Acanthoscurria geniculata

🔤 Taxonomy

Acanthoscurria geniculata is the currently accepted scientific name. Older combinations associated with the species include:

• Mygale geniculata
• Scurria geniculata

English common names used in the hobby:

• Brazilian whiteknee tarantula
• Giant white knee tarantula

📌 Description

Acanthoscurria geniculata is a large terrestrial New World tarantula from Brazil, recognized by its dark body and bold white banding on the legs. It is one of the most popular large display tarantulas because it grows to an impressive size, feeds strongly, and is usually visible more often than many burrowing species.

Adult size is usually about 8-10 cm body length and about 18-20 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

This is not a handling species. Like other New World tarantulas, it can flick urticating hairs when stressed, and large specimens can be very food-responsive.

🌍 Distribution

Acanthoscurria geniculata is native to Brazil, especially humid tropical northern and northeastern regions. In the wild it is associated with warm forest-edge and ground-level habitats with loose soil, leaf litter and retreats.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with deep, shape-holding substrate
• a secure hide and room to retreat below the surface
• moderate humidity with good ventilation, not stale wet substrate
• fresh water always available
• fall prevention and calm maintenance

⚖️ Legal status

Acanthoscurria geniculata is not currently listed in the CITES Appendices. No specific current listing for this species is typically applied in Annexes A-D of the EU wildlife trade regulations.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. Local rules on import, sale, transport, exhibition, and breeding may still apply, so proof of legal origin is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Acanthoscurria geniculata should be housed alone. A practical adult enclosure is low and spacious, roughly 35 x 30 x 25 cm or larger, with more floor space than height.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Stage management is especially important in large terrestrial species. Slings need smaller containers with reachable prey and slightly more stable moisture around part of the substrate. Juveniles can be moved up gradually as they gain size. Heavy adults need low, stable enclosures with deep substrate and no tall fall zone, because abdominal injuries from falls are a serious risk.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• Deep substrate for shallow digging
• A secure hide
• Good ventilation
• A sturdy water dish
• No dangerous climbing structures

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough, and bright lamps are unnecessary.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

Overheating is dangerous. Temperatures at or above 30°C should be avoided.

💧 Humidity and water

Acanthoscurria geniculata does better with moderate humidity than many dry-habitat tarantulas. The substrate should not be waterlogged, but it should not stay bone dry for long periods either.

Fresh water should always be available, and one part of the enclosure can remain slightly more humid than the rest.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a substrate that holds shape and allows shallow digging, such as coco fiber, unfertilized soil, or mixed terrestrial substrates. Adults usually benefit from 10 cm or more of substrate depth.

A cork bark hide, water bowl, and stable simple decor are enough. Avoid excessive enclosure height because heavy tarantulas can be badly injured in falls.

🪳 Feeding

Acanthoscurria geniculata is insectivorous and usually feeds eagerly. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms or superworms in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-10 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Stage matters with feeding. Slings can take small prey or prekilled pieces more often while growing, but prey must be removed if it is not eaten or if the spider is in premolt. Adults need less frequent feeding; a consistently overlarge abdomen, sluggish movement, or repeated refusal after heavy meals usually means feeding should be reduced rather than escalated.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include dehydration, stagnant damp conditions, poor ventilation, unsafe enclosure height, and molting difficulties.

Warning signs include a shriveled abdomen, lethargy, repeated wall climbing, refusal to eat with visible decline, and difficult molts.

📌 Conclusion

Acanthoscurria geniculata is a large, attractive, and rewarding display tarantula for keepers who want a robust terrestrial species. A secure low enclosure, moderate humidity, fresh water, and steady warm conditions are the foundations of good care.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable