Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) (origin: Argentina and Paraguay (the Gran Chaco)). Adult size around 18–20 cm leg span (body ~7–8 cm). Life expectancy females 20–25+ years, males 4–6 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chaco golden knee tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
50×40×40 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in).
Chaco golden knee tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot — (no basking spot; even room warmth), at night 18–20 °C.
Chaco golden knee tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal).
Chaco golden knee tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 20–25+ years, males 4–6 years.
Chaco golden knee tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–20 °C
- Basking spot
- — (no basking spot; even room warmth)
- Humidity
- 60–70 %
- UVB
- No UVB needed (crepuscular/nocturnal)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 50×40×40 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, peat or soil, 10–15 cm deep for digging; mostly dry, a water bowl
Feeding
- Food
- Insects: house crickets, crickets, roaches. No vertebrates are needed
- Feeding interval
- adults 1×/week or every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 18–20 cm leg span (body ~7–8 cm)
- Life expectancy
- females 20–25+ years, males 4–6 years
- Origin
- Argentina and Paraguay (the Gran Chaco)
- Protection status
- Not protected (no CITES, no German Federal Nature Conservation Act listing); no registration duty
- Brumation
- Not essential; a slight winter drop (18–20 °C, drier) is close to nature and can encourage reproduction
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is essential. Territorial and cannibalistic; put them together only briefly for supervised breeding
Notes
A very calm, robust, long-lived classic beginner's species from the dry Chaco – better kept a little drier, and avoid waterlogging. It has irritating urticating hairs but is rarely defensive. It grows slowly.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Brazilian red rump tarantula (Grammostola actaeon) – Beginner
- Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola porteri) – Beginner
- Entre Rios tarantula (Grammostola iheringi) – Intermediate
- Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) – Beginner
- Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) – Beginner
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×40×40 cm (floor area over height, substrate they can dig in)), substrate (Coco humus, peat or soil, 10–15 cm deep for digging; mostly dry, a water bowl), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, eur-lex.europa.eu, insektenliebe.com, interaquaristik.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).