Grammostola

This genus originates from South America, namely Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina among other countries. This genus includes some very popular species in the hobby. The species are generally mid-size to large (but on the smaller side of large).

Grammostola is endemic to the subtropical region of South America (Ferretti et al. 2013). Currently, 20 valid species are distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay (World Spider Catalog 2022). Pittella 2023

Genus and species: Grammostola pulchra

Common name: Brazilian black

Given name: Celeste

A fan favorite in the hobby given their pleasant disposition. Pittella 2023 updated the description of this species.

Distribution and natural history: G. pulchra is known for the western region (between the municipalities of Uruguaiana, São Borja and Maçambara) and for the southern region (which includes the municipalities of Capão do Leão and Pelotas) of the Pampa biome in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (Fig. 13), where occurs in rocky environments or near humid areas locally known as “banhados”. Pittella 2023

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 6 in

Growth: Uncertain at this point. Has not molted.

Disposition: Highly inquisitive and engaging. Always on display.

Misc: Beautiful dark beauty with a great personality. However, has a molty butt.

Genus and species: Grammostola pulchripes

Common name: Choco Golden Knee

Given name: Snickers

The G. pulchripes (formerly known as G. aureostriata), a terrestrial species, is among the largest of the genus. This species inhabits the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay with dry spells and alternating periods of heavy rainfall. The enclosure should not be too humid. This is a very popular species in the hobby.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x8x8

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Juvenile

Size: Approximately 3.25 in

Growth: Uncertain at this point. Has not molted.

Disposition: A little skittish and a generally pleasant demeanor.

Misc: Spends time in and out of its burrow.

Genus and species: Grammostola rosea

Common name: Chilean Rose (red variant)

Given name: Curry

Historically, this species was among the most common in the hobby. However, there is habit-loss and poor trading activities, thus, prices have risen steeply. It is difficult to find an adult species.

This species is from the high desert and scrubland regions of northern Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina.

Source: Montenegro and Aguilera 2024

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 4x4x4

Flora: Naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Sling

Size: Approximately 1.75 in

Growth: Uncertain at this point.

Disposition: TBD

Misc:

Genus and species: Grammostola rosea

Common name: Chilean Rose

Given name: Rose

Genus and species: Grammostola actaeon

Common name: Brazilian Red Rump

Given name: Claudia

Genus and species: Grammostola iheringi

Common name: Entre Rios

Given name: Vanessa