Chilean Rose Hair

Grammostola rosea / porteri Care Guide

The Rose Hair Tarantula / Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Today we’re exploring the Rose Hair Tarantula, commonly known as the Chilean Rose Hair. Widely recognized by its scientific names, Grammostola rosea and Grammostola porteri, this New World terrestrial species is native to the scrublands of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. Renowned for its hardiness, calm demeanor, and long lifespan, this tarantula is an excellent choice for beginners. Although past taxonomic confusion has led to the coexistence of two names, recent research has clarified the differences between the red and grayish forms.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Grammostola rosea / Grammostola porteri

• Common Names: Rose Hair Tarantula, Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula

• Type: Terrestrial (New World)

• Endemic Location: Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 6” (15 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Type III

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Life Expectancy: Females up to 20 years; Males around 5 years

• Experience Level: Beginner

What Makes Grammostola rosea / porteri So Special?

The Rose Hair Tarantula is celebrated for its calm and resilient temperament. Often affectionately called “Rosie,” it is a forgiving species ideal for beginners. While some individuals may occasionally display defensive behaviors, such as flicking urticating hairs when startled, most are docile and appreciate minimal disturbance. Their long lifespan and ability to withstand extended periods without food further contribute to their popularity.

A Species at Risk

Although common in the pet trade, it is crucial to source Rose Hair Tarantulas from reputable, captive-bred breeders. This practice supports ethical pet trade standards and helps conserve wild populations.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Grammostola rosea, commonly known as the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula, has long been one of the most recognizable and widely kept New World tarantulas in the hobby. Originally described by Walckenaer in 1837, this species belongs to the Theraphosinae subfamily and has historically been used as a catch-all name for several closely related Chilean species.

For many years, tarantulas sold under G. rosea were observed in two distinct color forms:

• Red Form – Warmer, reddish hues, generally accepted as G. rosea.

• Grayish Form – Cooler, muted tones, now classified as G. porteri based on recent research.

Both species share similar biological and husbandry traits, including Type III urticating hairs, comparable growth rates, and overlapping geographic distributions across Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. Morphological differences, such as variations in the male palpal bulb structure and setae distribution, exist but require expert examination. Ongoing studies, including those published in ZooKeys and the Journal of Arachnology, continue refining these classifications.

The genus name Grammostola is derived from Greek, combining words meaning "letter" or "mark" and "army" or "expedition," possibly referring to subtle markings found in some species within this genus. The species name rosea means "rose-colored" in Latin, describing the characteristic pinkish hues often seen on the carapace of the red form.

Natural Range & Habitat

Grammostola rosea is native to semi-arid regions of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, where it inhabits scrublands, grasslands, and rocky desert terrain. Unlike deep-burrowing species, it is an opportunistic burrower, utilizing abandoned rodent burrows, rock crevices, and natural debris for shelter.

These regions experience low humidity, seasonal variations in temperature, and occasional rainfall, making G. rosea one of the most adaptable and hardy tarantulas in the wild. It tolerates extended dry periods and does not require consistently high humidity, unlike tropical species.

Behavior & Temperament

G. rosea is widely regarded as one of the most docile tarantulas, making it a staple species in the hobby for beginner keepers. It is generally slow-moving, calm, and tolerant of handling, though individuals can display unpredictable mood swings, shifting from docile to defensive without warning. While it rarely flicks urticating hairs, it may adopt a threat posture or strike if provoked.

One of the most well-documented behaviors of G. rosea is its tendency to fast for extended periods, sometimes refusing food for months at a time while remaining healthy. This behavior is not a cause for concern and is a natural trait of the species.

Despite its reputation for being slow and docile, G. rosea can be surprisingly active, sometimes seen climbing enclosure walls or exploring its habitat more than other terrestrial species.

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 74°F (20-23°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate humidity. Stable room temperatures and a well-draining substrate support optimal conditions while avoiding excessive moisture that could lead to mold growth.

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 rosea in Captivity

Breeding Grammostola rosea (Chilean Rose Tarantula) can be highly unpredictable, as females are known for their erratic receptivity and frequent rejection of males. Additionally, while this species is commonly available in the hobby, most specimens originated from historical wild collection, making captive breeding an important step toward establishing self-sustaining populations.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males 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 they are fully mature and receptive.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before pairing to reduce defensive responses. Some breeders report success by introducing a cooling period before mating to mimic seasonal cycles.

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.

• If unreceptive, the female may chase the male aggressively, requiring immediate separation to prevent injury.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilization is successful, the female may take 6 months to over a year to produce an egg sac, making the timeline highly variable.

• Maintain temperatures around 72–78°F (22–25°C) with humidity levels of 55–65 percent to support egg sac development.

• The egg sac typically contains 100–500 eggs, though many are often infertile.

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 8–12 weeks, molting into second instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• G. rosea spiderlings are hardy but extremely slow-growing, often taking years to reach a noticeable size.

• Provide moderate substrate depth and good ventilation for optimal conditions.

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

Challenges & Considerations

• Extreme unpredictability: Some females never produce an egg sac, even after a successful pairing.

• Erratic receptivity: Many females will reject or attack males, making repeated introductions necessary.

• Slow growth: Both spiderlings and juveniles grow exceptionally slow, meaning breeding projects require a long-term commitment.

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

Despite being one of the most widely available tarantulas, Grammostola rosea still has poorly understood breeding behaviors due to its erratic reproductive cycle. By focusing on captive breeding efforts, we can help establish a stable, sustainable population while reducing reliance on historically wild-caught specimens. Every successful breeding project helps preserve this species in captivity and strengthens the future of responsible tarantula keeping.

Final Thoughts

The Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (Grammostola rosea) remains one of the most popular and widely kept tarantulas due to its calm nature, adaptability, and long lifespan. Though its slow growth rate, occasional mood shifts, and unpredictable fasting periods can be frustrating for some, it is still regarded as one of the best beginner species due to its ease of care and tolerance for a wide range of environmental conditions.

With proper care and patience, G. rosea can thrive for decades in captivity, making it a long-term and rewarding addition to any tarantula collection.

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.