The Grammostola rosea (commonly called the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula, or Chilean Rose Tarantula) is one of the most common choices for beginning tarantula owners.
This species of tarantula is rather hardy and docile, and it has nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to habitat and feeding habits, all of which make caring for this pet relatively straight forward.
The Chilean Rose Hair comes in two color variations:
- Common Color – tan color with pink carapace and pink hairs.
- Red Form – tan color with bright red hair.
At one point in time it was thought these were two separate species, but now they asre considered to the be the same species, just with two color phases.
Decorating it’s enclosure is entirely at the owners discretion as the spider has no needs outside of the stock housing considerations such as the substrate lining, a shallow water dish, and a place to hide.
Grammostola rosea – Chilean Rose Hair Care Sheet
Scientific Name: Grammostola rosea
Also Known As: Chilean Common, Chilean Fire, Chilean Rose Haired, and Chilean Flame Tarantula
Range: Native to the desert regions of Northern Chile; this spider can also be found in Bolivia and Argentina, in many habitats but mostly in deserts and scrubland.
Size: Chilean Rose Tarantulas reach a leg span of about 5 to 6 inches.
Life Span: females: 15-20+ years males: much shorter, somewhere around 3-5 years.
Housing: A small (5-10 gallon) tank is suitable for Chilean Rose Tarantulas. The width of the tank should be two to three times wider than the leg span of the spider wide, and only as tall as the spider’s leg span. Ground area is more important then height.
Substrate: 2-3 inches of peat moss, soil, or vermiculite can be used as a substrate. Wood, cork bark, or half of a small clay flower pot can be used for a shelter/retreat.
The Chilean Rose Hair is known to have a disliking for wet/damp substrate and will climb to get away from it, so keeping the substrate dry is a good thing to do.
All tarantulas that have at least a 3″ legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperature: 70-85 F (21-30 C)
Humidity: 60-70%; (Low)
Growth Speed: Slow
Feeding: Gut-loaded crickets and other large insects (must be pesticide free), occasional pinky mouse for full grown spiders. Feed every few days, and if the food remains in the cage on the following day remove it.
Tarantulas that have at least a 3″ legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament: Chilean Rose Tarantulas are usually rather docile and calm.
Notes: A combination of traits makes this species often recommended as the ideal species for beginners. Hardy and docile, this spider is commonly available, inexpensive, and easy to care for.
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