Chilean Rose Tarantula   "Rosie"
Scientific name: Grammostola rosea
Habitat: Burrows or trees in Chile
Time at Explorit: 4-5 years

Tarantulas can be intimidating animals. This is certainly part of their defense. In most situations where rose tarantulas are threatened they attempt to retreat and hide. If this isn't possible they rear onto their back legs. As a last resort they may bite, which is only as poisonous as the sting of a wasp. They may also fling urticating hairs at a perceived attacker. These hairs resemble tiny pieces of glass and can cause skin irritation and in rare occasions respiratory irritation.