Purple Pinktoe Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair

The body is covered in fine setae (hairs). The carapace, legs, palps and chelicerae have a velvety dark base with a striking purple-blue iridescence that shifts with light. The abdomen is velvet-black and bears urticating hairs. The tarsal tufts (feet tips) are pale cream-pink, giving the 'pinktoe' name. Juveniles are metallic green with a contrasting abdominal pattern that fades with age.12

Personality what they are like

Avicularia purpurea is generally docile and not aggressive. It prefers to flee or hide when disturbed rather than fight. It may flick urticating hairs or, like other pinktoes, eject liquid droppings a short distance if it feels threatened. Bites are very rare and mild. It can be skittish and fast, especially when startled, so handling is not recommended for beginners.45

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and sedentary. It spends most of the day resting in a silken retreat and becomes active at night to hunt. No exercise requirements beyond providing climbing structures.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The spider cleans itself. Keep the enclosure clean by removing uneaten prey after 3-12 hours to prevent mould and mites. Provide a shallow water dish and mist one corner of the enclosure every few days to maintain moderate humidity. Good ventilation is essential to prevent stagnant air.5

Home where they are happiest

Arboreal enclosure that is taller than it is wide. Provide climbing structures such as cork bark, branches or vines, and anchor points for webbing. A layer of about 5 cm (2 inches) of substrate on the floor, a cork bark hide, and a water bowl. Temperature 22-24°C (72-76°F). Moderate to medium-high humidity, maintained by misting. Cross-ventilation is important. Not listed under CITES or EU regulations, but local laws may apply.43

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Feed captive-reared crickets, roaches, locusts or mealworms. Prey should be no longer than the spider's abdomen. Spiderlings can take flightless fruit flies or pinhead crickets. Adults eat every 4-10 days; spiderlings every 2-5 days. Remove uneaten prey after a few hours. Do not feed wild-caught insects as they may carry pesticides or parasites.24

Company who they like around

Solitary. Must be housed alone as they are cannibalistic, especially females towards males. No social interaction needed. Not venomous to humans in a dangerous sense (mild venom), but it is a new world tarantula with urticating hairs that can cause skin irritation. Not illegal to keep in most countries, but always check local regulations.413

The story where it all began

Avicularia purpurea was described by Peter Kirk in 1990. It is native to the Amazon lowland rainforests of Ecuador, where it lives in tree hollows and cavities. The species name 'purpurea' refers to its metallic purple-blue sheen. In the pet trade it is known as the Purple Pinktoe and has been bred in captivity for many years. A 2017 revision by Fukushima and Bertani confirmed the species and noted colour variation between northern and southern populations.215

Recognised by the official bits

World Spider Catalog

Accepted species described by Kirk in 19902