not aggressive
- Location clue: Found hanging in large webs between trees or fences
Venom & Danger
The venom is harmless to humans. A bite may cause mild redness or itching but is very rare. It only bites if it feels trapped or squashed.
Habitat in Brazil
Golden Orb-Weavers live in warm forests, gardens, and near roadsides. They make their webs in sunny areas with space to stretch their silk across trees or posts.
9. Cupiennius salei (Tiger Wandering Spider)
The Cupiennius salei is often confused with the dangerous Phoneutria spider but is not deadly. It is large, fast, and active at night. It’s called the “Tiger” wandering spider because of its body pattern and hunting style.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a light brown body with darker stripes or spots. Its legs are long and strong, made for running.
- Body length: About 3–4 cm
- Leg span: Around 10–12 cm
Identification
- Color: Light brown with tiger-like dark stripes
- Legs: Long and thin with short hairs
- Eyes: Visible row of eight eyes
- Behavior: Hunts at night, hides during the day
- Movement: Quick runner, climbs walls easily
- Location clue: Found on plants, house walls, and tree trunks
Venom & Danger
Its venom is not dangerous to humans. Bites are rare and usually happen when it’s trapped. It might cause slight irritation but no serious effects.
Habitat in Brazil
This spider is found in rainforests and also near homes. It hides under leaves and in cracks during the day, then comes out at night to catch insects.
10. Brachypelma albopilosum (Curly Hair Tarantula)
The Brachypelma albopilosum, known as the Curly Hair Tarantula, is a gentle and calm spider. Although it is originally native to Central America, it is popular in Brazil through the pet trade. It gets its name from the long, curly hairs that cover its body.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a round, dark brown body with light golden or tan-colored curly hairs. The hair makes it look fluffy and soft.
- Body length: Around 6–7 cm
- Leg span: Up to 15 cm
Identification
- Color: Dark brown or black with golden curly hairs
- Hair: Long and soft, giving a “fuzzy” appearance
- Movement: Slow and calm
- Behavior: Very docile, rarely shows aggression
- Defense: Flicks hairs when annoyed
- Habitat clue: Commonly kept in captivity; ground-dwelling
Venom & Danger
The venom is very mild and not dangerous to humans. A bite is rare and only causes slight irritation. The hairs can be itchy if touched, so handling should be gentle.
Habitat in Brazil
Though not native to Brazil, it can be found in collections or breeding centers. In the wild, its relatives prefer burrows in humid forest areas.
11. Theraphosa blondi (Goliath Birdeater)
The Theraphosa blondi, or Goliath Birdeater, is the largest spider in the world by mass. It is a powerful tarantula native to the rainforests of northern Brazil. Despite its size, it is not very aggressive and rarely bites.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a thick, heavy body with reddish or brown hair. It is massive in size and makes a loud hissing sound by rubbing its legs when threatened.
- Body length: Up to 12 cm
- Leg span: Can reach 28–30 cm
Identification
- Color: Reddish-brown to dark brown
- Size: Extremely large and heavy
- Legs: Thick and covered with dense hairs
- Behavior: Defensive posture when threatened
- Sound: Can produce a hissing sound (stridulation)
- Habitat clue: Found in deep burrows in tropical forests
Venom & Danger
Its venom is mild but the fangs are large and can puncture skin deeply. The biggest danger comes from its urticating hairs, which can irritate skin and eyes. It prefers to run or use hairs instead of biting.
Habitat in Brazil
This spider is found in the Amazon Rainforest, especially in moist, swampy areas. It makes deep burrows and hunts small insects, frogs, and occasionally birds or mice.
12. Ctenus medius
The Ctenus medius is a wandering hunting spider found in the forests of Brazil. It belongs to the Ctenidae family, like the more famous Phoneutria, but is less aggressive and less venomous. It hunts without a web and hides during the day.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a flat, brown body with darker markings on the back and legs. It has long legs and is fast-moving.
- Body length: Around 2.5–4 cm
- Leg span: Up to 10 cm
Identification
- Color: Brown with dark spots or patterns
- Legs: Long, flat, and good for running
- Body: Slim, low to the ground
- Eyes: Two rows of four eyes
- Behavior: Hides under logs or rocks
- Habitat clue: Found on the ground in forests or near rivers
Venom & Danger
Its venom is not considered dangerous to humans. A bite may cause mild pain or redness but is not serious. It avoids humans and only bites if trapped.
Habitat in Brazil
Ctenus medius is common in tropical forests, especially near streams or wet soil. It hunts insects and other small prey by ambush, usually at night.
