The Spinnerette, Issue 4: Grammostola Pulchripes

THE SPINNERETTE

ISSUE 4

GRAMMOSTOLA PULCHRIPES

CONSERVATION OF THE CHACO GOLDEN KNEE

THE BEST BEGINNER TARANTULA?

G. PULCHRIPES CARE, TIPS + EXPERT ADVICE

+ MUCH MORE INFO ON THE G. PULCHRIPES TARANTULA! 1

welcome spider lovers!

I hope you are enjoying your summer and keeping yourselves and your spiders

hydrated!!! This time of year, with the extreme temperatures, can make humidity requirements and water dishes a little bit tricky so it's really important that we keep an eye on our tarantulas and make sure they are ok!

This issue I decided to take a break from the baboon tarantulas and explore one of the more common, beginner friendly species, the Grammostola pulchripes

or Chaco Golden Knee. This spider proves that a tarantula does not have to be brightly colored or extra flashy to be a pleasure to keep and look at. I've gotten some expert interviews and tips from people that have successfully kept this species and I think you'll learn some amazing things from them! Enjoy!

If you are interested in submitting feedback, being a part of future issues, or contacting me for advertising, you can do so at theavenmag@gmail.com!

Spider hugs,

Patricia, Spidey + Blinky (my tarantula babies)

Tarantulaheaven.com / Tarantula Tuesday Newsletter FOLLOW MY TARANTULA STUFF!

Questions / Comments?

Feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com

The cover image is from Wikimedia Commons Copyright Š 2019 Patricia Colli

This issue is sponsored by...

TheTarantulaCollective.com

get caught in the web

Check out our website for merchandise and learn about all the other cool stuff we're doing!

THE TARANTULA COLLECTIVE: GRAMMOSTOLA PULCHRIPES HUSBANDRY SUBSCRIBE!

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 10 12 16 20 28 32 38 48 50

The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, Grammostola Pulchripes

By Michael Fantus

G. Pulchripes Care Tips

By Patricia Colli

Grammostola Pulchripes: "The Best Beginner Species In The Hobby?"

By David Andrzejewski (YouTuber Eerie Arachnids)

To Bite, Or Not To Bite, That Is The Question

By BillieJo Champagne

Taking Care Of The Chaco Golden Knee An interview with Daniel Cousin (YouTuber Kuzzen Feral Ferret)

Future Enjoyment Of The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula

By Cheyanne

Hollie And Her G. Pulchripes

An interview with Hollie (YouTuber Princess Sophie Pink)

Community (tarantula photo submissions) An amazing collection from tarantula lovers like you!

Upcoming Events

Upcoming tarantula conventions and expos around the world

Sources + References

A list of sources and references from articles in this issue

THE CHACO GOLDEN KNEE TARANTULA, GRAMMOSTOLA PULCHRIPES

By Michael Fantus The Chaco golden knee tarantula is distributed across a small part of Argentina and Paraguay. It is a terrestrial/non-obligate burrower that is attractive to hobbyists because of its lack of apprehension (iNaturalist, n.d.).

One hobbyist described its behavior to be more like a pet dog than a tarantula. This behavior along with its size and aggressive eating patterns make it highly desirable as a first pet tarantula.

Classification and nomenclature One of the larger species of tarantula, the Chaco golden knee (Grammostola pulchripes), formerly known by Grammostola aureostriata, can be expected to reach between 20–22 cm (8.5 in), (Simon, 1891).

The Chaco golden knee tends to be one of the more docile and calm species of tarantula and therefore makes an attractive first pet.

The Chaco is an opportunistic burrowing terrestrial tarantula: they tend to burrow while younger and adopt a pre-existing hide as its home when it begins to mature. It is quite flashy in appearance, bearing long light-colored hairs all over its body and gold stripes on its legs, particularly at the "knees".

6

This is a good display species as it often sits in plain view. When it was first imported into the pet trade, it was thought to be a variant of the pink zebra beauty species, but it is significantly larger and can easily be distinguished by those familiar with both species.

Venom and defensiveness Chaco golden knee venom is not dangerous to humans, hurting about as much as a bee sting.

Because of its large fangs, however, a bite can still be very damaging. It is far more likely to shed urticating hairs from its abdomen to defend itself, which are itchy when they land on skin.

