Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula Care Sheet

Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula
(Acanthoscurria geniculata)
by Jon Fouskaris

Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula
ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Frank Somma.
Photo taken by Michael Fouskaris.

The Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula is a relatively new and exciting species. It is large, and unlike many other large terrestrial tarantulas, it is beautiful. The Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula is moderately aggressive. When disturbed, a Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula does not usually bite, but it likes to flick the stinging, airborne urticating hairs that New World tarantulas are famous for using as a defense. The hairs are itchy, and most people get a rash from them, so watch out when you open your Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula tank. This impressive tarantula can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it! Throughout 1998, the Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula was the most desired tarantula species available and was in high demand. This tarantula is still a desired species due to it's combination of size, and beauty. The Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula goes by many different common names, which can be confusing, although they are all similar. Some of the names are listed below. The Brazilian Whiteknee Tarantula makes an unbelievable display tarantula, and is sure to grab the attention of anybody who sees it!

Range	Forests of northern Brazil.
Type	Terrestrial.
Diet	Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and an occasional fuzzy mouse.
Full Grown Size	7 to 8 inches.
Growth	Fast speed.
Temperature	80 to 85° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament	Semi-aggressive and nervous.
Housing	Spiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 10 to 15-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.
Substrate	3 to 4 inches of peat moss, or potting soil.
Decor	Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Brazilian Whiteknee Birdeater, Brazilian Whitekneed Tarantula, Brazilian White Banded Bird Eating Tarantula, Brazilian Black and White Stripe Birdeater, White Knee Tarantula, Whitekneed Bird Eating Tarantula, Giant White Knee Birdeater, Giant Whitekneed Tarantula, and Santarem Pink Haired Bird Eating Tarantula.

*Please note that ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. Also, New World species of tarantulas like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!