Acanthoscurria

The Acanthoscurria genus is found throughout South America, spanning several countries. Some species have been identified in the West Indies. This genus includes 19 accepted species with several in synonymy and nomina dubia. The most common species in the hobby is A. geniculata (Brazilian whiteknee).

Genus and species: Acanthoscurria sp. maldonadoensis (undescribed, not even listed as nomina dubia)

Common name: Maldonado birdeater

Given name: Mahogany

This species is allegedly from the Madre de Dios region in Southeast Peru.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x8x8 slope

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Sub-adult

Size: Approximately 4.5 in

Growth: Molted on 4/18/25. Completely changed color

Disposition: Very calm but a little skittish when disturbed. Spends time in its hide but does come out.

Eating habits: Aggressive eater after molt.

Misc: Little is known about this species and we hope to learn more as we go. It's likely that our specimen is either in synonymy or was mislabeled. Mahogany changed from reddish brown to dark brown/black with some orange striped knees.

Genus and species: Acanthoscurria musculosa (senior syn. of sternalis)

Common name: Argentina Giant Black Rump

Given name: Onyx

This species is distributed in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Adults may reach 5 to 6 inches.

Habitat:

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x8x8

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Sub-adult

Size: Approximately 4.5 in

Growth: Molted late May 2025

Disposition: Pretty active and engaging.

Eating habits: Some periodic takedowns but not overly aggressive

Misc: Has made a bit of a mess with the enclosure and likes to relocate the water dish.

Genus and species: Acanthoscurria geniculata

Common name: Brazilian White Knee

Given name: Marge

Habitat:

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x12

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 7 in

Growth: TBD

Disposition: Defensive

Eating habits: Steady eater

Misc: Always out on display. Hair kicker.

Other Species:

A. armasi: accepted in 2025

A. belterrensis:

A. chacoana: Bolivian Red Rump. Available in the hobby. Can reach 6 inches and grows quickly.

A. cordubensis: Rusty Brown Birdeater

A. geniculata: Brazilian Whiteknee. Common in the hobby. Adults can reach 8 inches. They grow quickly, have great feeding responses, and are frequently on display.

A. gomesiana: Studied for anti-tumor and anti-microbial properties.

A. insubtilis: Bolivian Black Velvet

A. juruenicola: Bolivian Orange Banded

A. maga: Antilles Pink Patch

A. musculosa: Brazilian Black Velvet

A. natalensis:

A. paulensis:

A. rhodothele:

A. sacsayhuaman:

A. simoensi: Para Mongo Zebra

A. tarda:

A. theraphosoides: Peruvian terrestrial species that gets 4 inches.

A. turumban:

A. urens: