Brazilian White Knee Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) – Live Tarantula for Sale

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) is one of the most striking and impressive terrestrial tarantulas in the hobby. Known for its dramatic black body contrasted by bright white banding on the legs, this large South American species is admired for both its bold appearance and powerful feeding response.

Native to Brazil, the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula grows into a robust spider with thick legs and an impressive leg span. Its bold white knee markings make Acanthoscurria geniculata instantly recognizable and a favorite among tarantula enthusiasts who enjoy large display species.

Because of its hardy nature and active behavior, the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula is a popular species among both intermediate and experienced tarantula keepers.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Acanthoscurria geniculata
Common Name: Brazilian White Knee Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial
Origin: Brazil
Adult Leg Span: 7–8 inches
Temperament: Defensive with strong feeding response
Growth Rate: Fast
Lifespan: Females 15–20+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Acanthoscurria geniculata inhabits tropical forest environments in Brazil where it constructs burrows beneath roots, rocks, and natural debris. These burrows provide protection from predators and environmental changes.

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula typically remains hidden during the day and becomes more active at night when it emerges to hunt insects and other small animals moving across the forest floor.

The warm temperatures and moderate humidity found in its native habitat should be replicated in captivity for optimal health and growth.

Appearance

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula is famous for its bold contrast and impressive size.

Typical characteristics include:

• deep black body coloration

• bright white banding across the leg joints

• thick legs and powerful terrestrial body structure

• large adult size with commanding presence

Freshly molted specimens often display especially crisp white markings against the dark body.

Temperament

Acanthoscurria geniculata is known for having a strong feeding response and alert temperament. When disturbed, the spider may retreat quickly into its hide or display defensive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula possesses urticating hairs on the abdomen which it may kick as a defensive mechanism if threatened.

Because of its energetic feeding behavior and impressive size, this species is generally recommended for hobbyists with some tarantula experience.

Enclosure Setup

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula should be housed in a terrestrial enclosure that provides ample floor space and substrate depth.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• several inches of substrate for burrowing

• cork bark hide or natural shelter

• moderate humidity

• good ventilation

• a shallow water dish

Providing a naturalistic enclosure setup allows Acanthoscurria geniculata to display normal behaviors in captivity.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Acanthoscurria geniculata feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula is well known for its enthusiastic feeding response and often strikes prey quickly.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Before molting, the spider may refuse food and become less active. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

Because this species grows relatively quickly, noticeable size increases often occur after molts.

Why Keep the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula?

The Brazilian White Knee Tarantula (Acanthoscurria geniculata) is highly popular among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• dramatic black and white coloration

• large and impressive adult size

• fast growth compared to many tarantulas

• powerful feeding response and active behavior

For hobbyists seeking a bold and visually striking terrestrial tarantula, the Brazilian White Knee Tarantula makes an exciting addition to any tarantula collection.

Collectors interested in other beginner species:

• Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (Grammostola rosea)

• The Giant Black Beauty Tarantula (Grammostola quirogai)

• Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula (Grammostola pulchripes)

• Nicaraguan Curly Hair Tarantula (Tliltocatl albopilosus)

• Mexican Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma hamorii)

• Mexican Giant Red Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma smithi)

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to explore other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.