Grammostola pulchripes Care Guide

The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Grammostola pulchripes, commonly known as the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, is a popular New World terrestrial species native to the subtropical regions of Paraguay and Argentina. With a diagonal leg span of approximately 7 inches (18 cm) and a robust, docile nature, this tarantula is an excellent choice for beginners. Known for its medium growth rate and non-aggressive temperament, it also exhibits interesting burrowing behavior and a tendency to rearrange its substrate as it establishes its territory.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchripes

• Common Name: Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial (New World)

• Endemic Location: Paraguay, Argentina

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 7” (18 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Type III

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 15 years

  • Males: Around 5 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

What Makes Grammostola pulchripes So Special?

The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is widely appreciated for its gentle demeanor and resilience, which make it a favorite for new keepers. Its attractive golden accents on its legs, combined with a robust build, contribute to its distinctive appearance. Although it is an opportunistic burrower, as it matures, it may shift from deep burrowing to rearranging its substrate, a behavior that many keepers find fascinating. Its docile nature means it rarely resorts to kicking urticating hairs, although it may occasionally do so if stressed.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Grammostola pulchripes, commonly known as the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, is one of the most popular New World terrestrial tarantulas in the hobby due to its large size, calm temperament, and striking golden leg striping. Originally described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1842, this species belongs to the Theraphosinae subfamily and is well-known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced keepers.

The genus name Grammostola comes from the Greek words "gramma", meaning "letter" or "mark," and "stolos", meaning "army" or "expedition," possibly referencing subtle markings found in some species within this genus. The species name pulchripes is derived from Latin, meaning "beautiful feet," a fitting description for its characteristic golden knee striping.

Natural Range & Habitat

Grammostola pulchripes is native to the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay, particularly in the Chaco region, where it thrives in temperate, open plains with moderate seasonal variations. It is an opportunistic burrower, often utilizing pre-existing burrows, hollow logs, or natural shelters rather than constructing deep tunnels of its own.

The semi-arid to temperate climate of its habitat means this species is highly adaptable, tolerating a range of temperatures and humidity levels. Unlike species from dense rainforests, G. pulchripes prefers moderate humidity and well-ventilated enclosures in captivity.

Behavior & Temperament

One of the most docile and beginner-friendly species, G. pulchripes is known for its calm, slow-moving nature and reluctance to bite. It is considered one of the best tarantulas for handling, as it rarely flicks urticating hairs or displays defensive behaviors. However, like all tarantulas, it should be handled with caution to prevent injury.

Despite its relaxed demeanor, G. pulchripes is an active hunter with a strong feeding response, making it an engaging species to observe. Juveniles tend to burrow more, while adults may spend more time out in the open, making them excellent display tarantulas.

While G. pulchripes is generally docile, individuals can be skittish as juveniles and may dart quickly when startled. However, they mellow out significantly as they mature.

Housing & Substrate – Terrestrial Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span. We recommend enclosures by Tarantula Cribs for their proven quality and safety.

• Substrate:
  Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity:
  Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" or 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This provides ample depth for burrowing while minimizing the risk of injury from falls.

• Humidity:
  Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features:
  Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide.

Adults

• Enclosure Size:
  Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior while considering escape risks). Enclosures by Tarantula Cribs are highly recommended.

• Substrate:
  Fill the enclosure 1/2 to 2/3 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide sufficient depth for burrowing while reducing the risk of falls.

• Additional Features:
  Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round) and a shallow water dish. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note:
The general rule of thumb for tarantula enclosures is that the enclosure should be no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span for spiderlings, 3–4× for juveniles, and 3–5× for adults. This setup ensures ample space for natural burrowing while minimizing fall risk. Remember, tarantulas are escape artists—always verify that ventilation holes, lids, and gaps are too small for your tarantula to squeeze through.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate humidity. Ensure the substrate remains moist in the lower layers for effective burrowing while allowing the top layers to dry out between waterings to prevent mold.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Breeding Grammostola pulchripes in Captivity

Breeding Grammostola pulchripes (Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula) is relatively straightforward, making it one of the easier Grammostola species to breed. However, their slow growth rate and long maturation period require patience. Captive breeding is essential to ensure healthy, self-sustaining populations while preventing the need for wild collection.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically mature within 4–7 years, developing tibial hooks and enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take significantly longer, often 8–12 years, before reaching reproductive maturity.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to reduce defensive responses. Some breeders recommend a cooling period before mating to mimic seasonal breeding cues.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will drum on the substrate to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may drum back or remain still, allowing the male to lift her with his tibial hooks and insert his emboli.

• Once mating is complete, the male should be removed immediately, as females may become defensive afterward.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female will begin producing an egg sac 4–6 months after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 72–78°F (22–25°C) with humidity levels of 60–70 percent to support egg sac development.

• The egg sac typically contains 400–800 eggs, making it one of the larger clutches among Grammostola species.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to pull the egg sac after 30–45 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, first instar spiderlings will emerge in 8–10 weeks, molting into second instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• G. pulchripes spiderlings are slow-growing but hardy, requiring patience from breeders.

• Provide moderate substrate depth with proper ventilation to encourage healthy development.

