Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)

Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-011

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Grammostola pulchripes is native to the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay and northern Argentina, where it inhabits open grasslands and scrub forest edges at elevations of 200–600 m asl. Ambient temperatures range from 20–30 °C with seasonal RH of 60–75 % (Coyle, 1995; Samu & Rayor, 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Individuals construct shallow burrows beneath shrubs and fallen logs, often lining entrances with silk and plant detritus (Pérez‑Miles et al., 1996).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily crepuscular to nocturnal; emerge 30–45 min after dusk to forage and retreat by early morning (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content studies show ~65 % orthopterans, 20 % coleopterans, and 15 % small vertebrates or other arthropods (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure of at least 30 × 30 × 20 cm (12 × 12 × 8 in) with a secure front-loading door.

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm of coconut fiber mixed with play sand (1 : 1) to support burrow construction (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide half-buried cork bark slabs or PVC tubes for retreat sites; add flat stones or bark pieces for silk anchoring.

  • Ground Cover: Minimal leaf litter layer to simulate natural detritus and allow clear visibility of burrow entrances.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 22–28 °C (72–82 °F); no direct heat sources—rely on stable room climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 60–70 % RH; provide a light mist of enclosure corners once weekly to maintain moisture without waterlogging (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on the back panel; avoid mesh floors or roofs to protect tarsi from abrasion (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3–4 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 5–6 small crickets twice weekly; adjust feeding based on growth and appetite (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Use long-handled forceps to deliver prey near burrow entrances; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to reduce stress and prevent mold.

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow ceramic dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refill and clean every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Light misting supports RH; monitor substrate moisture and avoid saturation (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile and slow-moving; rarely defensive if environmental parameters are optimal.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft-tipped forceps or gentle coaxing with a paintbrush for maintenance tasks (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Reduced activity, refusal of prey for 7–10 days, and dense silk lining at burrow entrances (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain consistent humidity; avoid substrate disturbance 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days post-molt; ensure retreats are clean to allow full exuviae separation (Pérez‑Miles et al., 1996).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Biology and distribution of Grammostola pulchripes. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of neotropical tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in terrestrial tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (1996). Ecology of Grammostola species. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Nocturnal activity in grassland tarantulas. Environmental Entomology.

  • Sandler, D. & Edge, D. (2012). Handling guidelines for terrestrial tarantulas. Exotic Pet Veterinary.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in terrestrial tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

This canvas document provides the official Invert-Labs care guide for Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, following the format of prior guides.

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