Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Grammostola pulchripes
Common name: Chaco stripe Knee
Indigenous: Paraguay
Habitat:The climate of Paraguay is subtropical. At Asunción average temperatures range from about 17°C (about 63°F) in July to about 27°C (about 80°F) in January. In the Chaco and other points to the north temperatures often reach 38°C (100°F). Annual rainfall averages some 1,120 mm (44 in) in the Asunción area, some 815 mm (32 in) in the Gran Chaco, and some 1,525 mm (60 in) in the eastern forest regions. The Chaco has heavy rainfall in the summer and almost no rain in the winter.
Temp/humidity: 65°-78° /55%-65%  humidity  I keep this species temperature at 78° degrees and the humidity at 65%.
Enclosure: Use an terrarium that will allow at least four inches of substrate
Substrate: I use four inches of substrate. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).
Retreat/Hide: This is an opportunistic burrower, therefore I Placed a bark for a starter burrow hide.
Food Consumption: I fed the new born spiderling fruit flies, then when they reached 1/2" I introduced baby crickets. I feed my adult Chaco Stripe Knee two (2) one-inch B. dubia roaches or 7 adult crickets weekly. This species is a laid back eater. The only time this tarantula refuses food is when it is near a molt.
Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink. I keep the substrate in the terrarium dry.
Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is medium. I purchased this tarantula as a Juvenile.
Adult Size: I read that they get seven-eight inches  (17.78-20.32cm). After eight years my Chaco has grown to a solid seven inches (17.78cm), easily.
Temperament: This is a laid back, easy to handle species. It has never kicked hair at me nor given a threat pose. She is always out in the open and is friendly.
Comments: This is one of my favorite tarantulas. She is large and is a beautiful display specimen. The larger it gets, the more colorful it becomes. Check the pictures out and the colors. The colors are natural not enhanced. She always accompany me when I do events. This spider has a personality, and I believe it likes attention. Every hobbiest must have this species.
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