The Chaco golden knee has relatively mild hairs, but they can still cause blindness if lodged in the eyes so caution is recommended.

Natural habitat The Chaco golden knee tarantulas are known to inhabit the grasslands of Argentina and Paraguay.

As such, they are adapted to generally warm climate, with alternating dry and rainy seasons.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons7

Grammostola Pulchripes, cont’d

Reproduction Mating can occur any time of year. After mating, the female lays 100-500 eggs in a silk capsule.

The young hatch about 6 weeks later.

Shelter and space needs This type of tarantula is native to Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. It is a burrowing species.

Life expectancy In captivity, males live to be 5-10 years old, while females live 20-25 years. Little is known about the lifespan of wild tarantulas.

Relationship with man Spiders make up an important part of the food chain by helping to control populations of insects, including some that prey on farmers’ crops.

Status Though the Chaco golden knee is not listed as an endangered species, all tarantulas are considered threatened to endangered due to the fact they exist in small quantities confined to limited spaces.

8 Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Competition for increasingly limited prey due to encroachment by man, pesticides and climate change are serious threats to all tarantulas on the planet. Plants, animals, microbes and people too!

ABOUT MICHAEL Michael Fantus’ day job is marketing in a Washington DC Association. His hobbies include fiction writing, music composition, French horn playing, redwood bonsai, and tarantulizing. He is the author of a novel, the Rage of Ganymede and the Lightning Manifesto.

(Never ask a girl her age, and I have a partner named Stefen Styrsky who works in legal services, is a published fiction and technical writer, as well as a film critic. He avoids the tarantulas).

Flip to the back to see references for this article!

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons 9

g. pulchripes CARE TIPS BASIC INFO Common name: Chaco golden knee, Chaco stripe knee (formerly known by Grammostola aureostriata)

Scientific name: Grammostola pulchripes

Origin: South America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

Type: New World, terrestrial Growth rate: Slow-medium

Size: Leg span can be up to 8.5 inches (20–22 cm).

Experience level: Beginner, nice display tarantula due to size and docile nature.

Life span: Females can live for 20+ years, while males only live for about 5-6 years.

APPEARANCE This tarantula is shadowy brown in colour with impressive golden yellow bands around the knee joints and down the legs. Its fair colored hairs are distinguishable against the dark base that covers its body and legs.

BEHAVIOR Attitude: While every tarantula is different, the Grammostola pulchripes has a reputation for being docile, calm, and slow moving. Many owners say their Chaco golden knee has never acted defensively.

Bite danger: New World tarantulas such as the Chaco golden knee tend to use urticating hairs before biting, however every tarantula is unique.

Venom will not be as potent as an Old World tarantula, but the large size of this spider could cause mechanical damage.

Defensive behavior: The G. pulchripes is a New World tarantula, which means it is more likely to use urticating hairs as a defense before biting. This tarantula is known for its docile nature and is generally slow moving. Its calm nature makes it recommended for beginners.

Handling: Despite a docile reputation, it is not recommended that you hold G. pulchripes tarantulas due to their large size and susceptibility to a deadly fall.

DIET + NUTRITION The Grammostola pulchripes tarantula can remain healthy on a diet of crickets, meal worms and dubia roaches. This spider has a hearty appetite.

10

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

HOUSING Substrate: Terrestrial setup, at least 4 inches of dry substrate (can use peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber).

Decor: A burrow or hide should be available, as well as a water dish.

Some fake plants are nice.

Ventilation: This species needs a tank with adequate ventilation on the top of the tank via small holes or slots.

Enclosure: Terrestrial setup with burrow or hide available, at least 4 inches of substrate. Always have a water dish.

Humidity: Appropriate humidity can be kept by providing a water dish at all times. Misting and wetting the substrate is not necessary.

Water: A shallow water dish must always be present, even if you do not ever see this species drink.

Spraying is not advised.

Temperature: G. pulchripes tarantulas do well at room temperature.

Collection notes: This species is highly recommended for beginners due to its docile nature and large size.

