Chilean Rose Tarantula, (Grammostola rosea), during an animal encounter session at Wingham Wildlife Park
The Rose Hair Tarantula (Grammostola rosea), also known in the United States as the Chilean rose tarantula,Chilean fire tarantula or the Chilean red-haired tarantula (depending on the colormorph), is probably the most common species of tarantula available in American and European pet stores today, due to the large number of wild-caught specimens exported cheaply from their native Chile into the pet trade. The species is also known from Bolivia and Argentina. G. rosea is a common pet of tarantula hobbyists. Females have been known to live as long as 15–20 years, but due to the limited time they have been available on the market (and hence for extensive study) it is possible that they may live considerably longer than 20 years. There is considerable confusion between this species and Grammostola porteri, with some arguing that many of the "G. rosea" in the pet trade are G. porter. Gramostola rosea are relatively docile, low maintenance, and inexpensive, so they are popular as pets. A terrarium should be at least triple the spiders' legspan in length, with a retreat for hiding. G. rosea can be kept in relatively low humidity; overflowing the water dish one or two times a week should provide ample humidity for this species. They are quite happy living at temperatures of around 25-30°C (77-86°F), with a diet of four to six crickets every three weeks (or one locust per week). The G. rosea's feeding schedule is rather erratic, however; the spider can fast for weeks to months at a time. Fasting is sometimes an indication of an upcoming moult. Grammostola rosea are usually skittish, running away from danger rather than acting defensively, but they may also raise their front legs and present their fangs in preparation to defend themselves. They can act especially defensive for days after moulting; this may be innate in the spiders behavior.
Size: 4792px × 3434px
Location: Wingham Wildlife Park 2008 Ltd, Rusham Road, Wingham, Kent, CT3 1JL.
Photo credit: © John Gaffen 2 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: animal, chilean, encounter, grammostola, hairy, park, rose, rosea, spider, tarantula, wildlife, wingham
