Acanthoscurria geniculata (Giant White Knee) Tarantula Care Sheet

Acanthoscurria geniculata (Giant White Knee) Tarantula: Information + Care Sheet

Name Pronunciation:
Acanthoscurria (uh-kan-thuh-SKOOR-ee-uh)
*Adapted from The American Tarantula Society
Name and Description History:
Mygale geniculata C. L. Koch, 1841
Scurria geniculata C. L. Koch, 1850
Acanthoscurria geniculata Ausserer, 1871
Type: New World, Terrestrial
Size: Can reach up to 8.5″
Growth Rate: Medium-fast. 
Natural Habitat: Brazil

Temperament: They are on the bold side, but not usually aggressive. They do put on a show at feeding time, and will not hesitate to kick hair!
 
Feeding:Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Be sure to feed according to the size of your spiderling/ spider. Remember to remove uneaten prey or leftover bolus.
 
Housing Needs: Terrestrial setup. Humidity needs are medium. Substrate should be at least 4" in depth. Our large female frequently splashes water from her water dish onto the substrate to make a moist area to sit on. Deep substrate that can maintain moisture is a must. This species appreciates a hide or a starter burrow to retreat to, but often will hang out in the open on display.

 

About: This is an impressive heavy-bodied species that makes a spectacular display tarantula as it stays out in the open most of the time. Of the large, terrestrial spiders, this is certainly one of the most beautiful! These rather bold creatures begin to show adult coloration early on, making them look like miniature adults when they are still quite young. They are hardy, easy to care for, and feeding time is always a spectacle!  They are known to be a little nervous, not hesitating to kick up hairs when disturbed. Gloves and sleeves are recommended when feeding or working in their enclosures. 

 

For more in-depth information, we highly recommend referring to this article by Toms Big Spiders : A. geniculata husbandry notes