FUN FACTS The larger this tarantula gets, the more colorful it becomes! The former (and very commonly used) species name, aureostriata, is derived from Latin aureus "golden" and striatus "striped". The currently used species name, "pulchripes," is derived from Latin "pulchra," meaning "beautiful," and "pes," meaning "foot."

11

GRAMMOSTOLA PULCHRIPES:

"THE BEST BEGINNER SPECIES IN THE HOBBY?"

By David Andrzejewski

A very entertaining question, no? There are many species of tarantulas that could be considered the best in the hobby, so why do I always say Grammostola pulchripes? Stick around and find out.

If Grammostola pulchra are the black labs of the hobby then Grammostola pulchripes are the golden retrievers. Now I'm not saying break out the ping pong balls and try a round of fetch.

Don't expect wet sloppy kisses or even cuddles or belly rub requests. But hear me out and you can decide for yourself later.

]

When I am asked, "What is a good beginner species?"

Grammostola pulchripes will always be my first response.

]

Sure there are others like Homoeomma chilensis or Brachypelma albopilosum but there is just something different about Chaco golden knees that set them apart for me.

First off they are well known for docility. You won't see much, if any, hair kicking from this species. They tolerate handling, although I

Photo credit: David Andrzejewski 12

Photo credit: David Andrzejewski13

The Best Beginner Species In The Hobby?, cont’d

never recommend handling but we all know many want the ones they feel are more tolerant to it. Box 1 of a new keeper's dream spider checked.

Next would be its overall appearance. A good sized spider, robust I say although less so than say a Brazilian black (Grammostola pulchra).

A dark colored spider that has plenty of whitish setae. But to complete the look the golden knees and striations just explode with a freshly molted specimen. Box 2 of a new keeper's dream spider checked!

Photo credit: David Andrzejewski 14

Next is the versatility. A wide variety of enclosures can be used for this species. Decor like wood, rocks, leaves, moss or many other items can be used. This species will burrow in situ but I've found less of that in captivity. They can handle a lower temp but do best in the 75° range. No real humidity concerns as they generally inhabit dry scrublands in Paraguay and Argentina. If you want a spider you can see, then look no further. Box 3 for a new keeper's dream spider checked.

Photo credit: David Andrzejewski

Next up is the hit to your wallet/pocketbook.

Not an expensive spider. Most 1/2" slings can be found in the $20-$25 range. An adult female will be $200 on average. The availability is a little less than it was a few years back, but I've seen a good handful of people breeding them again. Large egg sacs with many 100s of slings is common with this species. As of when I wrote this, I found only 2 of 10 online vendors that had them for sale. Box 4 of a new keeper's dream spider box checked.

Lastly, the growth and feeding response. I have found this species to be very good eaters. Hardly a meal is passed over, except the normal premolt fast (which can vary in time). I have seen a moderate growth rate. My female went from 3/4" to 3" in around 3 years of normal feeding. The growth up to 2" can take some time but after you

Photo credit: David Andrzejewski

will see a more steady growth with each molt.

Box 5 of a new keeper's dream spider checked.

This species is a whole package spider. Many aspects of what new keepers want are all there.

Ask around and see how many people feel the same way. You won't be disappointed adding this species to your collection or having a Chaco be your intro spider to the hobby.

ABOUT DAVID David Andrzejewski is an experienced tarantula keeper and an administrator of the tarantula Facebook group The Tarantula Community. He also has a Facebook page and YouTube channel Eerie Arachnids, where he shares his expertise and journey in tarantula keeping. He also has a podcast called Eerie Arachnids Says that you can check out!

15

TO BITE, OR NOT TO BITE, THAT IS THE QUESTION

By BillieJo Champagne

When selecting the breed of tarantula from the options available, many people consider if the species is New World, Old World, has vibrant colors, or even if the species of tarantula is known to be aggressive. Other individuals consider species that can be handled as the main factor when selecting their tarantula.

The Chaco golden knee tarantula is one of the larger breeds of New World species. It is considered one of the calmest spiders in the tarantula community, highly suggested as a species for those new to tarantula ownership.

]

Although these tarantulas have a friendly reputation, there are precautions you should take, as with any tarantula species.

]

The Chaco golden knee tarantula may be sweet natured, but it will defend itself when threatened. It may show signs of defense if suddenly startled, or if you are attempting to pick the tarantula up. If at any time your tarantula shows signs of defense when attempting to handle it, refrain from handling as this could cause the tarantula to strike.

