Golden Knee Tarantula
Basic Information:
Scientific Name:Grammostola Pulchripes
Habitat: Grasslands in Argentina and Paraguay
Diet:Mostly insects. Rarely smaller lizards or rodents.
Size: 7 to 8 inches
Weight: Average adult is 2 ounces.
Lifespan: 5 for males, 15 to 20 for females
Distribution Map:
I.U.C.N. Conservation Status:
What does this mean?
Least Concern – a species determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) to be pervasive, abundant, and thriving.
Our Golden Knee Tarantula:
Herman – Estimated Nov 1, 2022
About Golden Knee Tarantulas:
The Chaco golden knee tarantula is a burrowing species of tarantula that is found in the semi-arid plains of Argentina and Paraguay. This species gets its name for the bright golden bands seen on the joints of their legs, which they can stretch out to have a leg span of about 7 inches!
Golden knee tarantulas are popular beginner pets, as they are known for being a docile and generally calm species of spider. In captivity, this species is rarely seen showing aggression or defensive behaviors, which involves them using their “urticating hairs.” These hairs have pointed barbs on the ends of them and the tarantula will flick these off of their body to stick into predators and cause them to itch and develop rashes.
Golden Knee Tarantula Fun Facts!
- Golden knee tarantulas are actually very good at helping plants grow where they live. Not only do they eat bugs around plants, but they will also aerate soil and recycle organic material because of the way that they burrow.
- Spiders are commonly assumed to have 8 limbs, but this is not entirely the case. They have the 8 big legs that we normally think of, but they also have 2 extra arm-like limbs near the front of their body. These are called “pedipalps,” and can be seen very easily on tarantulas due to their large size.
- Even though spiders usually have 8 eyes, they generally cannot see very well. The sensitive hairs on a tarantula will actually help it “see” by detecting vibrations around them.
