Grammostola Pulchripes | Chaco Golden Knee | Tarantula Care Guide
Common Name: Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchripes
Lifespan: 20-25 years (females), 5-10 years (males)
Size: Up to 8 inches (leg span)
This species is ideal for beginners, thanks to its docile nature and ease of care. With its striking golden knee markings, Grammostola pulchripes is not only beautiful but also hardy and forgiving for first-time tarantula keepers.
Housing
- Enclosure Size: A 10-20 gallon enclosure works well for adults. Provide a wide space as they are terrestrial and prefer more floor area. We would recommend any of the Terrestrial Enclosures we have in the shop.
- 0.5"-1": Terrestrial Sling Crib
- 1"-3": Small Slider or Small Cuboid
- Full size adult: Large Slider, Large Cuboid, or Large Coffin.
- If you wish to go a bit overboard, you can do the Terrestrial XL but for this species it is not needed at all.
- Substrate: 4-6 inches of coco fiber, peat moss, or topsoil. They enjoy burrowing, so provide enough depth for digging. We recommend the Arachnidirt in our shop.
- Hide: Include a hide such as a cork bark or a half log for them to retreat into. We have a ton of great accessories.
- Ventilation: Ensure the enclosure has good airflow to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Temperature and Humidity
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C). Room temperature is usually sufficient, but if temperatures drop below 65°F (18°C), additional heating may be required.
- Humidity: 60-70%. Light misting once or twice a week to maintain humidity is generally sufficient. Ensure the substrate remains slightly moist but not overly damp.
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Water Dish: Always provide a shallow water dish. Keep it filled with fresh water.
Diet
- Food: Offer gut-loaded crickets, roaches, or mealworms. Adults can be fed once every 7-10 days, while juveniles may require more frequent feedings every 5-7 days.
- Size of Prey: Prey should be no larger than the tarantula’s abdomen to prevent injury.
- Feeding Notes: Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to avoid stress and the risk of mold.
Temperament/Personality
- Behavior: Grammostola pulchripes is known for its calm and docile nature. They are an excellent choice for beginners due to their gentle temperament.
- Handling: They are typically tolerant of handling, but it’s always recommended to limit handling to avoid injury to the tarantula.
Molting
- Signs of Molting: The tarantula will stop eating and may become more sluggish before molting. They may also create a web mat to molt on.
- After Molting: Do not feed the tarantula for about a week after molting, as its exoskeleton will be soft and prone to injury.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot Clean: Regularly remove any uneaten prey and waste to prevent mold or mites.
- Full Cleaning: Replace substrate and clean the enclosure every 6-12 months, or as needed.
General Notes
- Growth Rate: Grammostola pulchripes has a relatively slow growth rate, but females can live for over two decades, making them a long-term pet.
- Activity: Although primarily nocturnal, they can be seen moving around during the day. They may spend time resting in their hide or exploring the enclosure.
Where to find this tarantula?
- Coming soon