Grammostola rosea RCF female • 1 1/2″ (Chilean rose hair tarantula)

Description

Listed here is a captive-bred Grammostola rosea RCF juvenile female. As many keepers know, G. rosea is a cornerstone hobby tarantula. Are there hobbyists who have not kept or heard of the Chilean rose hair? Many of us started with one. In the early 2010s you could buy wild-caught specimens from pet stores for $25. In 2016 however Chile ended tarantula export. Subsequent rose hair availability fell and it took years for captive breeding to begin to meet demand.

G. rosea spiderlings are mostly available now. The species is native to grasslands and scrub-forest in central Chile. Interestingly, H. chilense is sympatric here. Climate is Mediterranean-to-temperate, similar to southern Europe.

G. rosea continues to have a devoted following, attributable to docility, reddish setae (hairs) and medium size. Drought tolerance, low maintenance and longevity reaching 20+ years are other positive attributes. A study in 2022 established two color forms, red color form (RCF) and normal color form (NCF) [1]. The latter was and still is in some circles, referred to as G. porteri.

We raise G. rosea spiderlings on a slightly dampened substrate: 1 part water + 10 parts dry substrate. We limit ventilation a little to allow some humidity to build. For juveniles and older we use less substrate dampness, less humidity. Room temperature (68-72F) is fine although growth is faster at 80F. Even so, it will take this female a few years to reach adulthood as growth is slow. Life span of females can reach 25 years in captivity. A water dish can be useful if only to insure against dehydration, especially if ventilation is liberal.

Photos: 1-specimen for sale (ArachnoEden); 2-adult color (bennytrapp); 3-semi-adult female G. rosea, NCF/RCF (ArachnoEden)

Care highlights:

• slightly dampened substrate (sds) for spiderlings
• water and ventilate to achieve a slightly humid environment
• room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
• drier enclosure conditions for juveniles and up
• consider a hide, scrub-forest litter and plantings for enrichment

[1] Aguilera, M., Montenegro, R., & Casanueva, M. (2022). Revised taxonomic placement and distribution update of Grammostola Simon, 1892, Phrixotrichus, Simon 1889, and Thrixopelma, Schmidt, 1994, species, a chaotic history of Chilean Tarantulas (Araneae, Theraphosidae). Revista Ibérica de Aracnología 40: 63-71.