Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair/fur

Spiderlings are a vivid metallic blue with a black tree-trunk pattern on the abdomen. As they mature, the carapace turns green, the abdomen red, and the legs become green with pink tarsi and a covering of purple hairs. Males are usually slightly brighter than females.1

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is usually calm and docile, making it a good choice for beginners with arboreal species. However, it can be very quick, jumpy and flighty when startled, and may leap onto hands or clothing during enclosure maintenance. Handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid stress and injury from falls.25

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal; spends the day in a dense white silk shelter and hunts at night. Needs a tall enclosure with branches and foliage for climbing and web-building.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. Mist the enclosure with lukewarm water moderately to provide drinking droplets and maintain humidity, but ensure good ventilation so the enclosure dries within 24 hours. Remove uneaten prey and clean the enclosure as needed. Handle only when absolutely necessary, using a cup and cardboard method to move the spider safely.5

Home where they are happiest

Arboreal set-up: a tall, well-ventilated terrarium with a deep layer of slightly damp substrate and a layer of moist sphagnum moss. Provide branches, artificial plants and a water bowl (for adults) attached to the side. Temperature 76-82°F (24-28°C) with a possible night drop to 72-76°F (22-24°C). Humidity 70-80%, but good ventilation is critical to prevent stagnant, overly damp conditions. Must be housed individually as they are cannibalistic.52

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous; feeds on crickets, roaches, moths and other arthropods. Adults may occasionally take small vertebrates such as anoles or house geckos. Feed a cricket or two no larger than the spider's body once a week for young, and a few half-grown crickets weekly for juveniles and adults.53

Company who they like around

Solitary; must be housed individually at all ages as they are cannibalistic. Not a social animal and does not require companionship.5

The story where it all began

The Antilles pinktoe tarantula is native to the rainforests of Martinique in the Caribbean. It was originally placed in the genus Avicularia but has since been reclassified as Caribena versicolor. It has been kept in captivity for many years and is prized for its dramatic colour change from metallic blue spiderlings to green, red and purple adults. Its generally calm temperament and stunning appearance have made it a popular display tarantula among hobbyists, though beginners may find its specific humidity and ventilation needs challenging.156