Brazilian White Knee Tarantula Natural History
Size
The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula has a leg span of 8.5 inches (22 cm).
Habitat and Distribution
This tarantula is a terrestrial species which is indigenous to the rainforests of northern Brazil.
Age
The lifespan of a female can be up to around 20 years while males have a much shorter lifespan of up to six years
Diet
They are insectivorous in the wild eating a variety of invertebrates. Occasionally they may also eat smaller vertebrates if they can catch them.
Groups and Breeding
Females will start to make a cocoon 4-7 months after she has mated. This cocoon may contain more than 1000 fertilised eggs which will hatch after two months. The young will be fully grown within 3-4 years.
Threats
This is a fairly common species in captivity. However, their status in the wild has not yet been assessed on the IUCN red list.
Interesting Facts
This is a semi aggressive species which if threatened, can flick hairs. This defense can cause skin rashes and eye damage.
The White Knee Tarantula During Your Day Out in Kent
You can see the white knee tarantula here at Wingham Wildlife Park in the Bug Garden which is home to a number of invertebrates.