Fun Facts!

The Chilean Rose doesn't have a regular eating schedule. In fact, this spider can fast for weeks to months at a time.

Chilean Rose Tarantula

Grammostola rosea

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The Chilean rose tarantula, also known as the Chilean flame tarantula is probably the most common species of tarantula. They are fairly large, hardy and docile. They can be found in two different color phases. One of the color phases of the Chilean Rose Tarantula is a tan to brown overall color with pink hairs and a pink carapace, while the other is a tarantula with red hairs all over its body.

HABITAT

This tarantula from the northern Atacama Desert region of Chile and lives in the driest deserts on earth. It could live from the Southwest part of the United States of America to Chile. They do not burrow in their native habitat.

DIET

In captivity they will eat many insects such as flies and crickets. Some older spiders will eat small pink mice. In the wild they will eat many smaller mammals and lizards as well as insects and other spiders.

BEHAVIOR

These nocturnal creatures are usually active in the evening or night. Chilean Roses 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. As with all tarantula from the Americas (New World Tarantula), they have small spine-like urticating hairs on their abdomen that they will 'kick off' when threatened.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

These tarantulas are not listed as being in danger of extinction and are commonly kept as pets.

LIFE SPAN

Females have been known to live as long as 15-20 years but there is a possibility that they may live considerably longer.