Grammostola rosea

🔤 Taxonomy

Grammostola rosea is the currently accepted scientific name. In hobby use, the species has long been mixed up with Grammostola porteri, and older listings often do not clearly separate the two.

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

• Eurypelma rosea

English common names used in the hobby:

• Chilean rose tarantula
• Chile rose tarantula
• Chilean rose hair tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Chile-Rosenvogelspinne
• Chilenische Rosenhaarvogelspinne

📌 Description

Grammostola rosea is one of the classic New World beginner tarantulas. It is a terrestrial species known for its generally calm disposition, sturdy build, and tolerance for simple, dry husbandry.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 12-15 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

Color can vary from grayish brown to more pinkish or rose-toned forms, especially depending on light, molt condition, and locality. Like many Grammostola species, it is often more interesting for steady display and long lifespan than for fast growth or constant activity.

This species can be very food-driven at times and then suddenly refuse food for long periods without necessarily being ill. That pattern is one of the things that often worries new keepers unnecessarily.

🌍 Distribution

Grammostola rosea is native to Chile and nearby parts of western South America. In the wild it is associated with dry scrub, semi-arid slopes and burrowed ground retreats with strong seasonal variation.

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

• a low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
• enough substrate for digging or reshaping a retreat
• dry to moderately dry surface conditions with a water dish available
• strong ventilation and stable warm room temperatures
• fall prevention, because heavy terrestrial tarantulas are easily injured

⚖️ Legal status

No current CITES listing or specific EU wildlife trade annex listing was found for Grammostola rosea in the official sources checked for this article. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, breeding, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals from reputable sources remain the safest choice.

🤌 Husbandry

Grammostola rosea should be kept alone in a secure terrestrial enclosure.

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.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• More floor space than height
• Dry substrate
• A hide
• A shallow water dish
• Good ventilation

An adult is often kept in an enclosure around 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger. Excessive enclosure height should be avoided because a fall can injure a heavy-bodied terrestrial spider.

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

Strong lamps are unnecessary and can overheat or dry the enclosure too aggressively.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species usually does well at moderate room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 20-26°C
• Night: a gentle drop is acceptable

It is generally more tolerant of mild cool conditions than of overheating. Prolonged temperatures around or above 30°C increase stress and dehydration risk.

💧 Humidity and water

Grammostola rosea is best kept mostly dry with constant access to fresh water. The substrate should not be kept wet.

Practical points:

• Keep the substrate dry to lightly dry
• Provide a clean water dish at all times
• Avoid frequent heavy spraying
• Maintain ventilation

Moderate ambient room humidity is usually enough if fresh water is always available.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Suitable substrate can include coco fiber, unfertilized topsoil, or tarantula-safe dry soil mixes. The enclosure should allow for a shallow scrape or retreat but does not need deep damp substrate.

Useful enclosure elements include:

• Cork bark or another stable hide
• Dry substrate
• Open floor space
• A shallow water bowl
• Minimal, secure decor

Mesh lids should be avoided where possible because claws can catch.

🪳 Feeding

Grammostola rosea is insectivorous. Suitable staple prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms only in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Long fasting periods can occur, especially in adults. A healthy-looking spider that refuses food for a time is not automatically a medical emergency.

🩺 Common problems

The most common problems are linked to excess moisture, overheating, dehydration through neglected water access, falls, and keeper panic during normal fasting periods.

Warning signs include:

• Wrinkled abdomen
• Weak posture or poor movement
• Persistent climbing in poor conditions
• Visible decline during a prolonged fast
• Failed molt

If there is severe dehydration, injury, leaking hemolymph, or a bad molt, seek experienced exotic-veterinary help where possible.

📌 Conclusion

Grammostola rosea is a classic hardy display tarantula that usually does best with simple dry care rather than elaborate equipment. A low enclosure, moderate temperatures, fresh water, and patience around feeding rhythms are the keys to long-term success.

📚 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