Grammostola pulchripes

Chaco Golden Knee

9 active listings · Spiders

About the species

Chaco Golden Knee (Grammostola pulchripes) is a large, terrestrial tarantula from South America. Its natural range covers Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The species is distinguished by a massive build, dark colouration, and characteristic golden bands on the legs. Adults may reach about 18 cm in leg span. Grammostola pulchripes is valued in captivity for its relatively calm behaviour, hardiness, and tendency to remain visible in the enclosure.

Origin and distribution

Argentina and Paraguay

It occurs naturally in Argentina and Paraguay.

Occurrence areaLocation / context

Current listings

Care at a glance

  • Size

    Leg span up to approx. 18 cm

  • Enclosure type

    Horizontal, for a large terrestrial species

  • Substrate

    Stable, mainly dry substrate that allows shallow digging

  • Furnishings

    A hide and constant access to fresh water

  • Conditions

    Rather dry to moderate; good ventilation

  • Characteristics

    A calm, massive species with a moderate growth rate and a tendency to rearrange the substrate

Care and behaviour

Grammostola pulchripes is a typical terrestrial species, so floor area matters more than enclosure height. It is worth providing a thicker, stable substrate layer, a hide, and constant access to fresh water. Adults may shift the substrate and modify the surroundings of the hide themselves.

Most of the substrate may remain rather dry. A small section can be moistened lightly from time to time, but constantly wet substrate and poor ventilation should be avoided. Because of the large body mass, the enclosure should not be too tall, as a fall may lead to injury.

The species is usually calm and moves more slowly than many other tarantulas. Younger individuals may dig more often, whereas adults often remain clearly visible. Grammostola pulchripes typically has a good appetite and is well suited to observation.

Good to know

Grammostola pulchripes has urticating hairs that it may use when stressed or threatened. Although the species is usually calm, the behaviour of each individual may differ. When working in the enclosure it is worth avoiding direct contact, sudden movements, and situations in which a heavy terrestrial spider could fall from a greater height.

Need help? Write to us!