ORDER

Araneae (spiders)

FAMILY

Theraphosidae (tarantulas)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Chilean rose-haired tarantulas are found in deserts and scrublands of Bolivia, northern Chile and Argentina. Like many other tarantulas, they build burrows to live in during the day. Dew at night collects at the entrance of the burrow raising the interior humidity up to 80%. This is a must for tarantulas as they can easily die of desiccation.

IDENTIFICATION

The Rose Hair Tarantula is a moderately large tarantula. They are enjoyed as one of the most docile and handle-able of this group. Although they are rather dark in coloring, there is a subtle rose casting on the hair, which is where the name comes from. They get up to about 5 inches (12.5cm) with legs extended.

DIET

Tarantulas eat insects of all sorts but have been known to attack small lizards, snakes and rodents. They excrete a powerful venom that breaks down tissue from their large fangs.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Mating takes about 30 seconds and often, the female will consume the much smaller male. Females lay about 700 eggs in a cocoon which she will aggressively guard. The eggs hatch after about 4 months and must vacate the nest quickly or the mother will eat them. Males live 7-8 years while females can live up to 25 years.

NOTES

Rose-haired tarantulas are among the most docile and easily managed species of tarantula. They can shoot urticating hairs from their abdomen, which will cause irritation upon contact.