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Chilean Rose Tarantula
Grammostola rosea
The Chilean Rose Tarantula (Grammostola rosea) is a highly popular terrestrial arachnid, valued for its docility, hardiness, and characteristic pinkish coloration. Native to the arid regions of the Andes, it is known for its slow growth rate and tendency to undergo extended voluntary fasting periods.
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Subfamily:Theraphosinae
Genus:Grammostola
Species:Grammostola rosea
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 75 %
Day temperature
22 - 27 °C
Night temperature
18 - 22 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is native to the arid scrublands and desert plains (pampas) of the northern Andean regions across Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. It survives the extreme temperature fluctuations between hot days and cold nights by hiding deep inside underground burrows or under flat rocks protected from dry winds.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Theraphosidae and the genus Grammostola. Two color morphs are widely recognized in the hobby: the Normal Color Form (NCF), which displays a brownish-grey body with subtle pink highlights, and the Red Color Form (RCF), which features a bright, copper-red coloration on the carapace and abdomen.
Behavior and Habits: A terrestrial and burrowing species that displays a calm and sedentary temperament, though individual behavior can vary after a molt. It is well-known for its long fasting periods, sometimes lasting over a year, triggered by seasonal changes or premolt phases, without showing signs of weight loss.
Morphology: Features a stocky body covered in dense protective hairs. Matriarchal adult females are significantly larger and heavier, reaching a legspan of up to 15 cm, and can live up to 20-25 years. Adult males are smaller, live only 4-5 years, and develop tibial apophyses (hooks) on their front legs and emboli on their pedipalps for mating.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a horizontal enclosure (minimum 30x30x20 cm for an adult) with a highly ventilated lid to ensure constant airflow. The substrate should consist of 8-10 cm of firmly packed, bone-dry peat moss or coco fiber. A shallow cork bark hide and a low water dish are essential.
Lighting and Heating: Prefers temperatures between 22-25°C, with a slight drop at night to 18-20°C. They are highly adaptable to seasonal changes. Avoid direct heat lamps or unmonitored heating mats, as dry, stagnant air can quickly dehydrate them.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires dry conditions with relative humidity around 40-60%. The substrate must be kept dry; wet soil causes stress, forcing the tarantula to climb the walls. Hydration is maintained via a clean water dish, and overflowing it slightly in one corner once a month is sufficient.
Feeding and Supplementation: Carnivorous. Feed adult females 1 large roach (like Dubia) or 2 crickets every 3-4 weeks. Overfeeding must be avoided as obesity increases the risk of molting complications. Uneaten insects should be removed within 24 hours to prevent stress.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary and territorial. They must never be housed with other tarantulas or other animals due to high risks of cannibalism. Individual housing is mandatory.
Health and Common Diseases: Falls are the most dangerous threat to terrestrial tarantulas, potentially causing a fatal abdominal rupture. While generally non-aggressive, they can bite if provoked or flick irritating urticating hairs from their abdomen. Use a plastic cup and a soft paintbrush for moving the spider.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species is native to the arid scrublands and desert plains (pampas) of the northern Andean regions across Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. It survives the extreme temperature fluctuations between hot days and cold nights by hiding deep inside underground burrows or under flat rocks protected from dry winds.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South America
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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