Chilean Rose Tarantula

Grammostola rosea

This is one of the most commonly imported tarantulas in the trade today and is a combination of being fairly large, hardy and docile.  It can be found in almost any pet store and can be found in two different color phases.  One of the color phases is a tan to brown overall color with pink hairs and a pink carapace, while the other has red hairs all over its body.  These used to be classified under two different species but they are now both known as Chilean Rose Tarantulas.

They are native to Bolivia, Northern Chile and Argentina in mostly deserts and scrubland.  The spiderlings eat pinhead crickets and other small insects while the adults eat crickets, other large insects and an occasional pinkie mouse.  Full grown size is 4.5 to 4.4 inches and have a slow rate of growth.  They like temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees and 75 to 80% humidity.

All tarantulas have a certain amount of venom.  Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation.  This is one of the reasons that people should not handle them and effects of this tarantula may vary greatly between people.