Guyana Pinktoe Tarantula
Avicularia avicularia
The Avicularia avicularia, commonly known as 'Pinktoe Tarantula'. The quintessence of arboreal spiders, as well as the 'Type' species for New World arboreal tarantulas. It is famous for its dense black or bluish fur (4.7-5.5 inches legspan) and, above all, for the bright peach pink tips of the legs. Patient, clumsy on the ground but very agile on glass, it builds thick aerial silk tunnels. Being hygrophilous and arboreal, it imperatively requires excellent cross-ventilation to ward off lethal stagnant air.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
70 - 80 %
Temperatura diurna
24 - 28 °C
Temperatura noturna
22 - 25 °C
Descrição da espécie
Geographic Origin and Habitat: World Spider Catalog lists Avicularia avicularia from Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia. This taxonomic distribution entry does not characterize habitat conditions.
Taxonomy and Genetics: World Spider Catalog lists Avicularia avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758) as an accepted species and the type species of Avicularia. This catalog entry does not provide genetic results.
Behaviour and Habits: The cited taxonomic catalog does not provide behavioural observations for this species.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: The cited taxonomic catalog entry does not provide a morphological description or sexual-dimorphism measurements; none are inferred here.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Terrarium Setup: In a Trinidad population, the cited study found retreats on vegetation and human constructions. First-eight-instar specimens were predominantly between leaves of low-growing plants, especially Heliconia, holding leaf edges together with silk; after that stage, spiders tended to use more elevated structures without incorporating leaves. These are field observations, not captive-enclosure dimensions or material requirements.
Lighting and Heating: This source does not provide a captive lighting or heating schedule; none is inferred from the Trinidad field observations.
Humidity and Hydration: The study does not quantify humidity, hydration, or a captive target. No terrarium parameter is inferred.
Feeding and Supplementation: In the Trinidad study, captures of katydids, cockroaches, scarabs and lizards were recorded. This field prey record does not establish captive prey amounts, supplementation, or a feeding schedule.
Compatibility and Coexistence: The cited observations do not evaluate cohabitation or provide a compatibility recommendation.
Health and Common Diseases: No disease, treatment, or veterinary-management evidence is reported in this source.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Esta espécie é originária de: Sud America (Foreste pluviali dell'Amazzonia, Guyana, Brasile e bacino dell'Orinoco).
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e GuianasAmérica Central e Caribe
Perfil de invertebrados terrestres
- Dieta
- Carnivore
- Avicularia avicularia is an opportunistic ambush predator that thrives on a diet of appropriately sized live insects. Crickets, roaches, and mealworms make excellent staple feeders for this species. Prey should be gut-loaded and occasionally dusted with supplements to ensure optimal nutrition. It is important not to overfeed, as a highly distended abdomen can increase the risk of fatal injuries from falls. Remove any uneaten live prey after 24 hours to prevent them from stressing or injuring the spider.
- Tamanho adulto
- 15 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- Avicularia avicularia is perfectly adapted to its specific ecological niche, requiring a setup that closely mimics its natural environment. Terrestrial species need deep, specialized substrate for burrowing, while arboreal species require vertical cork bark tubes and elevated hides. They are generally solitary creatures that should be housed individually to prevent predation. A proper water dish and an appropriate microclimate are essential components of their enclosure. They lead a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they do not require excessively large enclosures compared to active reptiles.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Nocturnal
- Like most tarantulas, Avicularia avicularia is primarily nocturnal, showing the highest levels of activity during the night. They generally remain hidden in their burrows or web tubes during daylight hours to avoid heat and predators. Once the lights go out, they often emerge to sit at the entrance of their hide, waiting to ambush passing prey. Despite being mostly inactive during the day, they may occasionally venture out for water or to adjust their webbing. Maintaining a natural photoperiod is recommended to support this internal circadian rhythm.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- While occasionally reported to tolerate communal setups in massive enclosures with abundant food, it is inherently cannibalistic and generally solitary. To ensure the safety of the spiders, housing them individually is the only recommended practice. The risk of cannibalism, especially during molting, is always high.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding Avicularia avicularia requires careful introduction of the mature male to the female's enclosure to minimize the risk of cannibalism. The male will drum on the substrate to announce his presence and gauge the female's receptivity. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing hundreds of eggs. She will guard this sac fiercely for several weeks until the spiderlings emerge. Providing optimal temperature and humidity during this incubation period is critical for the success of the clutch.
- Venenoso
- Yes
- Tolerância de tratamento
- Tolerant
- Handling Avicularia avicularia is generally discouraged by experienced keepers, as it provides no benefit to the spider and introduces significant risks. A fall from even a minor height can rupture their delicate abdomen, resulting in fatal injury. Additionally, they can deliver a painful bite or release irritating urticating hairs if they become stressed or defensive. If they must be moved for enclosure maintenance, the "catch cup" method is the safest and most stress-free approach. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of the animal over the desire to interact physically.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- Tarantulas like Avicularia avicularia do not undergo true brumation, but their metabolism may slow down considerably if exposed to cooler winter temperatures. In captivity, it is best to maintain a stable, warm temperature year-round to ensure healthy growth and digestion. If temperatures do drop slightly, you may notice a decrease in appetite and activity levels. Never allow the enclosure to reach freezing temperatures, as this will quickly prove fatal. Heating should always be provided via a thermostat-controlled heat mat applied to the side, never the bottom, of the tank.
- Muda
- Periodic
- Molting is a critical and vulnerable process for Avicularia avicularia, allowing it to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Before molting, they often refuse food for weeks, become sluggish, and may spin a molting mat of webbing. They will typically flip onto their back to shed their old exoskeleton—never mistake a spider in this position for a dead one. It is crucial to maintain adequate humidity during this time and strictly avoid feeding them until their fangs have fully hardened. Disturbing a tarantula mid-molt can be fatal, so they must be left completely alone.
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