Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea)

Short answers

Chilean rose tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×25 cm (floor area matters more than height).

Chilean rose tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–26 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Chilean rose tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Chilean rose tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 15–20+ years, males approx. 5 years.

Chilean rose 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

—

Humidity

50–60 % (keep dry, water bowl)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×25 cm (floor area matters more than height)

Substrate

A dry, diggable soil and sand or coco humus mix, 8–10 cm, a cork hide, a water bowl

Feeding

Food

Insects (house crickets, roaches, crickets); it often goes off food for a while

Feeding interval

adults approx. every 1–2 weeks, juveniles 1–2×/week; long gaps between meals are normal

Key facts

Adult size

13–15 cm leg span

Life expectancy

females approx. 15–20+ years, males approx. 5 years

Origin

Chile (semi-desert-like arid regions)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

Not essential; a slight winter drop (to about 18 °C) is natural, but no real winter rest

Cohabitation

Single housing. Solitary and cannibalistic; no pair/group housing. The reason is not conflict but predation: these animals take anything that fits in their mouths, and a second animal in the enclosure is included.

Notes

A classic beginner's species, very frugal and tolerant of dryness. Notorious for feeding breaks lasting months (no cause for concern as long as water is available). It can be nervous and prone to kicking at times; urticating hairs are present.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Brazilian red rump tarantula (Grammostola actaeon) – Beginner
• Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) – Beginner
• Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola porteri) – Beginner
• Entre Rios tarantula (Grammostola iheringi) – Intermediate
• Brazilian black tarantula (Grammostola pulchra) – Beginner
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×25 cm (floor area matters more than height)), substrate (A dry, diggable soil and sand or coco humus mix, 8–10 cm, a cork hide, 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.