Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantula
Acanthoscurria geniculata
A highly popular giant Brazilian tarantula, famous for its white leg bands and rapid growth rate. Extremely voracious and makes an excellent display species.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
70 - 80 %
Température ambiante
24 - 27 °C
Température diurne
26 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 22 °C
Profondeur du substrat
>= 15 cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the tropical rainforests and humid forest floors of northern Brazil. It lives in deep burrows, under fallen logs, or at the base of trees, where humidity remains high and stable.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belongs to the family Theraphosidae, subfamily Theraphosinae, genus Acanthoscurria. It is a large-bodied species widely appreciated in the hobby for its genetic hardiness.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily terrestrial and opportunistic. It is active and rarely stays hidden, making it a great display tarantula. While not overly aggressive, it is quick to kick urticating hairs when disturbed.
Morphology: Reaches an impressive leg span of 18-20 cm (7-8 inches). Features a deep black or dark brown base color with striking, clean white bands on its leg joints and reddish hairs on the abdomen.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Requires a terrestrial terrarium measuring at least 16x12x12 inches (40x30x30 cm). Provide a deep layer (3-4 inches / 8-10 cm) of damp coconut fiber or peat moss for burrowing. Include a hide such as a cork bark half-log.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain temperatures of 24-27°C (75-80°F) during the day, with a night drop to 20-22°C (68-72°F). No special lighting or UVB is required; keep the enclosure shaded from bright light.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires moderate to high humidity (70-80%). Keep the substrate damp but not soggy. A shallow water dish must always be present and filled with fresh water.
Feeding and Supplementation: Exceptionally voracious feeder. Offer appropriately sized crickets, roaches (Dubia or red runners), and locusts. Spiderlings grow very fast and require frequent feeding. Supplementation is unnecessary.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary. Must be housed individually. Any cohabitation will end in cannibalism, except for supervised mating introductions.
Health and Common Diseases: The greatest risk to this heavy-bodied terrestrial spider is a fall; a drop from a short height can rupture its abdomen. Avoid tall enclosures. Urticating hairs can cause severe irritation to skin and eyes.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Native to the tropical rainforests and humid forest floors of northern Brazil. It lives in deep burrows, under fallen logs, or at the base of trees, where humidity remains high and stable.
Origine
Amérique du Sud hors Amazonie
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- This giant tarantula is known for its voracious appetite and impressive feeding response, aggressively tackling nearly any appropriately sized prey. They consume large crickets, roaches, locusts, and even small rodents or lizards in their natural habitat. In captivity, a steady supply of large feeder insects ensures they grow rapidly and maintain their massive bulk. They rarely refuse a meal, actively lunging at prey the moment it touches the substrate.
- Taille adulte
- 20 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Terrestrial
- A large terrestrial tarantula. They spend significant amounts of time out in the open rather than hiding deep in burrows.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- While nocturnal by nature, their aggressive feeding response means they will often bolt out of their hides during the day if they sense vibrations.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- Brazilian giant whiteknee tarantulas are highly solitary and famously defensive creatures that do not tolerate company. They are fiercely territorial and will quickly attack any other tarantula introduced into their space. Their aggressive feeding response means that conspecifics are readily treated as a food source rather than a mate, outside of specific breeding contexts. Therefore, keeping them individually in properly sized, secure enclosures is strictly required.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- During mating, the male cautiously approaches the female, vibrating his legs to communicate his species and intent. If the female is receptive, she will rise up, allowing the male to carefully insert his pedipalps to transfer sperm. The female later creates an exceptionally large egg sac, which can contain anywhere from 500 to over 1,000 eggs. She guards this massive sac fiercely for several weeks until an army of tiny spiderlings finally emerges.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- With caution
- Handling is highly discouraged. They possess a fierce feeding response and will readily flick highly irritating urticating hairs when disturbed.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- They are a tropical species that does not brumate and must be kept consistently warm year-round.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Due to their massive size and rapid growth rate, high humidity is strictly required to prevent catastrophic stuck molts.
Espèces associées
Recommandations regroupées par proches parents, compagnons et soins similaires.
