The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is one of the larger types of tarantulas found in South America.
This beautiful species of tarantula may be small, but it packs a lot of personality.
Ready to learn how to give these furry little friends the care they need?
Keep on reading to gain a good understanding of all there is to know about Grammostola pulchripes care.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Grammostola pulchripes |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: 5-6 years / Females: 20-25 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 8.5 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 15-20 gallon |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 78-87 °F |
What Are Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas?
Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas, also known scientifically as Grammostola pulchripes, are a species of tarantula from the family Theraphosidae.
These incredible spiders are native to South America and are characterized by their golden-brown color and thick, muscular legs.
The colorful “knees” of the spider are attributed to their common name.
They are also known for their docile and placid nature, which makes them an ideal pet for those just starting with an arachnid companion.
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What Do Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas Look Like?
Grammostola pulchripes is a medium-sized terrestrial tarantula in comparison to other species.
Adult females usually reach a size of about 7-8.5 inches, while males may grow up to 6-7 inches in length.
In terms of color, the body of the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula usually appears brown, with golden stripes on the legs that are believed to represent the shape of a knee.
These stripes can fade as the tarantula matures and darkens to a solid black color.
The abdomen is lined with black and white stripes, and can also feature several yellow colors depending on the sex of the tarantula.
As well as eight long legs, they also have four sets of jaws and eight eyes arranged into two rows of four.
This allows the G. pulchripes to have a 360-degree panoramic view of their environment, which helps them to both hunt prey and avoid predators.
Lastly, these spiders possess small spinnerets on their abdomens which help them produce webs and sensory hairs covering their entire body.
Benefits Of Using Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas
When looking for an interesting addition to a terrarium or vivarium, many people tend to overlook tarantulas.
However, Chaco Gold Knee Tarantulas can make great low-maintenance and docile pets.
Not only do these invertebrates look impressive, but they also help keep the tank clean by consuming insects.
Plus, they are low-cost and easy to care for in comparison to other more complex terrarium occupants.
Grammostola pulchripes are also relatively hardy and long-lived, with some living up to two decades in captivity!
With proper care and maintenance, these animals can make fantastic additions to any enclosure.
Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula Facts
The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is a medium-sized arachnid that is native to South America.
Their diet consists of mostly insects and they typically have a gentle yet shy temperament.
On average, Grammostola pulchripes can live for several years and successful breeding requires a slightly cooler and more humid environment.
They lack effective defense mechanisms compared to other woodland creatures, relying instead on their ability to hide and stay still rather than fight or flight.
Habitat
G. pulchripes is a species of ground-dwelling tarantula that originates from the warm forests and grasslands of South America.
They are primarily found in the dry savannahs and tropical forests of Argentina’s Chaco Region.
The large spiders usually inhabit burrows dug out by other animals, and they are relatively inactive during the day.
To stay warm in cooler temperatures, the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula burrows deeper into the ground, hiding from potential predators and low temperatures.
The burrowing also helps them to hide from the scorching midday sun.
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Diet
In their natural habitat, Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas mainly feed on small insects like crickets, spiders, and moths.
Occasionally, they’ll also eat frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
Temperament
Grammostola pulchripes may be small, but don’t let that fool you—these creatures are quite bold when it comes to interaction with humans and other animals.
They are known for being relatively docile, which means they will rarely bite unless exposed to extreme stress or threatened.
While they can spin intimidating cobwebs, they are generally quite calm and non-dangerous.
When it comes to handling, always use caution.
Since these spiders can jump, it is best practice to move your hands slowly and let the tarantula move to your hand, rather than reaching out to grab it.
This will both prevent the spider from feeling threatened and reduce the risk of accidental bites.
Since Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas are solitary creatures, they prefer living alone or in smaller groups.
Introducing a new tarantula to your enclosure for potential breeding should always be done carefully, as they may become aggressive toward one another.
Observe them closely before leaving them alone, and provide extra hiding and webbing sites so both tarantulas can have their own spaces.
Lifespan
The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is considered to have a very long lifespan, with some females living up to 25 years in captivity.
Although, the average lifespan for males is closer to 5 to 6 years.
Being a species of tarantula, they go through the molting cycle several times throughout their lifetime, molting less as they get older.
The life cycle of Grammostola pulchripes can be divided into several stages: egg, spiderling, sub-adult, and finally adult.
After a female lays eggs, the incubation period can range from six to eight weeks.
Upon hatching, the spiderlings will need to molt several times before reaching adulthood, during which time they will become larger and their legs will darken.
Once they reach maturity, the tarantulas will be ready to begin breeding.
Breeding
Mating and reproducing is an important part of the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula lifecycle.
It begins with the process of courtship, whereby the male tarantula will find and entice a female into the area before mating.
The male will deposit a spermatophore into the female and once ready, she will fertilize her eggs.
The female will then lay her eggs in an egg sac which she will protect with her fangs and legs.