16

Handling of your Chaco golden knee is not recommended during pre-molt and post-molt.

The tarantula is virtually defenseless during this time period, so handling of any tarantula is discouraged during this time. Also, tarantulas may be irritable during the pre-molt stage, causing it to become more defensive than other times.

When attempting to handle their Chaco golden knee, owners may try the temperament test, which can help predict response when handled. Another method when attempting to handle your tarantula may be the “pinch grab� method but this is not recommended for beginners. Always make sure your tarantula is in good health before attempting to handle as well.

The Chaco golden knee tarantula is a species of New World tarantula which possesses urticating hairs. The tarantula will use these hairs by flicking them from their abdomen, which can cause irritation as well as itching of the skin. Many times, the tarantula will

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

17

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons 18

To Bite Or Not To Bite, cont’d display a threat posture before using defensive mechanisms. Continuing to agitate an irritated tarantula could pose a potential risk for a bite.

Many tarantula owners know that there is such a thing as a dry bite and a wet bite. Never give your tarantula a reason to bite. The Chaco golden knee tarantula will likely inflict a wet bite that can cause irritation and pain, which may last for a few hours or possibly a few days.

Hospitalization may be required if you happen to be allergic to the venom of the Chaco golden knee tarantula.

Always be vigilant when handling your Chaco golden knee. Injuries such as falls during handling can significantly harm your tarantula, possibly resulting in death. If for any reason your tarantula is injured in any way, carefully observe it and treat wounds as needed.

When debating the option of handling your Chaco golden knee tarantula, weigh the risks and benefits. Remember that handling your Chaco golden knee can cause great stress or injury to the tarantula.

Your tarantula may even present threatening defensive behavior that may cause it to show such behaviors in the future. Just remember that handling your Chaco golden knee tarantula is more of a positive experience for you, versus the tarantula.

ABOUT BILLIEJO BillieJo Champagne is a mother of two girls, 11 and 13, who can be a handful. She attends UW-Parkside majoring in English with a minor in psychology as well as a creative writing certificate. Her love for what others close to her refer to as "creepy crawlies" began when she was young. Now she owns 5 tarantulas and has begun to pass down her interests to her youngest daughter, who loves helping out in their care, especially feeding. She doesn't have a favorite tarantula, but learning new facts about various species is something that draws her in deeper to the hobby.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

TAKING CARE OF THE CHACO GOLDEN KNEE An interview with Daniel Cousin

Daniel Cousin (also known as Kuzzen Feral Ferret TheManWithTheSpider-LegHair on YouTube, is a tarantula keeper of many species living in South East London. We're happy to be sharing his experience with Chacos!

How long have you been keeping Chaco golden knees?

I have been keeping G. pulchripes for about 8 months, but my original slings died and I gave one away, but I've had my mature male for about 4 months and the adult female for about 3 months or so. I also have a sub-adult which I've had for about 3 months as well.

What drew you to this tarantula? What do you think makes this spider unique?

What drew me to this tarantula would be the fact that it's a New World tarantula and the golden stripes upon its knees is very striking as well as their docile nature. They are much more manageable, especially with their large size.

This tarantula is rather unique mainly due to its colouring with the gold stripes but also despite being essentially a big brown spider, there is a look they have that makes me feel less threatened by the tarantula itself. It's a strange comment to make as they are a non-threatening species anyway but as someone who is genuinely scared of spiders and tarantulas outside of their enclosures or webbing, this aspect for me if rather comforting.

20

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin

Another unique aspect is the name "pulchripes", I know of 2 ways of pronouncing it, I say pul-cra-pees and I know others say it as pul-crips.

Are there any distinct differences between your male and female?

While there are not the biggest of differences, they are not gender dysmorphic. The males have smaller abdomens, longer legs and when mature they do have prominent tibial hooks.

When will you breed them? Does this species require any special precautions for breeding?

I am planning on starting the breeding process in July. As with all tarantulas, it is preferable to feed up the female as to reduce

How does this spider compare to the others in your collection?

