The Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) is probably the most common species of tarantula available in pet stores today, due to the large number of wild caught specimens exported cheaply from their native Chile into the US pet trade. G. rosea originates from the northern Atacama Desert region of Chile, one of the driest deserts on earth. G. rosea is a common pet of amateur tarantula rearers. Females have been known to live as long as 20 years but due to the limited time they have been available on the market and hence for extensive study, there is a possibility that they may live considerably longer.
The fact that they are relatively docile, low to maintain, attractive, and inexpensive make them exceedingly good pets. Chilean Roses can be kept in a low-humidity terrarium at least twice its legspan in length, with a retreat for hiding. These spiders are quite happy living at room temperatures of around 20-30°C, and a diet of four to six crickets every 3 weeks. However, its feeding schedule is rather erratic and can fast for weeks to months at a time. Fasting is sometimes an indication of an upcoming moult.
Chilean Roses are usually skittish, running away from danger rather than acting defensively, but they have been known to raise their front legs and present their fangs in preparation to defend themselves. As with all tarantula from the Americas (New World Tarantula) they have small spine like urticating hairs on their abdomen that they will kick off when threatened. This is made apparent by the shaking of their abdomen.
