CHILE ROSE

Common name (s):   Chilean Rose Tarantula, Chilean Red-back.

Latin name:    Grammostola cala.

Native to:   Chile.

Adult size:    A medium sized spider with a body length of about 1.5in/4cm, leg span of about 4in/10cm. Females have a life span of 6-14 years. Males die soon after maturity and have a lifespan of 3-6 years.

Eggs or young:   Lays 100-300 eggs hatching between 1 and a half to 2 and a half months. The young are called spiderlings.

Appearance:   Pale tawny brown with various metallic pink highlights. Adult males are more brightly coloured.

What does it eat?:   On average offer small amounts of food regularly once a week. Note though that feeding depends on the species, age and time since the last moult. It is fairly common for this particular species to refuse food. They eat invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms, wax-moth larvae, locusts, cockroaches and even earthworms. Do not leave uneaten live food to over run the vivarium as these will annoy, stress or damage the tarantula.

Ease of care:   Beginner upwards.

Temperament:   This species is fairly docile and hardy and is a good beginner's choice. Adult males though have a reputation for aggressiveness. Handle carefully as some can be nippy. Ground dwelling burrower. Nocturnal. House alone or they may fight to the death.

Vivarium set up:   A vivarium 12x12x8in/30x30x20cm to house one.
                          Semi desert-type climate. Substrate: A mix of pure soil, sand and peat. Depth of 3-8in/7.6-20cm. Provide either cork bark, tree bark or broken (length wise) flower pot to provide a retreat.
Temperature 75-82F/24-28C. Relative humidity of 70%.
Under-tank heatpad required.