The G. pulchripes actually at the moment takes the number 1 and 2 spot for largest tarantula in my collection, with my Big Girl AF B. vagans in 3rd and my SA female P. vittata in 4th, although I have If the mating is successful, do recently received a 6 inch AF G. you intend to keep or sell the rosea so she may be number 2 slings? or 3. Also due to positioning of In the most ideal situation and if the enclosures in my room, my AF G. breeding is successful, I do indeed pulchripes is actually the 1st thing plan on keeping a few, maybe 2 or I see in the morning when I put my 3, but the majority I imagine I will glasses on once I have woken up. sell. I am planning on giving some away to friends and subscribers What have you noticed about the as thank you gifts because without temperament of this spider? them I may not be in the situation I The temperament of my G. have gotten myself in. So as much pulchripes is very docile, the as it's myself doing the work, this is AF enjoys walking about in its as much for everyone who watches enclosure and has jumped a my channel as well. couple of times from one side to the chances of the male being eaten. This will be my first breeding experience so I will be very much on guard and seeking further advice to ensure I have covered every scenario. I am hoping to be able to film the attempts.

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin 21

Taking Care of The Chaco Golden Knee, cont’d

the other when moving her to feed. The male is just like a sleepy puppy, moves when needs be but otherwise just lays about. He knows where she is.

What do your enclosures for these tarantulas look like?

My enclosures are very much the same across the board, I am a very basic enclosure designer as they all have a good amount of coco fiber, a hide and a water bowl. Many times I wish I was more creative with my enclosures but never get round to making them look nice. They are functional for myself and the tarantula itself.

What silly habits have you noticed from your Chacos, if any?

I would say my AF G. pulchripes has a silly habit of sitting in the corners of the enclosure, mainly the front right. When I say sitting in the

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin

KUZZEN FERAL FERRET THEMANWITHTHESPIDER-LEGHAIR: FULL COLLECTION TOUR!!! GUESS HOW MANY ANIMALS I HAVE?

22

corners I mean she is effectively standing on her back legs with her underside pressed into the corner and her other 6 legs holding her in place.

What are some tips for beginners when keeping this species?

My tips for beginners when keeping the G. pulchripes is actually very simple and easy.

Want one, get one - you won't be disappointed.

They are very easy to care for and look after and when hungry, they give good strikes without being scary in doing so.

What inspired you to get into tarantulas despite being so scared of them?

Well, quite simple really, I got into inverts via a good friend of mine (Hannah from Hannah's Empire). When she got her Damon diadema, I fell in love and got myself a Damon medius (RIP).

During my research for the Damon medius, Hannah kept recommending various YouTube videos to watch and they were all tarantula based (Peter Webster, TarantulaDan etc).

Slowly I came round to the idea that it wouldn't be so bad having a tarantula as a pet, and then

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin 23

Taking Care of The Chaco Golden Knee, cont’d I saw the Green bottle blue and I fell in love again and I bought myself a sling Green bottle blue and a K. brunnipes and I was away. They are so fascinating and wonderful and awe inspiring. Yes, they have big fangs and loads of eyes and legs and walk strangely but they have a charm about them which just makes me love them so much.

I can remain calm and in control or I can freak out over a spider or tarantula of any size.

I'll never not be scared, too many irrational thoughts in my head. But the respect and love I have for these magnificent animals far exceeds any negative feelings I have.

How do you keep your fear in check?

Simply, I don't. My heart will race and I'll hyperventilate but if I don't deal with the situation in front of me then what am I even doing? I steel myself, I'll bite my tongue, I'll shout and swear and I'll moan, I'll talk to the tarantula or scorpion or millipede whichever animal I'm dealing with and I'll talk to it, explain what I want it to do and moan when it doesn't do as I want. I rarely take the lids off of my enclosures, I'll flip a side up and use tongs to feed or get a moult out. I have some animals that I know I can open the lid and I can be absolutely fine as I've learnt their temperament but I'm still always on guard. I may never lose my fear, but as a lion tamer will never fully control a lion, I can manage it so I can get the job in hand done.

ABOUT DANIEL To see more from Daniel, you can check out his YouTube channel, Kuzzen Feral Ferret TheManWithTheSpider-LegHair!