Once the eggs have been laid, the female will leave the egg sac to be hatched on its own.
When the eggs are ready to hatch, the eggs will produce small, newly hatched spiders that will slowly disperse and hunt for food.
The newly hatched Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas should not be handled and are vulnerable to predation, as they are much smaller than adults.
It is vital to keep an eye on these newly hatched spiders and provide them with regular meals.
As they grow, they will become more active and should be kept in larger enclosures.
Where To Find Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas
If you’re looking to get your hands on a Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, there are a few different options.
These tarantulas can be found in the wild in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.
They dwell in vegetation and moist soil, such as in wetter parts of grasslands and areas near water sources.
You can also find G. pulchripes at pet stores or from reputable online reptile retailers.
Before buying a tarantula, research the seller to make sure they are reputable.
It’s good practice to ask the seller questions about the age and history of the tarantula before you buy.
Additionally, check that the spider is healthy, with no evidence of disease or mites.
If possible, request the tarantula be shipped with some of its substrates to make the transition to its new home easier.
Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula Care
Caring for Grammostola pulchripes requires the right housing, feeding and water, handling, and breeding.
You should ensure they have a secure and suitable habitat, provide appropriate food and water, handle them carefully, and understand their breeding behavior.
Tank Requirements
The perfect home for a Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is a slightly arid and sandy environment.
For the tank size, it is recommended to have at least 15 gallons for a single spider.
When it comes to the vivarium set-up, a glass tank, terrarium or arboreal cage would be ideal.
The pH should be around 7.0, with a hardness of 8 to 12 dH.
The optimum temperature range for a golden knee tarantula should be between 78 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and towards the lower end of that during the night.
Furthermore, a dry, odorless, and chemical-free substrate like fine terrarium sand and coconut fiber can be used.
To further simulate the natural environment, one can consider having low-wattage terrarium lights for the tank.
What Do Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas Eat?
Feeding Grammostola pulchripes is an essential part of caring for them.
The tarantulas’ diet consists of live insects like crickets, roaches, caterpillars, and moths.
It’s important to feed them variety, as a diverse diet will help ensure your tarantula is getting the nutrients it needs.
Always make sure insects are fresh and fit for consumption.
Offer your tarantula 2-3 small insects per week, but never feed them more than they can reasonably consume in a single sitting.
It’s also a good habit to monitor their eating habits and make sure they translate into real growth.
If they continue to remain small, this could indicate a diet issue.
Monitor your tarantulas carefully and adjust their feeding according to their size and growth.
Finally, make sure to pick up any excess food that your pet doesn’t finish, to help keep the habitat clean and tidy.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Chaco Golden Knee Tarantulas
It’s a necessity to provide a safe and healthy environment for your Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, which includes considering tankmates.
Tarantulas in nature often have varied diet sources and share their environment with other species.
While it’s possible to house Grammostola pulchripes with certain species, it’s best to err on the side of caution and bear in mind that different species can be territorial and predatory.
The most beneficial tankmates to consider for the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula are small invertebrates like hissing cockroaches, isopods, and mealworms.
These tankmates are beneficial because they can provide nutrition to the tarantula while not being a potential food source.
This helps to reduce stress and maintain the tarantula’s environment. Additionally, the tankmates can help to keep the area free of mites and other parasites.
Other animals with beneficial qualities you can consider for tankmates include crickets, imperial cockroaches, and millipedes.
Conclusion
The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is a unique and fascinating species of tarantula with lots of personalities.
Still, they don’t require excessive attention and make excellent pet companions for beginners and experienced tarantula keepers alike.
With the right environment and care, your Grammostola pulchripes will remain a beloved family member for years to come!
Create the ideal habitat for your arachnids with our species-specific soil mixes and Spider Enclosure Kits. These products provide everything you need for a thriving spider habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas can be relatively docile and tolerate handling, but individual temperament may vary, and caution should be exercised as they can still bite or flick urticating hairs as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened.
Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas can reach a leg span of approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) when fully grown.
To keep a Chaco Golden Knee tarantula, you would typically provide a well-ventilated terrarium with a substrate for burrowing, a hiding place, a shallow water dish, and a temperature and humidity level suitable for the species, while also ensuring a diet of live insects.
Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas are primarily terrestrial rather than arboreal, preferring to spend most of their time on the ground rather than climbing or residing in elevated areas.
Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas are often considered a good choice for beginners due to their generally docile nature, ease of care, and relatively forgiving temperament, making them a popular entry-level tarantula species for enthusiasts.
The average lifespan of a Chaco Golden Knee tarantula is around 20 to 25 years for females and 5 to 6 years for males.
Yes, Chaco Golden Knee tarantulas possess venom, but their venom is not considered highly potent or dangerous to humans. Their bites are generally mild and comparable to bee stings, causing temporary discomfort but rarely causing severe reactions.