This is a specific care sheet for Giant Brazilian Whiteknees (Acanthoscurria geniculata), for more in this genus see Category:Acanthoscurria.

The Giant Brazilian Whiteknee Bird Eating Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) is a beautiful species of tarantula owing to its red abdominal hairs and bright white stripes on its legs. Often confused with the similar looking and similarly named Giant Black and White Tarantula. They are known to grow quite large (18-20cm) and be very aggresive towards prey. A. geniculata is a slow growing species that is found in the forests of Brazil nesting in burrows at the base of trees, rocks or other large objects. Overall a fantastic display tarantula that will pose out in the open regularly, a must have for any collector.

Life span is thought to be around 15 years or more. A hardy tarantula that can make a good spider for any beginner.

Habitat

Enclosure

This is a terrestrial species of tarantula so floor space is more important than height and, a deep substrate should be provided for burrowing. A good retreat is required to make it feel more secure during moulting. Due to their large size you may feel more comfortable keeping it in a larger tank than you would other species.

Acanthoscurria geniculata usually don’t hide much and spend a lot of time out in the open exploring and so make impressive display Tarantulas.

Substrate

Provide a layer of moist substrate atleast 10 cm (4 inches) deep such as peat moss or potting soil. The substrate should be kept damp but not so much so that bacteria and molds begin to grow.

Temperature

This species requires a temperature range of between 24-32°C (75-90°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow the tarantula to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure. A heat lamp with a 60-watt bulb over an area just outside the entrance to the burrow will provide a basking spot for your tarantula.

Humidity

Humidity should be maintained at between 70-80% by providing a large, shallow water bowl and by misting the enclosure regularly. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humiditywithin the enclosure.

Feeding

Spiderlings will eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, other large insects, small lizards, pinkie mice, and an occasional fuzzy mouse every few months. It should also be noted that this spider is rather aggressive towards food, and is also recognized for being very greedy and willing to take almost anything up to it’s size.

Water

Providing a large, shallow water dish will ensure your spider has all the water it needs aswell as help to maintain the relative humidity within the habitat.

Handling

Handling of any tarantuala is not recommended, and this is especially true for the Giant Brazilian Whiteknee Bird Eating Tarantula due to its unpredictable and sometimes aggressive temperament.

Breeding

The Brazilian Whiteknee is harder than other species to breed but has an eggsack of around 1000.