Vitalius

Vitalius is a genus of large New World tarantulas native to South America, first formally described in 1993 by Brazilian arachnologists Sylvia Lucas, Pedro Ismael da Silva Jr. and Rogério Bertani. The genus was created to regroup several robust ground-dwelling theraphosids from Brazil, many of which had originally been placed in older “catch-all” genera during the early 20th century. Today, Vitalius species are especially common in the Atlantic Forest and adjacent regions of southern, southeastern and central-west Brazil, with one species extending into northern Argentina. A major revision in 2001 and a modern phylogenomic study in 2023 refined the genus, transferring some species to related genera and elevating others (such as V. wacketi) to their own genus, Tekoapora. Ongoing work and new discoveries now place Vitalius at around eleven recognized species, including the popular Brazilian Red & White, Vitalius chromatus, a staple in the tarantula hobby.

Genus and species: Vitalius chromatus

Common name: Brazilian red and white

Given name: Twix

This species was considered a Lasiodora, then a Nhandu, and now a Vitalius.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Sex: Male

Life stage: Mature

Size: Approximately 6 inches but mostly legs

Growth: Past ultimate molt, hooked out

Disposition: Skittish if disturbed

Eating habits: Decent eater but response is slowing down

Misc: Unclear if he has a post-ultimate molt left in him. He's become skinny.