Acanthoscurria geniculata

Acanthoscurria geniculata – The white-boned tarantula from Brazil

Acanthoscurria geniculata is one of the most popular tarantula species in the terrarium hobby. Its high-contrast appearance with the striking white knee pads makes it a real eye-catcher. It originates from the Brazilian rainforest, where it lives close to the ground. Despite its imposing size and powerful appearance, it is usually calm and good-natured. It is one of the so-called bombardier spiders, which can shed stinging hairs when threatened. In everyday life, however, its behavior is rather calm and it is easy to observe.

This species is uncomplicated to keep. A terrarium from 30 × 30 × 30 cm is sufficient for adult animals. Forest humus with a height of around 15 cm is recommended as a substrate. The spider likes to dig and uses natural hiding places. Cork tubes or large pieces of bark offer retreats and provide security. A small bowl of water should always be available, as it regularly absorbs water even in a rather dry environment. The humidity should be around 70 %. Occasional spraying is sufficient – the substrate should never be permanently wet. Good ventilation is important to prevent mold from forming.

Their feeding behavior is particularly exciting. Acanthoscurria geniculata is very voracious and readily accepts prey such as crickets, crickets, cockroaches and grasshoppers. Young animals are fed about once a week, adults every two to three weeks. It is important not to overfeed them, as this can lead to lethargy and obesity. The prey should be adapted to their body size. After feeding, the spider should be left alone as it may otherwise feel disturbed.

The white-knobbed spider shows itself frequently and doesn’t just spend its time hiding. This makes it a particularly interesting species for observing in the home terrarium. Due to its peaceful nature and ease of keeping, it is ideal for beginners. At the same time, it also delights experienced keepers with its active lifestyle and striking appearance. Anyone looking for a strong but gentle animal with character will have a lot of fun with Acanthoscurria geniculata.