Tarantula / New World / Beginner friendly

Brazilian White Knee

Acanthoscurria geniculata

Origin: Brazil (Amazon basin)
Adult size: 18–22 cm leg span
Temperature: 22–27 °C
Humidity: 65–75%
Adults eat: About every 7 days

The Brazilian white knee is a large, fast-growing ground tarantula with bold black and white leg bands. It has a big appetite and is often out in the open, which makes it a great display animal.

Keep one part of the substrate slightly moist and the rest drier. Give good cross ventilation so the air never stays stale. It takes prey eagerly, so do not overfeed: a round, firm abdomen is enough.

It is a good first large tarantula for a keeper who does not plan to handle it. Expect it to flick hairs when you work in the enclosure.

Safety

New World species. The venom is mild for most people, but a bite still hurts. It flicks urticating hairs readily. These hairs irritate skin and are dangerous in the eyes.

Temperament

Bold, fast and skittish. Flicks hairs quickly when disturbed.

Enclosure

Terrestrial. Floor space of at least 3 × 2 times the leg span, with low height so a fall cannot hurt it.

Substrate

10 to 15 cm of coco fibre and topsoil without fertiliser, enough to dig a shallow burrow. Keep one corner slightly moist.

Decor & hides

A cork bark hide or half log, and some plastic or live plants for cover.

Water

A shallow water dish at all times. Refill and clean it often.

Handling

Do not handle. It is fast and flicks hairs. Use a catch cup and a soft brush to move it.