Brazilian White-knee Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair (setae)

The body and legs are a deep velvety brown to black, with the abdomen covered in long reddish-rufous hairs. The most striking feature is the bright white bands on the legs, formed by patches of short creamy-pink setae at the end of each leg segment. Males are smaller and less intensely coloured.12

Personality what they are like

Generally docile but skittish; when disturbed it may flick urticating hairs or flee. Bites are rare. It has a dramatic, enthusiastic feeding response and is active and dynamic when hunting. Juveniles can be nervous, but adults often become calm display animals.34

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity needs; it is mainly nocturnal. Provide a spacious terrestrial enclosure with deep substrate for burrowing and a hide. No special exercise requirements.63

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey after 3-12 hours to prevent mould and pests. Provide a shallow water dish, rinsed and refilled regularly. No bathing or brushing needed.4

Home where they are happiest

A low, terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height (e.g. 35 x 30 x 25 cm for an adult). Deep, well-draining substrate (cocofiber, peat moss, organic potting soil) for burrowing. Temperature 70-75°F (21-24°C), humidity medium to medium-high. Provide a hide and a shallow water dish. Falls can injure tarantulas, so avoid tall enclosures.634

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous; feed crickets, roaches, locusts, mealworms or superworms. Adults eat every 6-14 days (or 2-3 weeks), juveniles more often. Remove uneaten prey after a few hours. Do not feed wild-caught insects due to parasite or pesticide risk.634

Company who they like around

Solitary; must be housed alone. It is not venomous to humans in a life-threatening way, but it has urticating hairs (Types I and III) that can cause skin and eye irritation. Handle with caution or avoid handling. No legal restrictions noted for keeping as a pet, but check local regulations.36

The story where it all began

The Brazilian whiteknee tarantula was first described by C. L. Koch in 1841. It has been prized in the pet trade for many years due to its striking white leg bands, fast growth and hardy nature. It is now one of the most popular beginner tarantula species, regularly bred in captivity. Females produce egg sacs with around 2,000 young.123

Recognised by the official bits

World Spider Catalog

Accepted species Acanthoscurria geniculata (C. L. Koch, 1841)7

ITIS

Taxonomic serial number 8498408