cityreptiles

Pink Toe Tarantula Care Sheet


Common name(s): Pink-Toe Tarantula.

Latin name: Avicularia avicularia.

Native to: Peurto Rico to Brazil.

Adult size: A medium sized spider with a body length of about 1.5in/4cm, leg span of about 4in/10cm. It is a fairly short lived. Females have a life span of 8-9 years. Males die soon after maturity and have a lifespan of about 3 years.

Eggs or young: Lays 100-400 eggs hatching between 1 and a half to 2 and a half months. The young are called spiderlings.

Appearance: Generally dark in colour and very fuzzy looking with pink or light markings at the end of the toes.

What does it eat? On average offer small amounts of food regularly once a week. Note though that feeding depends on the species, age and time since the last moult. They eat winged invertebrates such as crickets, grasshoppers and moths. Do not leave uneaten live food to over run the vivarium as these will annoy, stress or damage the tarantula.

Ease of care: Beginner upwards.

Temperament: This species is fairly docile and is a good beginner's choice. Has a tendancy to be rather nervous until used to its surroundings. Agile jumper and fast when startled. Can usually be easily and safely handled. Tree dweller. Nocturnal. These are social tarantulas and spiders of similar size can be kept together.

Vivarium set up:
* A tall vivarium 24x24x24in/60x60x60cm will house three to four.
* Rainforest-type climate.
* Substrate: A mix of pure soil, sand and peat.
* Provide branches, bark, cork logs or other climbable structures so it can anchor its web. It creates hammock like webs in branches to rest in.
* Mist daily to maintain humidity.
* Temperature 75-82F/24-28C.
* Relative humidity of at least 75%.
* Under-tank heatpad required.

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