A large, fast-growing New World terrestrial tarantula with striking black-and-white banded legs and a big appetite. Hardy and rewarding, but bold enough that it suits keepers past their first spider.
ℹ️
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Large; leg span about 7-8.5 in (18-22 cm), bold black body with white leg banding.
Lifespan
5–20 years
Social needs
solo
Native region
Northern Brazil (Amazon basin; tropical forest)
Origin
New World
Climate
🌴 Tropical
Family
Theraphosidae
Genus
Acanthoscurria
Part of the Tarantulas
Theraphosid spiders kept as low-maintenance display invertebrates. New World species are generally docile with mild venom but bear irritating urticating hairs, while Old World species lack those hairs but tend to be fast, defensive, and have more potent (though rarely life-threatening) venom.
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Photo coming soon
Minimum
Juvenile / sub-adult enclosure
8 × 8 × 8 in (juvi) → 10 × 10 × 8 in (sub-adult)
Clear acrylic or glass enclosure with cross-ventilation, 3–4 in of dry coco-fibre or topsoil mix, a cork-bark hide, and a shallow water dish. Floor space matters more than height for terrestrials; the spider should be able to turn around comfortably. Brazilian whiteknees are large, bold Acanthoscurria — they like slightly damp substrate and will often web extensively across the floor.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Adult terrestrial enclosure
12 × 12 × 8 in (≈ floor 3× adult DLS)
Adult floor space targets roughly three times the diagonal leg span so the spider can web, walk, and ambush. Add 4–5 in of substrate, a half-log hide, low decor, and a water dish; height stays modest to prevent a fatal fall onto the abdomen.
Photo coming soon
Ideal
Naturalistic terrestrial vivarium
14 × 10 × 10 in, bioactive
A bioactive footprint with deeper substrate (5–6 in), leaf litter, a sculpted hide, and one or two live hardy plants. Cleanup crew (springtails, isopods) keeps the dry-but-not-arid microclimate stable for long-term welfare.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Egg
These invertebrates lay eggs — often in a guarded clutch, a silk sac (spiders), or a brood (carried by female isopods). The eggs are small and soft and develop without a true larval or pupal transformation.
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
Juveniles hatch as miniature versions of the adult and grow by molting their exoskeleton (or, in snails, by enlarging the shell). They gain size, segments, or leg pairs and gradually take on adult coloration with each molt.
Adult
Adults reach full size and reproductive maturity with the species' mature form and coloration. Many arachnids and myriapods continue to molt as adults, and sexes can differ in size or in specialized appendages.
Habitat & enclosure
House one spider in a roomy terrestrial enclosure (a 10-15 gallon footprint for an adult) with more floor space than height. Provide a cork-bark hide and a large water dish. Keep at 72-82F (22-28C). It tolerates a range of humidity; keep most substrate fairly dry with a slightly damp corner and a full water dish. No UVB needed. A secure lid is important given its size and activity.
Substrate
Use 3-5 in (8-12 cm) of coco fiber or a coco/topsoil mix, deep enough for occasional burrowing. Keep it mostly dry with one lightly damp area, and spot-clean boluses to keep the enclosure clean. Provide a sturdy hide.
Equipment & setup
No heat needed at typical room temperatures; if required, use a thermostat-controlled side-mounted heat mat. No UVB. A large ventilated terrarium, secure lid, cork-bark hide, and a generous water dish complete the setup. Long tongs are useful for feeding and maintenance given its boldness.
Diet
A voracious eater that takes large feeders: crickets, dubia roaches, superworms, and the occasional appropriately sized item. Slings feed 2-3x weekly, juveniles weekly, adults every 1-2 weeks. Power-feeding fuels its fast growth but shortens lifespan, so feed moderately. Remove uneaten prey, stop feeding in premolt, and keep water available.
Behavior & temperament
A bold, sometimes feisty New World species. It is not malicious but can be defensive: it readily flicks urticating hairs (which are notably irritating in this species) and may stand its ground rather than flee. Venom is mild, but the combination of size, speed, and hair-kicking makes it a poor handling choice. It is an excellent, visible display animal that is often out in the open.
Health
Very hardy and forgiving of husbandry variation, which is part of its appeal. Main risks are dehydration and falls from climbing the enclosure walls, so keep substrate-to-lid distance low. Its urticating hairs can irritate skin and eyes, so handle the enclosure carefully. Bald abdomen spots regrow after molting; never disturb a molting spider.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Keep climbing height low because heavy-bodied terrestrials are injured easily by falls. Avoid power-feeding to maximize lifespan. Be mindful of its potent urticating hairs during maintenance. Its hardiness and visibility make it a great 'second tarantula' as keepers build confidence.
