Critters in the classroom, insect edition: Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula
Elementary/Middle School
This rose-hair tarantula is so cute and cuddly, you won't even remember your arachnophobia.
Hailing from southern Peru and Northern Chile from the Atacama Desert, these friendly creatures are docile and calm when handled, making them a fascinating classroom pet. They are molting creatures, which means they will shed their exoskeleton as they mature and grow larger.
They live for years on a diet of crickets, and because they can bite when provoked, we recommend housing them alone and handling them with care. They'll easily become accustomed to being handled and will remain friendly unless they feel threatened.
Watch this video to get better acquainted with this eight-legged friend and learn how to properly handle and care for them in your classroom.
Ready to welcome this critter into your classroom? Discover more resources below:
