Tarantulas · Genus: Grammostola
Chilean rose tarantula
BeginnerGrammostola rosea
Grammostola rosea is a ground-dwelling tarantula native to Chile. It has been one of the best-known species in the terrarium hobby for decades. Adult females reach a leg span of about 12 to 15 cm, have gray-brown to pinkish hair, and can live 15 to 20 years. The species is native to dry scrubland. It therefore does not require a tropical climate and thrives at room temperature with dry substrate and a water dish. It is considered calm and hardy. Occasionally, it will refuse food for months at a time. This unsettles many beginners, but it is normal. The species is suitable for beginners who are looking for a long-lived, low-maintenance pet to observe and who are patient.
- Origin
- Chile
- Activity time
- Crepuscular/nocturnal
- Overwintering
- Yes
- Overwintering details
- Not complete dormancy, but a period of cool rest lasting about 2-3 months at approximately 15-18 °C, with reduced activity and food intake. Not required for individual housing, but recommended for breeding.
- Social behavior
- Solitary animals at risk of cannibalism. Must be kept alone. Contact should be limited to brief periods for breeding only.
- Habitat type
- Terrestrial
Biology & traits
- Leg span
- 12-15 cm
- Toxic
- Yes
- Breeding possible
- Yes
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
Terrarium & husbandry
- Temperature
- 20-26 °C
- Lighting
- Not needed
Nutrition & care
- Feeding notes
- Crickets, grasshoppers, or cockroaches, no larger than the abdomen. Adults are fed 1-3 live prey items every 1-2 weeks. Juveniles are fed small prey 1-2 times per week. Fasting periods lasting several months are normal.
- Molting notes
- Adult females molt about once a year or less frequently. Remove food before molting, and do not feed the spider for 7-10 days after molting. Do not turn a spider over if it is lying on its back.