Because of its striking white bands on a black body, easy-going nature and simple care, the Brazilian white knee tarantula is in high demand and very loved by exotic pet collectors. In Brazil’s rainforests, this tarantula mixes unique and delicate features that set it apart as a consistent favorite for all levels of arachnid collectors. We’ll go over where this pet is found, how it behaves, eats, lives and how best to take care of it in this guide. If you’re just beginning your tarantula hobby or looking for more unique species, you should consider the Brazilian white knee tarantula.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula
- Physical Appearance and Size
- Natural Habitat and Origin
- Behavior and Temperament
- Housing and Enclosure Setup
- Feeding and Diet Requirements
- Molting Process and Care
- Breeding Insights
- Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them
- Handling Tips for Beginners
- Why Choose the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula?
- Final Thoughts & Internal Resources
Introduction to the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula
Brazilian white knee tarantulas are originally from the Amazon rainforest and have become popular because they are easy to care for and look remarkable. They live on the ground and reach their adult body size quite quickly. Proper care can allow a rabbit to live for up to 15 years, so they need a strong commitment from their owners.
Physical Appearance and Size
The Brazilian white knee tarantula is known for its remarkable colored body. Dark black legs match up with striking white bands at the joints to form a striking striped look. While adult females may be up to 8.5 inches in leg span, males are more commonly between 7 and 8 inches. Because they are both big and colorful, many arachnid collectors appreciate them as the main attraction.
Natural Habitat and Origin
Being called Brazilian white knee tarantula, it is found in Brazil’s tropical forests. They are humid and full of leaf litter and holes, as these conditions are what tarantulas like. Make sure you create an environment like the natural one for your spider to do well.
Behavior and Temperament
People may regard Brazilian white knee tarantulas as dangerously large, yet they tend to be calm and rarely aggressive. But once they feel threatened, they might attack using their urticating hairs. Being gentle compared to other types of pets, they’re unlikely to bite and they prefer to stand forward with their front feet to warn you off.
Housing and Enclosure Setup
A 10 to 20-gallon tank makes a good home for an adult Brazilian white knee tarantula. Here are some important ways to set up your camera.
- Coconut fiber or peat moss should make up 4-5 inches of the substrate.
- The air moisture should be between 70% and 80%, sprayed with a light mist from time to time.
- Temperature: 75–85°F
- Offer cork bark or half logs for places to hide
- Ensuring there is good airflow in the space to avoid mold development
To see a complete step-by-step guide to choosing enclosure accessories, look at the Tarantula Care Essentials section on Petlytic.
Feeding and Diet Requirements
Like other tarantulas, Brazilian white knee tarantulas do well on a diet of:
- Crickets 2-3 times each week
- Roaches
- Mealworms
- Adult female mice may be given occasional pinkies.
Don’t give your pet wild-caught insects since they could have parasites or pesticides. Often feeding juveniles helps them stay healthy as they grow quickly.
Molting Process and Care
Molting is very important for tarantulas at every stage of life. Before your Brazilian white knee tarantula sheds its outer skin, it will stop feeding and be less active. At this time, the country:
- Try to maintain a high level of humidity.
- Never bother or touch the tarantula.
- Get rid of any food that isn’t finished.
Provide your tarantula some days after molting to allow its new hardened body to form before feeding again.
Breeding Insights
Farming this type of tarantula takes both patience and special care. Males tend to become adults faster and die sooner than females. To breed:
- Have someone watch the male’s interactions with the female during the introduction.
- Giving the female plenty of food will reduce her chances of acting aggressively
- Take away the male right after mating to prevent one from eating the other.
A mating that results in success can give rise to 600 offspring!
Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them
Brazilian white knee tarantulas are tough, but they may suffer from various health problems.
- Be sure to give your pets clean water at all times.
- Maintain the cleanliness in your pet’s home
- Injuries – Try not to get near sharp things or fall over
Most health issues pets have in captivity stem from inappropriate humidity and too much stress.
Handling Tips for Beginners
While you shouldn’t handle your Brazilian white knee tarantula often, it can be handled a little once it is comfortable. Tips include:
- Wash your hands on both occasions!
- assist the tarantula by softly using brushes or tweezers
- Treat the grasshopper gently just before it mouses.
Be careful to monitor kids when they are around tarantulas and handle the spider only if you really have to.
Why Choose the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula?
Read on because these reasons will convince you to choose this tarantula as your pet.
- It’s Hard to Forget the Black and White—The Contrast Is Remarkable
- An Easygoing Temperament – Great for Seeing the Behavior of Spiders
- Not Much Care – The labor is minimal after the environment is created
- Many female tortoises have a lifespan of 15 years.
- Learning Value – It’s especially suitable for people interested in biology or working on hobby projects
We provide many resources and supplies designed for tarantula keepers at Petlytic. Check out our Tarantula Pet Supplies page for the equipment your pet will need.
Final Thoughts & Internal Resources
The Brazilian white knee tarantula makes a great first pet among the arachnid variety because it is both exotic and accessible. Beautiful looks, calm ways and a unique lifecycle make it an excellent choice out of all tarantula types. Proper precautions, proper meals and gentle treatment from you can deliver enjoyable years with this species.
For more tarantula knowledge, tips on exotics or great items to buy, check out Petlytic.
- How to Take Care of Unusual Pets
- A Beginner’s Introduction to Tarantulas
- What to Feed Your Pet Arachnid
We’ll keep you updated by sending more care guides and updates, so please subscribe to our newsletter. If you’re curious about exotics, Petlytic should be by your side.