How long do Chilean Rose Tarantulas live?
Females typically live 15-20 years in captivity and males 3-6 years after maturing. The long female lifespan is why most captive animals are sold as unsexed or female-leaning juveniles.
What do Chilean Rose Tarantulas eat?
Adults eat 2-3 crickets or roaches every 7-14 days, with a water dish always available. They are famous for fasting: a healthy adult may refuse food for 6-12 months, especially before a molt, which is normal rather than a crisis.
Enclosure setup
Use a 5-10 gallon terrestrial tank with 3-4 inches of coco fiber or peat and a hide such as a half flowerpot. Maintain 70-80°F with 60-70% humidity and mist only lightly, as this species prefers a drier substrate than many others.
Common mistakes with Chilean Rose Tarantulas
Top errors are panicking and over-feeding during a normal fast, keeping the substrate too wet (leading to mold), mistaking a defensive threat posture for aggression, and handling that risks a fatal fall or a hair-kick to the eyes.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a months-long fast means the spider is sick and force-feeding it.
- Keeping the substrate too damp, which causes mold and foot rot.
- Handling the spider and causing a fatal fall or eye irritation from hairs.
- Disturbing it daily, which stresses a naturally reclusive animal.