Ecuadorian Purple Pinktoe

Looks how to spot one

hair (setae)

The body is covered in dark red-brown setae. On the carapace, legs and palps there is a striking metallic purple-blue iridescence that refracts light. The tarsal tufts are pale cream-pink, and the abdomen is velvet-black with urticating hairs.12

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is generally placid and not aggressive. It prefers to flee or retreat into its web when startled rather than attack. It can be flighty and quick, and may flick urticating hairs or launch excrement up to 2-3 feet if it feels threatened. Handling is not recommended.563

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low; it is an arboreal spider that spends most of its time in its silk retreat. It does not need exercise but benefits from a tall enclosure with climbing structures.42

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. The enclosure should be spot-cleaned of uneaten prey and waste. Misting the substrate and webbing every few days helps maintain humidity. A water bowl should be provided. Use long tongs for maintenance to avoid startling the spider.43

Home where they are happiest

A tall, vertical arboreal enclosure (at least 12 inches high) with good cross-ventilation. Use cork bark, branches and artificial plants for climbing and retreats. Substrate should be lightly moist. Temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C), humidity 65-80%. Avoid stagnant, damp air.432

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous; feed live crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, waxworms and darkling beetles 2-3 times a week for juveniles, once weekly for adults. In the wild it may also take small rodents.147

Company who they like around

Solitary. Keep individually; females become aggressive towards males during mating. Not a social animal and does not require companionship.17

The story where it all began

Avicularia purpurea was first described by Kirk in 1990. It is native to the Amazon lowland rainforests of Ecuador, where it lives in tree hollows and cavities. It has been kept in the pet trade for many years and is prized for its vivid purple-blue iridescence. It is considered a good species for intermediate tarantula keepers due to its calm nature and manageable care requirements.127