13. Heteropoda venatoria (Huntsman Spider)
The Heteropoda venatoria, also known as the Huntsman Spider, is a large and fast spider often seen in homes. It is not aggressive and helps control pests like cockroaches. Though it looks scary, it is not harmful.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a flat, wide body with long legs that spread out to the sides. Its color is usually brown or gray with darker markings.
- Body length: 2.5–3.5 cm
- Leg span: Up to 12–15 cm
Identification
- Color: Light brown or gray with dark bands or patches
- Legs: Long, crab-like legs spread sideways
- Body: Flat and wide, good for squeezing into tight spaces
- Movement: Very fast on walls or floors
- Eyes: Clearly visible in two rows
- Habitat clue: Common in homes, behind curtains, or under furniture
Venom & Danger
Its venom is very weak and not harmful to people. A bite may feel like a small sting, but it is rare. This spider usually runs away instead of defending itself.
Habitat in Brazil
This spider lives in warm regions and often comes inside homes. It hides in dark corners, ceilings, and behind objects. Outdoors, it lives under bark, rocks, and in sheds or garages.
14. Pamphobeteus nigricolor
The Pamphobeteus nigricolor is a large and colorful tarantula found in South America, including parts of Brazil. It is admired for its vibrant shades and size. Although it looks fierce, it is not highly aggressive and prefers to stay hidden.
Appearance & Size
This tarantula has a black or dark brown body with purple, blue, or reddish reflections, especially on the legs. The colors look brighter under light.
- Body length: Around 8–9 cm
- Leg span: Up to 20 cm
Identification
- Color: Dark base with purple, blue, or red metallic shine
- Legs: Thick, long, and hairy
- Body: Bulky and covered in dense hair
- Movement: Slow, but strong if disturbed
- Behavior: Hides in burrows or under leaves
- Habitat clue: Lives in humid forest floor areas
Venom & Danger
Its venom is mild and not harmful to humans. The main defense is its urticating hairs, which can cause skin irritation. Bites are rare and happen only when it feels cornered.
Habitat in Brazil
Found in rainforest areas with high humidity. It builds burrows or hides under debris and comes out at night to hunt insects and small animals.
15. Selenocosmia crassipes (Australian Featherleg Tarantula)
The Selenocosmia crassipes is not native to Brazil but is seen in pet collections and exotic breeders within the country. It is a large burrowing tarantula known for its powerful bite and heavy body.
Appearance & Size
This spider has a thick, dark brown or black body with strong legs. The leg joints may have a “feathered” look because of long hair.
- Body length: Around 7–8 cm
- Leg span: Up to 18–20 cm
Identification
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Legs: Thick and powerful, with long hairs at joints
- Body: Round, with short dense hairs
- Behavior: Defensive, prefers to stay hidden
- Defense: Raises front legs and may bite if threatened
- Habitat clue: Ground-dweller, stays in deep burrows
Venom & Danger
It has strong fangs and can give a painful bite. While not deadly, the bite can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. Handling is not recommended unless experienced.
Habitat in Brazil
Though originally from Australia, it is present in Brazil through the pet trade. In captivity, it prefers deep substrate to dig tunnels and remains hidden most of the time.
FAQs
Is a Brazilian wandering spider bite deadly?
Yes, it can be deadly in rare cases—especially for children or those with health problems. Its venom affects the nervous system and can cause breathing issues. However, antivenom is available, and quick medical treatment can prevent serious harm.
Have there been any deaths from Brazilian wandering spider bites?
Very few deaths have been recorded, and most happened before proper treatment was available. Today, serious bites are very rare, and with fast medical help, people usually recover fully.
Is the Brazilian wandering spider poisonous?
The correct word is “venomous” (not poisonous). Yes, it is one of the most venomous spiders in the world. Its bite can cause strong pain and other symptoms, but it’s rarely fatal with medical care.
Is the Brazilian wandering spider aggressive?
Yes, it is known for being highly aggressive, especially when it feels threatened. It raises its front legs and shows its fangs before attacking. Unlike many spiders, it does not hide but will defend itself.
Does the Brazilian wandering spider bite cause erections?
Yes, one strange side effect of the bite in men is a long-lasting and painful erection. Scientists have studied this effect to learn more about the chemicals in its venom.
Is Brazilian wandering spider venom used for erectile dysfunction?
Researchers are studying the venom for possible medical use in treating erectile dysfunction. Some compounds in the venom affect blood flow and may help create new treatments, but no approved medicine exists yet.
