Acanthoscurria geniculata Husbandry, Care, Handling | Acanthoscurria geniculata vs Nhandu chromatus

The Acanthoscurria geniculata, also known as the Giant White Knee Tarantula, Brazilian White Knee Tarantula, or White Banded Birdeater, is a popular tarantula species kept as a pet due to its relatively docile temperament, ease of care, and impressive size. 

These tarantulas are native to the Amazon basin of northern Brazil, where they live in a tropical, wet climate. They are terrestrial tarantulas, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground.

Acanthoscurria geniculata Husbandry

Acanthoscurria geniculata husbandry refers to the proper care and captive breeding of the Brazilian Giant White Knee Tarantula. It involves providing an environment that meets their biological needs for temperature, humidity, hiding spaces, food, and minimal stress. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Enclosure: Wide, low enclosures prevent falls. Provide at least 4 inches of burrowable substrate.
• Temperature/Humidity: Maintain temperatures at 76-82°F (24.4-27.7°C) with humidity levels of 65-75%.
• Feeding: Offer appropriately sized prey like crickets or roaches regularly; they are aggressive eaters.
• Water: Provide a water dish; dampen half of the substrate occasionally for humidity, though they may not drink visibly.
• Growth Rate/Size: With proper care, they can reach a leg length of up to 8 inches (20.32cm).
• Temperament: Generally bold but not usually aggressive as adults; may retreat rather than bite. May kick hairs if disturbed.
• Breeding: Involves an intricate courtship dance; female acceptance or rejection follows.
• Habitat: Thrive in humid, warm environments near streams and lakes, building silk-lined burrows in leaf litter for protection.

Acanthoscurria geniculata Care

Ensure a terrestrial setup with ample floor space, 3-4 inches deep substrate, and maintain temperatures at 75-85°F (24-29°C) with humidity around 60-70%. Feeding should be regular and varied, including crickets and cockroaches. While not aggressive, they may kick urticating hairs when disturbed. Females grow rapidly, reaching over 8 inches, while males are smaller with a shorter lifespan. Handling requires caution due to their nervousness and urticating hairs; gloves are recommended.

Acanthoscurria geniculata Handling

Handling Acanthoscurria geniculata, the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula, requires caution due to their nervous disposition and urticating hairs. They are generally bold but not aggressive, preferring to retreat rather than bite when threatened. Wear gloves and long sleeves to protect against exposure to urticating hairs during handling and enclosure maintenance.

Acanthoscurria geniculata vs Nhandu chromatus

When comparing Acanthoscurria geniculata and Nhandu chromatus, there are notable physical distinctions. Nhandu chromatus typically exhibits a lighter coloration with markedly redder abdomens compared to Acanthoscurria geniculata. Furthermore, A. geniculata tends to attain larger sizes than N. chromatus. These variations serve as key identifiers, particularly as the spiders mature.