Brought to Sharon Audubon Center: Spring 2008

History: Chile was a classroom pet before coming to live at the Sharon Audubon Center. She is a very docile and delicate arthropod, spending her days underneath her log in her terrarium. She is primarily active at night and hunts crickets and other insects. Tarantulas do not spin webs to capture food, but do line their burrows with silk.

Rose-haired Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)

Did you know? ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by these species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle tarantulas. Also, New World Species of tarantulas like these can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can cause a reaction.

Description: The Chilean Rose-hair Tarantula is a moderately large tarantula. They reach adult size in about 3 to 4 years with about a 5-inch leg span. This stocky beauty is dark brown to black but is covered with a coat of reddish-orange to pink hairs over its entire body. This subtle rose casting on the hair is where the name comes from.

Habitat: This spider is native to deserts and scrublands of Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. As with most desert-dwelling tarantulas, these animals are nomads, living solitary lives and fending for themselves. They are also nocturnal, spending their days in the shelter of moist, cool burrows, and venturing out at night in search of prey or a potential mate.

Diet: Rose-haired tarantulas will eat a wide variety of invertebrate prey, as well a the occasional pinky mouse.