Keeper guide

How Big Does Bahia Scarlet Get? — Lasiodora klugi Size Guide

Adult Lasiodora klugi, commonly known as the Bahia Scarlet, reach about 18–22 cm (7–8.5 in). That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Brazil
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
About 18–22 cm (7–8.5 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 3–5 years
Female lifespan
Often 15–20 years
Temperament
Bold feeding response; may be defensive and kick abundant urticating hairs
Venom
Venomous, but hairs are usually the more immediate husbandry concern
Temperature
21–26°C
Moisture / humidity
Water dish plus moderate lower-substrate moisture; strong ventilation
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Adult size

Bahia Scarlets are generally expected to reach about 18–22 cm (7–8.5 in) as adults. Individual Lasiodora klugi may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for a Bahia Scarlet. Size figures in the hobby are best treated as useful ranges.

How size is measured

Tarantula size is commonly discussed as diagonal leg span. For Lasiodora klugi, that gives a rough comparison with other species, but it is not necessary to stretch or position the spider for a measurement.

Estimate size from a normal resting position or during rehousing if needed. Avoid disturbing a Bahia Scarlet purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Bahia Scarlets start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Lasiodora klugi may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Lasiodora klugi when choosing feeders and housing. An adult-size figure does not mean a sling needs adult-size prey or an adult enclosure.

Male and female size

Males and females of Lasiodora klugi can differ in build after maturity. Mature males often look leggier and slimmer, while adult females usually remain more robust.

Body shape alone is not a reliable way to sex a juvenile Bahia Scarlet. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

Increase enclosure size for Lasiodora klugi when the current setup no longer gives enough retreat space, substrate or practical access for water and feeding.

Moving a Bahia Scarlet too early into a very large setup can make basic care harder. Rehouse in sensible stages as the spider grows.

Tracking size over time

Keep moult dates and an occasional approximate size for Lasiodora klugi if you want to track growth. That is more useful than trying to measure the spider repeatedly between moults.

A simple record will show how quickly a Bahia Scarlet is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.