WHITE KNEE TARANTULA

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Acanthoscurria geniculata
Adult Size: 18–22 cm leg span | Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years | Activity: Mainly nocturnal

📏 SIZE

• A large, heavy-bodied terrestrial tarantula.
• Females are generally considerably larger-lived than males.
• Allow plenty of floor space as the spider grows.

🏠 HOUSING

• Terrestrial, secure and well-ventilated enclosure.
• Adult minimum: approximately 45 × 30 × 30 cm.
• Provide 10–15 cm of suitable substrate for burrowing.
• Include a sturdy hide such as cork bark.
• Ensure the enclosure is completely escape-proof.

🌡️ TEMPERATURE

• Aim for 22–26°C.
• A slight temperature drop at night is acceptable.
• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 28°C.
• Never place the enclosure in direct sunlight.

💡 LIGHTING

• No UVB required.
• Normal household lighting is sufficient.
• Provide a natural day/night cycle.
• Avoid bright lights directly over the enclosure.

💧 HUMIDITY

• Aim for approximately 60–70%.
• Keep part of the substrate slightly moist while allowing the surface to dry.
• A water dish is more important than maintaining constantly high humidity.
• Good ventilation is essential.

🦗 FOOD

• Feed appropriately sized live insects such as crickets, locusts and roaches.
• Adults generally require food around once every 1–2 weeks, depending on size and condition.
• Remove uneaten prey after a reasonable period.
• Do not leave live prey with a tarantula that is preparing to moult.

💦 WATER

• Provide a shallow water dish at all times.
• Replace with fresh water regularly.
• Do not rely solely on misting for hydration.

🐚 SHEDDING

• Appetite may decrease or stop before a moult.
• The tarantula may become sluggish or hide.
• Never disturb or handle a moulting tarantula.
• Remove live prey if a moult is suspected.
• Allow the spider to fully harden before offering food again.

🤲 HANDLING

• Handling is not recommended.
• White Knee Tarantulas can be defensive and may flick urticating hairs.
• They can also move surprisingly quickly.
• If relocation is necessary, use a catch cup and soft brush.

❤️ HEALTH

• Healthy tarantulas should have good grip, normal movement and a well-rounded abdomen.
• Temporary refusal of food is normal around moulting.
• Warning signs include persistent weakness, inability to grip or a damaged abdomen.
• Incorrect humidity, overheating and poor ventilation can cause serious problems.

🧹 CLEANING

• Remove uneaten prey and visible waste regularly.
• Spot-clean contaminated substrate.
• Replace substrate when genuinely necessary rather than frequently disturbing the enclosure.
• Avoid household chemicals, aerosols and pesticides.

🏡 BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME

✓ Secure, escape-proof enclosure
✓ Suitable deep substrate
✓ Sturdy hide
✓ Shallow water dish
✓ Temperature checked and stable
✓ Good ventilation
✓ Appropriate live food available
✓ Catch cup and soft brush available for safe relocation

⚠️ IMPORTANT BITS

• Do not handle unless absolutely necessary.
• Urticating hairs can cause significant skin, eye and respiratory irritation.
• Never touch your face or eyes after contact with the tarantula or its enclosure.
• Never disturb a tarantula during or immediately after moulting.
• Keep the enclosure away from children and other pets.
• Always treat the spider as capable of moving quickly and defensively.