Chaco Golden Knee (Grammostola pulchripes)

Big, bold, and beautifully striped, Grammostola pulchripes combines great looks with a calm personality — making it one of the top recommended species for new keepers and display enclosures. These spiders are often out and visible, and they grow into impressively large, gentle adults.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Chaco Golden Knee

Scientific Name: Grammostola pulchripes

Origin: Paraguay, Argentina

Size: 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 15–20+ years
• Males: ~4–5 years

Temperament: Calm, tolerant, generally non-defensive

Coloration

Black to dark brown base color

Bright golden-yellow stripes on the femurs and knees

Light pink to copper carapace shimmer

Long bristle hairs give a fluffy, soft appearance

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Terrestrial — needs space to sprawl

Substrate: 3–5 inches of dry to slightly damp substrate (coco fiber/soil mix)

Humidity: 60–70% — don't overdo moisture

Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)

Decor:

• Simple hide (cork bark or half log)
• Open floor space — they love to sit out
• Water dish is a must

This species is often active and visible, making it an excellent display tarantula.

🦗 Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Confident feeders — often takes food gently and directly

Why It’s a Hobby Staple

Gorgeous golden-striped legs — instantly recognizable

Very docile — often tolerates enclosure maintenance well

Large and impressive as adults

Grows relatively quickly for a Grammostola

Great choice for beginners and collectors alike

Notes

May kick hairs if irritated, but usually chill

Needs ample floor space — gets big!

Can be slightly more skittish as juveniles

Dry-loving species — avoid excess humidity or poor ventilation