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin

Photo credit: Daniel Cousin

KIDS CORNE of the web 26

ER Photo credit: Needpix.com 27

FUTURE ENJOYMENT OF THE CHACO GOLDEN KNEE TARANTULA

By Cheyanne

I recently received my first tarantula, a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, otherwise known as the Green bottle blue tarantula. I am only eleven years old, so my mom helps me with the care Ceberus needs. I love learning new information about tarantulas, so writing an article is a great experience for me.

Many people who belong to the tarantula community, including myself, don’t think about the conservation level of the species of tarantula we choose as a companion. Not many people expect to find their selected tarantula to appear on the endangered species list as well as on a breeder's available list.

The International Union For Conservation of Nature reports approximately 98,500 different species on the Red List. These species range from threatened with extinction to species vulnerable in their natural habitat. Surprisingly, more than 27,000 of those species are threatened with extinction.

28

I was shocked to find out that within the Anthropoda subsection, 324 arachnida species are threatened. Fifty-two of those species are critically endangered, and seventy-nine are endangered.

Sixteen of those arachnida species are found in grassland habitats, the same type of habitat as the Chaco golden knee tarantula.

The Chaco golden knee tarantula/ Grammostola pulchripes, is a breed of tarantula found within the grasslands of South America, primarily Argentina and Paraguay.

These tarantulas are ground-living species that burrow where they can find shelter. Currently, the conservation status of the Chaco golden knee tarantula is not a concern, but another grassland Grammostola, the Grammostola vachoni, is listed amongst the vulnerable species.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons 29

Future Enjoyment of the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, cont’d

The Grammostola vachoni can be found in rocky areas, as well as grasslands. The Chaco golden knee tarantula, living in the grassland habitats, could face the same threats in the future that the Grammostola vachoni currently faces.

Threats to this spider include residential and commercial development, energy production and mining, as well as biological resource use.

Keeping the Chaco golden knee tarantula off the IUCN Red List is important for everyone.

These species are a very important part of the food chain within their various habitats.

Tarantulas control the insect population, including such prey as locust, from destroying farmers' crops. If the tarantula community wants to continue to enjoy this species, we not only have to ensure captive breeding, but also keep their natural wild habitat intact.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons 30

ABOUT CHEYANNE I am 11 years old, entering 6th grade and I just recently fell in love with tarantulas. My mom (who owns 4 tarantulas herself) let me pick out my first very own tarantula last month and I decided on the GBB, which I named Ceberus.

(Yes, after the mythical creature.) Besides my tarantula fascination, I take lessons riding horses and belong to the show team at the stables I attend. Besides my GBB, I have a dog named Raptor (who I am attempting to train for agility tricks) and a cat named Raven. Other than tarantulas I love giraffes and llamas.

Ceberus

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons 31

HOLLIE + HER G. PULCHRIPES

An interview with Hollie (Princess Sophie Pink)

Hollie, also known as Princess Sophie Pink on YouTube, is 7 years old and carving out her name in the tarantula community on and offline. She's been interviewed at zoos and radio shows, spreading her love for tarantulas!

When did you get your first Chaco?

I got my first golden knee as a sling just after Christmas passed. It was my second tarantula and is so tiny. It has moulted twice since we got it and it hasn't grown very much at all. We also have a male and he moulted just recently. We got him a few months ago.

What made you want to get this tarantula?

We got the golden knee as it is a well known beginner tarantula and I just love the colours in their knees.

What have you noticed about this tarantula's temperament/mood?

They are supposed to be docile but mine isn't. It lunged right across the enclosure and attacked my mum's tweezers when she was changing the water. It was so funny. She jumped in the air. The little sling is cute though.

It always tries to escape when we feed and water it.

32

Photo Photo Credit: Credit: Rachel Rachel Greenhalgh Greenhalgh

Photo Credit: Rachel Greenhalgh

PRINCESS SOPHIE PINK: GRAMMOSTOLA PULCHRIPES REHOUSING!

33

Hollie + Her G. Pulchripes, cont’d

What's your favorite thing about this spider?

I love how beautiful the golden patterns on its knees are. Like with every tarantula, I love the way it walks.

What does their enclosure look like? How do you take care of them?

I feed it crickets, mealworms or waxworms and sometimes locusts.

