Chaco golden knee tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)
Photo: PavelSI / Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Terrestrial tarantula

Chaco golden knee tarantula care guide

Grammostola pulchripes

Beginner

The chaco golden knee tarantula is a beginner-level terrestrial tarantula from Paraguay, Argentina. Adults reach Leg span 18–20 cm and live Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years in captivity. A calm giant; slings grow slowly, so start with a sling and enjoy decades with it.

  • Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 21–26°C
  • Humidity 50–65%

How much does a chaco golden knee tarantula cost in Canada?

Animal$30–100Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$110–180Enclosure $40–80 · equipment $20–40 · bioactive supplies ≈ $60
Yearly upkeep$40–90Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$180–370All prices CAD, estimates

Chaco golden knee tarantula quick facts

Skill level
Beginner
Adult size
Leg span 18–20 cm
Lifespan
Females 20–30 years, males 5–8 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
Paraguay, Argentina
Minimum enclosure
45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
21–26°C
Humidity
50–65%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Terrestrial tarantula

Chaco golden knee tarantula enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a terrestrial tarantula bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Tarantula Mix10 cm

Keep the gap between the soil surface and the lid no more than about twice the spider’s leg span, to prevent falls.

Temperature: 21–26°C. Humidity: 50–65%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a chaco golden knee tarantula eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.

Handling, temperament & health

Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

Health watch: Watch for dehydration and stuck molts; always provide a water dish and never feed a molting spider.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Quick visual check – no need to disturb.

Weekly

  • Offer food; remove leftovers (boluses) within 24 h.
  • Refill the water dish; overflow it slightly now and then to dampen one corner.

Monthly

  • Check crew and moisture; a dry top with a slightly moist lower layer is ideal.

Yearly

  • Rehouse into a larger enclosure as the spider grows.

Recommended for a chaco golden knee tarantula bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).

Chaco golden knee tarantula FAQ

Is the chaco golden knee tarantula good for beginners?

Yes – the chaco golden knee tarantula is a good choice for beginners. Docile but best treated as a display animal; can flick urticating hairs that irritate skin and eyes.

What size enclosure does a chaco golden knee tarantula need?

At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a chaco golden knee tarantula cost in Canada?

Typically $30–100 CAD to buy, about $110–180 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $40–90 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a chaco golden knee tarantula need?

Temperature: 21–26°C. Humidity: 50–65%.

What does a chaco golden knee tarantula eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 1–2 appropriately sized insects every 7–14 days; slings: small prey 2–3 times a week.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.