The Maule Beauty: A Guide to the Rare Grammostola sp. Maule for UK Keepers
The Wow Factor
If you are a fan of the classic Chilean Rose Hair but want something with a more refined, metallic glow, the Grammostola sp. Maule is the spider for you. Named after the Maule Region of Central Chile, this species is a rising star in the hobby. It features a stunning metallic copper-to-bronze carapace and is covered in long, silky, reddish-pink hairs that give it a "fluffy" and luxurious appearance. For the UK keeper, the G. sp. Maule represents the best of the Chilean highlands—a calm, hardy, and visually radiant spider that looks like it has been dusted with rose-gold powder.
Size, Growth, and Longevity
The Grammostola sp. Maule is a medium-sized terrestrial tarantula, typically reaching an adult diagonal leg span of 12cm to 14cm (around 5 inches). Like many of its Chilean cousins, it possesses a slow growth rate. It takes its time to mature, but the result is a robust and impressively long-lived animal. Females are legendary for their hardiness and can live for 20 to 25 years, making them a true "pet for life." In the UK, they are prized as slow-burning investments—spiders that you can watch develop and thrive over decades.
Temperament and Suitability
The temperament of G. sp. Maule is famously docile and calm. While some Grammostola can be a bit "moody," the Maule variant is known for being steady and predictable. As a new world species, it possesses urticating hairs, but it is extremely reluctant to use them, preferring to slowly wander its enclosure or sit stoically in its favourite spot.
Because of its gentle nature and extreme hardiness, it is an excellent choice for beginners in the UK. It is a "low-maintenance" species that is perfect for those who want a beautiful display animal without the stress of high speed or defensive behavior. For advanced collectors, its rarity compared to the standard Rose Hair makes it a prestigious and sought-after addition.
Enclosure Setup
Hailing from the Mediterranean climate of Central Chile, the G. sp. Maule is perfectly suited to the average UK home. They require a terrestrial setup with 10cm to 15cm of dry substrait. While they are opportunistic burrowers, they are often seen sitting out in the open, making them fantastic display animals.
Environmental care is exceptionally easy: they thrive at standard UK room temperatures of 20°C to 24°C. They prefer a drier environment with humidity around 40% to 50%. Keep the substrate mostly dry, providing a shallow water dish for hydration. Like many Chilean species, they may occasionally enter "fasting periods" where they refuse food for weeks or months, especially during the winter—this is completely normal behavior for the genus. They are steady eaters of crickets, roaches, and locusts when active.
Conclusion
The Grammostola sp. Maule is a copper-toned gem from the heart of Chile. Its radiant metallic carapace, combined with a "gentle giant" personality and incredible longevity, makes it a premier choice for any UK keeper. Whether you are starting your journey into the hobby or looking for a rare Chilean classic to complete your collection, the "Maule" is a shimmering, long-lived companion that truly stands out.
