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Venezuelan Suntiger
Psalmopoeus irminia
Venezuelan sun tiger tarantola. A stunning arboreal species featuring a velvety black body with bright orange chevron patterns on the abdomen. Known for its high speed, jumping ability, and defensive behavior.
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Theraphosidae
Subfamily:Aviculariinae
Genus:Psalmopoeus
Species:Psalmopoeus irminia
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
65 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 28 °C
Night temperature
20 - 24 °C
UVB
None
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the warm, humid tropical rainforests of Venezuela and Guyana. It is strictly arboreal, nesting in hollow trees, vertical bark crevices, or large epiphytes, where it constructs retreats camouflaged with silk, soil, and bark debris.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Adult females are highly striking, reaching a leg span of 14-16 cm, with a deep velvety black coloration, bright orange chevron patterns on the abdomen, and orange-tipped legs. Males are smaller, lighter greyish-brown, and lose their vibrant colors after their mature molt. This species lacks urticating hairs.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly nocturnal and arboreal. Highly active and lightning-fast. It is a reclusive spider that spends the day in its vertical silk tube, emerging at night to hunt. It is highly defensive; when disturbed, it will readily assume a threat pose and strike repeatedly if cornered.
Morphology: Distinct sexual dimorphism. Mature females are much larger, heavier, and display intense black and orange coloration. Males are smaller, thin, lack the orange coloration, and possess longer legs.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented enclosure (minimum 20x20x40 cm). Furnish with tall, hollow cork bark tubes or slabs placed vertically. Provide a moisture-retaining substrate such as coco fiber or peat (7-10 cm deep) and a shallow elevated water dish.
Lighting and Heating: Maintain a warm environment with daytime temperatures of 25-28°C and a night drop to 20-22°C. Avoid direct heat lamps or bright lights, as this species is highly photophobic.
Humidity and Hydration: Requires high relative humidity (70-85%). Dampen the substrate regularly while ensuring excellent cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant air, which can cause fatal fungal infections or respiratory issues.
Feeding and Supplementation: Voracious hunter. Feeds on grills, roaches, and locusts. Adult spiders should be fed once every 10-14 days. Remove any uneaten prey or food remains to maintain cleanliness.
Compatibility: Strictly solitary and territorial. Due to high cannibalistic tendencies, they must be housed individually. Cohabitation with other species is not possible.
Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to dehydration, mold, and poor ventilation. Due to their active nature, falls can cause fatal abdominal rupture. The venom is medically significant, causing severe pain and muscle cramping; handling is strictly prohibited.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Native to the warm, humid tropical rainforests of Venezuela and Guyana. It is strictly arboreal, nesting in hollow trees, vertical bark crevices, or large epiphytes, where it constructs retreats camouflaged with silk, soil, and bark debris.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Terrestrial invertebrate profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- No verified data available
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Venom level
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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