I make sure it has clean fresh water and every other time I make sure I over flow the water dish a little bit.

Photo Credit: Rachel Greenhalgh 34

Do you think a Chaco golden knee is a good tarantula for kids?

Yes but I think they need to research about them first. My golden knee isn't as docile as what they are thought to be so you should always be prepared for that.

What would you like beginners to know about this tarantula?

They can go a long time without eating and it's easy to get worried about the tarantula but as long as the abdomen looks to be a good size then you shouldn't worry.

I always check on my tarantulas to make sure they're okay but I don't disturb them all the time. I don't handle my golden knee because it isn't as docile as people say so I just leave it in its enclosure and it is very happy this way.

ABOUT HOLLIE To see more from Hollie, you can check out her YouTube channel, Princess Sophie Pink or follow her Facebook page!

Photo Credit: Rachel Greenhalgh 35

GET TARANTULA T-SHIRTS ON ETSY!

BROWSE THE TARANTULA TEES HERE!

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT MAGAZINE!!

36

learn more about tarantulas!

200+ PAGE

TARANTULA

EBOOK THAT

COVERS TONS OF INFO ON

TARANTULA CARE

LEARN MORE HERE

Do you sell tarantulas, feeders, enclosures and other tarantula items?

Email theavenmag@gmail.com if you’re interested in purchasing ad space!

37

Photo credit: Picryl

In this section we highlight tarantula owners from around the world and share their experiences. To make a submission, email theavenmag@gmail.com!

tarantula

COMMU 38

a

UNITY 39

Photo credit: Amanda Brunsberg 40

41 Photo credit: Christian Sabo

Photo credit: Dorian Wright

Photo credit: Katlyn KKnill

Photo credit: Vicki Lethbridge

Photo credit: Denise Bundy

Photo credit: Denise Bundy

Photo credit: Kelly Jojola

UPCOMING EVENTS 2019 EXPOS WITH TARANTULAS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS EUROPE DATE

48

EVENT

LOCATION

August 18

Scottish Invertebrate Show

Glasgow, Scotland

September 15

Eastern Invertebrate Show

Bedford, England

September 22

IHS Reptile show

Doncaster, England

November 7

Southern Invertebrate Show

Brighton, England

Photo credit: Patricia Colli

UNITED STATES DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

August 3-4

Repticon

Sarasota, FL

August 3-4

Repticon

New Orleans (Chalmette, LA)

August 10

ReptiDay Navarre Reptile and Exotic Animal Show

Navarre, FL

August 10-11

Repticon

Columbia, SC

August 10-11

Repticon

Kellyville, OK

August 17-18

Repticon

Grapevine, TX

August 17-18

Repticon

Portsmouth, VA

August 17-18

Repticon

Shreveport, LA

September 7-8

Northern Nevada Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo

Winnemucca, NV

September 8

Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show

Bridgeton, MO

September 21

Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show

Springfield, MO

October 13

GBAS Exotic Pet Fair

Kaukauna, WI

October 27

Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show

Bridgeton, MO

49

SOURCES +

The Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula, Grammostola Pulchripes

Author: Michael Fantus Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes). (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2019, from https://www. inaturalist.org/taxa/372520-Grammostola-pulchripes#Name Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://cosleyzoo.org/chaco-golden-kneetarantula-2/ Grammostola pulchripes (Simon 1891). (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2019, from https://eol.org/pages/10579368/ details

50 Photo credit: Denise Bundy

REFERENCES

Photo credit: Denise Bundy 51

til next time!

Thank you for supporting The Spinnerette and the G. pulchripes issue, the fourth digital magazine! Big fuzzy and furry thank you to The Tarantula Collective for sponsoring this issue, and all who support the magazine's Patreon page (or bought an issue)! Without you all, it would not be possible.

If you have any feedback about how this magazine could be improved or things you’d like to see this magazine cover, please feel free to email me at theavenmag@gmail.com. You can also email me if you’d like to submit something to the magazine or pitch an idea for a future issue!

As always, you can find me on Facebook in my tarantula group, or subscribe to my Patreon to see more behind the scenes content about this magazine and my life with my tarantulas.

Until next time, spiderlings! May you and your spiders stay hydrated because it is HOT!

52