Chilean rose tarantula

Grammostola rosea is a ground-dwelling tarantula recorded from Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. The World Spider Catalog treats G. porteri as a synonym following the 2022 revision. Pink and grey trade forms should not automatically be presented as separate species.

Adults are reported around 15 cm in diagonal leg span, which is different from body length. Females may live for decades; mature males usually have much shorter remaining lives. Ask how sex and maturity were established, and keep one spider.

Provide deep compactable substrate, a stable hide and useful floor area. Keep unprotected fall height low and sharp ornaments out of the way. Secure the lid and vents without foot-trapping gaps. Let the spider excavate rather than insisting it use a decorative shelter.

Keeper guidance describes roughly 20–23°C, cooler than some generic tarantula advice. Measure the enclosure, keep it out of direct sun and avoid uncontrolled local heaters. Ask about the actual animal’s previous conditions instead of applying one tropical setup to every tarantula.

The guidance used here supports ordinary room light with a regular day-night cycle. Preserve a dark retreat. No species-specific UVB requirement is established here. A closed burrow entrance is not automatically a problem and should not trigger repeated excavation.

Established adults can have mostly dry exposed substrate, an accessible water dish and a limited damp area. Smaller juveniles need closer moisture checks. Dry-habitat origins do not justify withholding water, and condensation does not replace an inspection of the substrate.

Offer appropriately sized cultured insects and remove remains. Young spiders need smaller prey and closer checks; mature animals can fast for long periods. Watch abdomen condition, posture and water access as well as appetite. Remove biting prey before moulting, and do not force-feed a refusing spider.

A tarantula on its back may be moulting. Leave it alone and do not pull old cuticle away. Resume feeding after the body and fangs have hardened. Avoid routine hand handling because falls and defensive contact can cause harm; use a catch container for transfers.

Wounds, leaking fluid, repeated inability to stand or a persistent abnormal curled posture outside moulting need invertebrate-veterinary assessment. Food refusal or a bald abdominal patch alone is not a diagnosis. Mature males can roam and feed differently. Ask about previous mating before buying a female.

Confirm identity and documented captive provenance, and check current rules before an overseas purchase. Keep animals and any egg sacs contained. Irritating hairs can transfer through tools and substrate, so keep these away from your face, eyes and food areas.

Prepare deep substrate, low fall clearance and transfer equipment before arrival. Maintain clean water, remove waste and inspect escape gaps and damp areas. Preserve functioning retreats during cleaning. Record meals and moults so a long fast can be assessed in context.