Peruvian Pinktoe Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair/fur

This tarantula has a body covered in setae (hairs). The carapace often shows green, purple, and gold hues, and the leg tips are pink. The abdomen bears golden or reddish setae and type II urticating hairs. Juveniles have a different pattern with black tarsi and a striped abdomen.14

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is generally docile but can be skittish. When disturbed it prefers to retreat or bolt, and it may jump short distances. It is not aggressive but keepers should use a catch cup and work carefully. It is suitable for intermediate owners who understand arboreal spiders.24

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and arboreal. The enclosure must provide vertical space, cork bark or a tube for web retreats, and sturdy foliage or twigs as anchors. This spider is a fast escape risk so the vivarium must be secure.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No grooming needed. Type II urticating hairs can irritate skin and eyes, so avoid handling and wash hands after any enclosure work. Enclosure cleaning should be done carefully without tearing the web retreat.12

Home where they are happiest

An arboreal set-up with a secure vertical enclosure about 30 x 30 x 45 cm for adults. Provide a vertical cork tube or bark slab, stable twigs and foliage, and about 5 cm of moisture-buffering substrate. Strong cross-ventilation is essential. Humidity should be 65-80% (up to 80-90% during premolt) with temperatures 20-28°C. A shallow water dish must always be available. Never seal a wet enclosure; stale air is dangerous. Keep the spider alone.234

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a variety of insects: crickets, roaches, and locusts where legal. Spiderlings may eat every few days, juveniles and adults every 7 to 14 days depending on body condition. Remove uneaten prey promptly, especially when the spider is moulting or sealed in its web tube.24

Company who they like around

House alone. Communal keeping is not appropriate for ordinary care.2

The story where it all began

Avicularia juruensis was first described in 1923 by Cândido Firmino de Mello-Leitão from specimens collected in the Juruá region of Brazil. In 1994, Gunter Schmidt described Avicularia urticans from Peru, but in 2017 Caroline Fukushima and Rogério Bertani synonymised the two species. The species has been sold as a pet under both names, often as Peruvian pinktoe. Captive specimens may belong to one of two colour morphotypes: morphotype 1 has a golden pink sheen (the former A. urticans) and morphotype 2 has a purple sheen.1

Recognised by the official bits

World Spider Catalog

Lists Avicularia juruensis as a valid species from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.2