Scientific Name: Grammostola rosea (Walckenaer 1837)
(previously Grammostola cala)
Common Name(s): Chilean Rose Tarantula (Rose hair tarantula, Chilean flame tarantula)
Range: Northern Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina
Habitat: Scrubland and desert
Experience Level: Beginner (see below)
Type: Terrestrial, burrower
Size: Leg span up to around 14cm (5.5″)
Growth rate: Slow
Venom: Mild
Urticating hairs: Yes
Temperament: Often docile species, but some specimens can be temperamental.
Description
Often touted as an “ideal beginner tarantula” the Chilean Rose has been one of the most popular tarantulas with amateur arachnoculturists for the past three decades. Their popularity stems from being a very hardy species, tolerant to a wide range of conditions, and often being tolerant to handling, though some can be defensive. Their popularity is also due to the fact that adult and sub-adult specimens are relatively cheap. Unhindered by the CITES status of tarantulas in the Brachypelma genus, these are still exported to the US and Europe in large numbers, while at the same time slings are readily available due to successful captive breeding. This has led to them being probably the most widely kept of all tarantula species.
This medium sized but full bodied terrestrial tarantula gets its name from the red/pink hairs covering a fairly dully coloured body. Several colour forms exist, which were originally thought to be different species, and has led to some confusion in both the binomial and common names (i.e. G.cala as Chilean Flame) while they are now considered one species (in fact different color forms can come from the same eggsac) with the binomial name G.rosea, and the official AAS common name as Chilean rose.
Keeping G. Rosea in Captivity
As evidenced by their enduring popularity, G. rosea can make an excellent pet. However, there are mixed feelings by enthusiasts as to whether they are an ideal beginner species. On the one hand they are exceptionally hardy, and it’s almost difficult to make a mistake in keeping this species – they will thrive in a wide range of conditions, so any keeper who has done proper research on keeping tarantulas will probably be able to provide suitable care. On the other hand, while generally docile they can be temperamental, and they have a reputation for being “pet rocks”. In fact they often go for extended periods without moving, and have a tendency to fast for long periods of time (sometimes months!) which can be disconcerting, especially to the first time tarantula keeper. Some specimens also break all the rules and do the complete opposite – they never seem to stay still! These “wanderers” have periods when they are over active, and will tend to climb excessively often at risk of injury from a fall, depending on enclosure setup. My advice, would be to think about a Chilean rose to raise from a sling, after getting a little experience with another species (which is actually what I did) but either way, if you are considering G.rosea then please read this excellent article at tarantulas.com first, it’s one of the best pieces I’ve read on the subject and highly informative, going into detail on the particular issues with this species.
For general care requirements, read the beginner’s guide to tarantula care page which gives a good overview of tarantula husbandry, but do also refer specifically to the article linked to in the paragraph above!
The Chilean rose is a ground dwelling burrower, so you will need a glass or plastic enclosure with more floor space than height, with a deep, generally dry substrate (at least 2 – 3 inches of coconut coir, or dry potting soil), and plenty of ventilation. Provide a hiding place (such as half a flower pot, coconut shell, or a piece of cork bark) at one end of the enclosure, and a shallow water dish at the other. They don’t like a damp substrate, or high humidity but so long as your enclosure is large enough, keep the water dish at one end and when you fill it, overfill it slightly to moisten the substrate. This will create one end of the enclosure (opposite end to the hide) with higher humidity, which can help prevent dehydration if your spider decides to fast.
A diet of crickets, cockroaches and locusts is ideal. As with all tarantulas, feed prey items of a suitable size – no larger than the spider’s abdomen. They are also prone to being over fed as adults, so avoid the temptation to offer more food than necessary. A healthy, adult will only eat 6 – 8 adults crickets a month, much more than that can cause obesity problems.
Further reading
Chilean rose answer page at tarantulas.com
Stanley A. Schultz, Marguerite J. Schultz. The Tarantula Keeper’s Guide (2009)