Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) is part of the
Species: rosea.Grammostola rosea is found in the north, on the edge of the Atacama Desert in Chile.The Atacama Desert is one of the harshest places on the planet, with temperatures up to 57 degrees Celsius, sometimes even higher in summer. There are parts that have never had rain before. but the areas where this species is found seem not so severe, they are found between areas of shrubs and forest. Apparently their main source of water in nature is from food and mist that comes from the Pacific Ocean from time to time.
Food Grammostola rosea
There are a few problems with this species because it evolved in the southern hemisphere they have the seasons exactly the opposite than we do and it seems that they find it quite difficult to adapt to the conditions in the northern hemisphere.
For example: Atacama experience seasonal fluctuations in temperature, water, humidity, length of day and abundance of food. They use all this to synchronize with the rest of nature. Then someone comes, takes them out of their hiding place, puts them in a box and sends them to the opposite side of the planet.
After which they are kept in temperature controlled houses, with lights on from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, which do not change regardless of the season. In nature they are programmed to eat as much as is available in preparation for the famine season, in captivity they receive food all the time and they by instinct eat everything we give them. and finally, in Atacama, as dry as it is, they have dry seasons and wet seasons. It doesn't rain often, but from time to time fog from the Pacific dampens everything for a few days. In captivity it's always dry but they always have a pot of water.
So this species, more than others, becomes very confused about what season it is because we have eliminated any clues. and that's why he doesn't know when to eat and when to stop, nor when to shed. Eventually they slowly begin to perceive some subtle cues and synchronize with the seasons in Romania.
That's why it's good to keep it in a warm place in summer, and in winter in a cool place. try to keep it in a room where artificial light is not used very often. Don't feed him often, he'll eat when you have something to give him. 4-6 crickets once every 2 weeks is enough. If you don't eat anything, try again in a week or two. When she starts eating again, don't give her more than 6 crickets every 2 weeks, no matter how hungry you think she is.
Features Grammostola rosea
Until now it was thought that Grammostola rosea does not dig, and that it spends most of its time at the surface. Recently Dr. G. B. Edwards (Curator: Arachnida & Myriapoda Florida State Collection of Arthropods, FDACS, Division of Plant Industry) made an expedition to Santiago (Chile) where he examined tarantulas that lived in large numbers buried 45 centimeters deep in the ground. It seems that only in captivity they refuse to dig, but that's not their natural lifestyle. in captivity they do not dig shelter, nor do they need one, virtually anything (leaf, coconut shell, etc.) makes the shade can be used as a hiding place.
Grammostola rosea has not been bred enough in captivity to determine the maximum lifespan. It is assumed that it can live between 10 and 100 years, but most likely between 20 and 40 years.
No one died or lost a finger due to the bite of this species. If the tarantula leans back, and raises its front legs in a defensive position when you try to take it in your hand, it would be good to label it as: "look but do not put your hand" or take it back to the pet shop where you got it. 999 out of 1000 will be the perfect pet to take in your hand if you follow these instructions. The bite causes swelling and intense pain from several hours to a day.
Terrarium
A terrarium measuring 40x30x20 (Wxwxh) is enough for an adult specimen. Being desert animals, it would be said that they need extremely high temperatures, but this is not so. They are very hardy animals and will do very well at room temperature (23 – 29 C).
Avoid bright light (sun or light bulbs), but make sure the tarantula can tell the difference between day and night.
The substrate used in the terrarium: aquarium sand and gravel is very controversial among tarantula owners, although many have kept several species without any problems. The most common argument would be that it is too abrasive, but we have to understand that basically tarantulas live in the ground, where there are different types of gravel and sand mixed and it seems that tarantulas do very well. Garden land is prohibited. It certainly contains a large amount of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to keep away insects and parasitic plants. They've had whole generations to adapt, but your tarantula hasn't.
The most common substrate is flower soil without chemical additions, without tree shells, without any added wood fibers. If you use flower soil, the moisture will evaporate in a few days, that's good. Grammostola rosea is a desert tarantula and excessive moisture is not appreciated. They will learn to take all the moisture they need from the water bowl. He'll also get plenty of water and food. Do not try to spray it with water.
Venom
All species of tarantulas possess venom. Although it is not very potent, bites are never placute.De like any tarantula species even Grammostola rosea, the most recommended species for beginners, can be unpredictable and a bite can occur at any time. For these reasons we recommend maximum attention when the tarantula is fed, moved or when its terrarium is cleaned.
It is not recommended to handle tarantula, especially by inexperienced people.
Reproduction Grammostola rosea
Although it is perhaps the most accessible and widespread tarantula in the hobby, mating these tarantulas does not always proceed simply. There are recorded cases of cannibalism, or non-infecundant impermanence.
