Chilean Rose Tarantulas
Young Chilean rose tarantulas are less hairy than their adult counterparts and appear pink with black abdomens. During development, Chilean rose tarantulas undergo a series of molts, resulting in color change. Adults range in color from dark brown to dark red and have leg span of approximately five inches. However, like many other tarantula species, they may appear larger than they are due to their dense hair.
Chilean rose tarantulas are relatively docile arachnids and will not attack unless threatened. Although they are venomous, a bite from a Chilean rose tarantula rarely results in extreme effects or illness. Most bites cause localized pain and bleeding may occur. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the tarantula's venom.
The urticating hair of a Chilean rose tarantula irritates skin when touched. They are capable of flicking these barbed hairs in the direction of potential attackers. In the event of any severe effects, seek medical attention.
These spiders prefer to prey upon crickets, while large specimens also consume frogs and mice. They hunt for prey and do not weave webs as traps. Chilean rose tarantulas also differ from other tarantula species in that they do not need to burrow. While some specimens do create burrows, others dwell aboveground and hunt at night.
