Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
Scientific Name	Grammostola pulchripes
Origin	Argentina, Paraguay
Adult Size	16–18 cm leg span
Lifespan	Females: 20+ years, Males: 5–7 years
Activity	Terrestrial, mostly nocturnal

Behavior

• Docile and slow-moving; excellent beginner tarantula.

• Terrestrial; spends most time on substrate surface or in shallow hides.

• Rarely defensive; may flick urticating hairs if stressed.

• Enjoys a calm environment with minimal disturbance.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 30–40 liters for an adult

• Substrate: 8–12 cm of coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil

• Decor: Hides, cork bark, rocks; provide shallow burrows if desired

• Humidity: 60–70%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

• Lighting: Low light; indirect lighting preferred

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow; avoid overly dry or stagnant conditions

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; may attack or eat smaller spiders or arthropods.

• Calm with humans but avoid frequent handling.

Diet

• Carnivorous: live prey only

  • Crickets

  • Roaches

  • Mealworms / superworms

• Feed juveniles 2–3× per week; adults 1× per week

• Provide shallow water dish

• Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours

Care Tips

• Avoid handling; may flick urticating hairs.

• Maintain proper humidity for molting.

• Spot-clean regularly, removing mold and waste.

• Provide hides and shallow burrowing areas.

• Secure lid required; terrestrial but may climb if disturbed.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥30–40 L, terrestrial substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C

• 💧 Humidity: 60–70%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Nocturnal, terrestrial

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid handling; provide hides