Brazilian black-and-white tarantula

Tropical forests of Brazil, where it shelters in burrows beneath rocks, logs, or leaf litter.

An ambush predator that eats insects and other small invertebrates, occasionally small vertebrates.

Ground-dwelling and burrow-oriented; generally solitary, shedding its exoskeleton as it grows. It may flick irritating hairs or bite when threatened.

Not considered medically dangerous, but its bite can be painful and its defensive hairs can irritate skin and eyes. It helps control insect populations.