Did you know the country of Chile has recently banned the exportation of the Rose Hair tarantula? The beloved Rose Hair Tarantulas (Grammostola rosea) are known by several names – the Chilean Rose Tarantula, the Chilean Fire Tarantula, and even the Chilean Red-Haired Tarantula (specific color morphs only).
These tarantulas are very common pet spiders due to their docile nature and pink-colored hairs, however, due to the recent ban on importing these spiders from their native country of Chile, this could change.
Chilean rose hairs were always inexpensive to import in the past, so many hobbyists would rather import new spiders than breed existing populations in the States. Now that the ban has taken effect, these spiders will more than likely virtually disappear from the exotic pet market until (or if) the ban is lifted.
Rose hairs are great pet spiders, especially for anyone new to the exotic pet world because they are so easy to care for. In addition to having very laid-back, calm, and overall agreeable personalities (for a spider anyways!), Rose hairs don’t require much in the way of maintenance. It’s recommended that single spiders be housed in a tank approximately three times as long as their leg span with an appropriate substrate and hide space. As far as feeding goes, crickets, mealworms, wax worms, and other insects make up most of their diet. Full-grown spiders with around four to five inch leg spans can also occasionally eat pinkie mice.
Rose hair tarantulas can be handled, although it’s another matter as to whether or not they should. These spiders are venomous, although only slightly so. However, most people have no idea if they will have an allergic reaction or not, so just be aware when handling these spiders that there is always the chance the spider could bite, even if they are known for their reasonable temperaments.
So what will happen when all the Chilean Rose Hair Tarantulas that were imported before the ban took effect have been sold? Likely, another similar spider species will grow in popularity and take the place of the Rose Hair.
Backwater Reptiles still has some Rose Hair Tarantulas for sale. We recommend purchasing yours before the inevitable supply/demand price hike occurs due to the ban.
