At a glance the quick version
Diagonal leg span (DLS) of 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) for adults.
Females can live up to 12-15 years; males around 3-4 years.
Looks how to spot one
Hairy body, no urticating hairs
This tarantula has a hairy appearance with a body divided into two parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen, connected by a narrow stalk. It has eight legs and a pair of smaller pedipalps. The abdomen shows chevron (V-shaped) markings.1
Personality what they are like
This spider is fast and skittish rather than outright aggressive. When startled it will usually retreat to its webbed hide, but it can become defensive if cornered and may bite. It is very quick and has a defensive attitude, so handling is strongly discouraged.35
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Arboreal and nocturnal. Needs a tall enclosure with vertical bark or branches for climbing and webbing. Provide a water dish and keep one side of the substrate slightly moist. They are active hunters at night and will often sit out in the open once settled.35
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep the enclosure clean, provide a water dish, and maintain humidity by misting one side. Substrate should be kept slightly moist but not wet. Ensure good ventilation to prevent mould. Rehouse carefully as they are fast and can bolt.35
Home where they are happiest
Tall enclosure (about 7 gallons for an adult) with vertical cork bark or branches. Temperature 70-78°F (21-25°C), humidity 65-75%. Provide a water dish and mist one side. They are arboreal and need height more than floor space.37
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous. Feed on live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, superworms, butter worms, houseflies, and cockroaches. Spiderlings eat small prey like fruit flies. Adults can take larger insects. Feed once or twice a week depending on size.75
Company who they like around
Solitary. Do not house together. They are not social and will be stressed by company. They are not aggressive but are defensive if provoked. Their venom is moderate, more potent than typical New World species but not considered medically significant. Handling is not recommended.3
The story where it all began
The Trinidad chevron tarantula is a New World species native to Trinidad and Tobago. It is popular in the exotic pet trade because it is easily bred in captivity and grows quickly. It is known for its striking chevron markings and orange leg bands. It is a fast, defensive species that is recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers.64
Recognised by the official bits
- ITIS
- Valid species, common name Trinidad chevron tarantula8
Popularity Common in the exotic pet trade, easily bred in captivity.6
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Trinidad Chevron Tarantula?
Feed your Trinidad Chevron Tarantula once or twice a week, adjusting portion size to its size. Spiderlings need smaller prey like fruit flies, while adults can take larger insects. Always remove uneaten food after a day to keep the enclosure clean.75 Furry Diary plan
What does a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
This tarantula eats live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, superworms, butter worms, houseflies, and cockroaches. Never feed it dead prey, wild-caught insects, or any food meant for humans or other pets. Stick to gut-loaded, store-bought insects for safety.75
How much space does a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula need?
An adult needs a tall enclosure of about 7 gallons, with height more important than floor space. Provide vertical cork bark or branches for climbing and webbing. This arboreal species thrives when it has room to climb and hide.37
What temperature, light or water does a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula need?
Keep the temperature between 70-78°F (21-25°C) and humidity at 65-75%. Provide a water dish and mist one side of the enclosure to maintain moisture. No special lighting is needed, but ensure good ventilation to prevent mould.37 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula's home?
Spot clean weekly by removing leftover food and waste. Change the substrate every 6 months or as needed. Keep the water dish clean and refill it every couple of days. Good ventilation helps prevent mould.35 Furry Diary plan
Can a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula live with others?
No, this tarantula is solitary and must be housed alone. They are not social and will become stressed or aggressive if kept together. They are defensive when provoked, so separate housing is essential for their well-being.3
How long does a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula live?
Females typically live 12 to 15 years, while males have a shorter lifespan. With proper care, they can reach the upper end of that range. Provide a stable environment and good diet to support their longevity.3
Can I handle a Trinidad Chevron Tarantula?
Handling is strongly discouraged. This tarantula is fast, skittish, and defensive when cornered, and it may bite. Its venom is moderate but not medically significant, but the risk of injury to the spider or owner is high. Enjoy observing it in its enclosure instead.35
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- sta.uwi.edu: Psalmopoeus cambridgei Trinidad Chevron Tarantula sta.uwi.eduused for origin, coat or body, colours, fun fact
- wsc.psbrands-services.de: 44463 wsc.psbrands-services.deused for origin
- thetarantulacollective.com: psalmopoeus cambridgei thetarantulacollective.comused for length cm, lifespan years, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, social needs
- nahf.org: trinidad chevron tarantula nahf.orgused for length cm, history
- tomsbigspiders.com: psalmopoeus cambridgei the trinidad chevron husbandry notes tomsbigspiders.comused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, diet basics
- en.wikipedia.org: Psalmopoeus cambridgei en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, history, popularity, fun fact
- petproducts.org: psalmopoeus cambridgei petproducts.orgused for habitat needs, diet basics
- itis.gov: SingleRpt itis.gov
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.