
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Acanthoscurria geniculata
A large terrestrial tarantula, deep brown to black with bright white bands at the leg joints. Fast-growing, hardy and active in its enclosure even by day, it makes a rewarding display animal and is widely traded as a beginner species.
Acanthoscurria geniculata was described by C. L. Koch in 1841 and is a large terrestrial tarantula from the Amazon basin of northern Brazil, where rainfall is abundant and there is little or no dry season. Body and legs are deep brown, sometimes with pink or orange setae, and the bright white bands at the leg joints are its defining feature. Males are smaller and less intensely coloured. Its feeding response is very strong and, unlike many ambush species, it roams its enclosure actively even by day, which makes it a rewarding display animal. It is hardy and undemanding, so it is widely recommended to beginners, but it carries type I and type III urticating hairs that irritate skin strongly. The venom is not considered medically significant, although the spider's size means a bite can cause physical tissue damage.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Brazilian Whiteknee lives Females up to about 20 years, males about 4 years.
The Brazilian Whiteknee grows to Leg span up to 21cm, body about 9cm.
Body length reaches 9cm and leg span 21cm, and growth is fast, with females maturing in three to four years.
The ideal temperature for the Brazilian Whiteknee is 20〜24℃. Ideal humidity is 70〜75%.
Origin
Northern Brazil, in the rainforest of the Amazon basin
Sources: The Tarantula Collective: Acanthoscurria geniculata / Polish Wikipedia: Acanthoscurria geniculata (husbandry) / Wikipedia: Brazilian whiteknee tarantula / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Acanthoscurria geniculata (C. L. Koch, 1841)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Lifespan
Females up to about 20 years, males about 4 years
Size
Leg span up to 21cm, body about 9cm
Temperature
20〜24℃
Humidity
70〜75%
Large live insects such as crickets and roaches
Aim for 20-24 C and 70-75 percent humidity. Keep the lower substrate moist and let the top dry between waterings to prevent mould.
As a large species it needs a wide horizontal enclosure filled half to two thirds with substrate, plus a cork bark hide and a water dish.
The feeding response is very strong. Feed adults large crickets or roaches every two to three weeks, spacing out feedings while the abdomen is plump.
It readily kicks urticating hairs when startled. The venom is not medically significant, but its size means a bite can cause physical tissue damage.
Growth is fast, sometimes approaching a 10cm leg span within a year. Withhold food after a moult until the exoskeleton has hardened.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Brazilian Whiteknee is 20〜24℃. Recommended humidity is 70〜75%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Brazilian Whiteknee is Females up to about 20 years, males about 4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Brazilian Whiteknee typically reaches Leg span up to 21cm, body about 9cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Brazilian Whiteknee feeds on: Large live insects such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Brazilian Whiteknee varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026