On the life expectancy of a male Chilean rose tarantula, Grammostola rosea(Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) reared in captivity

Abstract

Here we present the case of a male Chilean rose tarantula Grammostola rosea (Walckenaer, 1837) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) reared in captivity, whose life expectancy has been dated at 8.5 years. The specimen spent the last three as an adult. Both records are outside the average range of lifespan expected for an adult male. The specimen was kept under natural conditions in a Mediterranean climate, without photoperiod or temperature control. Diet was composed of Tenebrio molitor larvae and Gryllus sp./Acheta sp. nymphs and adults. The feeding regime was 1-2 prey per week in the early stages and later 1 prey every 20 days since the individual exceeded 15 mm body length approximately, to his death. The specimen spent most of its adult life without eating, actively refusing prey. The maximum time without eating was 22 months. At the time of death, the specimen measured 35 mm in body length and 130 with leg expanded. Previous research reported lower life expectancies in male tarantulas. More research on understudied lifecycle aspects of the Theraphosidae is needed.