• Feed them pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies, or small roaches every 3–4 days.

Challenges & Considerations

• Slow maturation: G. pulchripes takes many years to mature, meaning breeding projects require a long-term commitment.

• Female selectiveness: Some females may reject males outright, requiring multiple introductions for a successful pairing.

• Short male lifespan: Males typically do not live beyond a year after maturing, so breeding attempts should be made as soon as possible.

With their impressive size, calm temperament, and striking golden knee markings, Grammostola pulchripes is one of the most beginner-friendly tarantulas in the hobby. By focusing on captive breeding efforts, we can help ensure that this incredible species remains available without the need for wild collection. Every successful breeding project strengthens the hobby and contributes to the long-term sustainability of G. pulchripes in captivity.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the perfect first pet tarantula, the Chaco Golden Knee should be at the top of your list. This species has everything a beginner could ask for - it's large, hardy, slow-moving, and incredibly docile. Many experienced keepers recommend it as one of the best choices for those new to the hobby because it’s easy to care for, has a strong feeding response, and rarely shows defensive behaviors.

One of the biggest draws of Grammostola pulchripes is its temperament. While all tarantulas should be treated with respect and caution, the Chaco Golden Knee is one of the few species known for tolerating gentle handling. Unlike faster, more skittish tarantulas, this species is typically calm, moving deliberately and rarely flicking hairs or throwing a threat posture. If you’re interested in a tarantula that you can observe up close without it bolting or hiding all the time, this is the one for you.

With its striking golden knee markings, impressive size, and easygoing nature, the Chaco Golden Knee is an excellent gateway species into the world of tarantula keeping. It’s an ideal introduction to the hobby, providing a fantastic balance of beauty, personality, and simplicity in care. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance display tarantula or a species with a reputation for being handleable, G. pulchripes is a fantastic choice.

Still not convinced? I’ve got you covered. You need to see this species in action, and I’ve put together an entertaining, informative, and downright awesome Nature Documentary and Care Guide Video on the Chaco Golden Knee. Trust me, it’s worth watching. You’ll see this tarantula in its natural habitat, learn exactly how to care for it, and probably walk away even more excited to get one. So go check it out - you won’t regret it!

If you’re looking for the perfect first pet tarantula, the Chaco Golden Knee should be at the top of your list. This species has everything a beginner could ask for—it's large, hardy, slow-moving, and incredibly docile. Many experienced keepers recommend it as one of the best choices for those new to the hobby because it’s easy to care for, has a strong feeding response, and rarely shows defensive behaviors.

One of the biggest draws of Grammostola pulchripes is its temperament. While all tarantulas should be treated with respect and caution, the Chaco Golden Knee is one of the few species known for tolerating gentle handling. Unlike faster, more skittish tarantulas, this species is typically calm, moving deliberately and rarely flicking hairs or throwing a threat posture. If you’re interested in a tarantula that you can observe up close without it bolting or hiding all the time, this is the one for you.

With its striking golden knee markings, impressive size, and easygoing nature, the Chaco Golden Knee is an excellent gateway species into the world of tarantula keeping. It’s an ideal introduction to the hobby, providing a fantastic balance of beauty, personality, and simplicity in care. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance display tarantula or a species with a reputation for being handleable, G. pulchripes is a fantastic choice.

The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula is one of the best all-around species in the hobby. Its impressive size, golden leg markings, and gentle nature make it a top-tier choice for both new and experienced keepers. Whether you’re fascinated by its methodical movements, intrigued by its burrowing behaviors, or just want a tarantula that’s always out on display, G. pulchripes delivers on all fronts.

While its slow growth rate requires patience, the reward is a long-lived, stunning, and easy-to-care-for tarantula that will be a centerpiece in any collection. If you're looking for a pet tarantula that combines beauty, personality, and hardiness, the Chaco Golden Knee is an absolute must-have.

Additional Recommendations:
For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs with the affiliate code TTC10 for a 10% discount, and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For purchasing tarantulas online, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off). Also, visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.

Additional Scientific Information

• Size & Growth:
  Grammostola pulchripes is a medium-growing species that typically reaches a leg span of 7–8 inches as an adult. Females live significantly longer (up to 15–20 years) than males (approximately 5–7 years), a common trait among New World tarantulas.

• Ecological Role:
  In its native habitat, the Chaco Golden Knee plays an important role in controlling insect and small invertebrate populations in subtropical scrublands and dry forests. Its burrowing behavior contributes to soil aeration and the natural recycling of organic material.

• Behavioral Insights:
  This species is known to rearrange its enclosure as it establishes territory—a natural behavior that may result in the displacement of substrate and decoration. Despite occasionally climbing, providing a substrate filled halfway helps minimize fall risk.

• Feeding & Health Management:
  Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which in turn may cause molting complications or even result in an abdomen rupture from a small fall. Monitoring the size of the abdomen relative to the carapace is critical: if the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, more frequent feeding is appropriate; if wider, feeding should be reduced.

(For further reading, consult recent studies in the Journal of Arachnology and ZooKeys for detailed taxonomic and ecological insights on New World Theraphosidae.)