Pink toe Tarantula is a tree-living species normally submitted as the Avicularia. These beautiful arboreal tarantulas are native to northern South America and the southern Caribbean. They are gorgeous spiders to interrelate with and scrutinize. They include many colors such as pink, blue, red, purple, and their signature pink toes. These spiders have small sizes and sometimes have a medium size. They love to spend their time off the ground and favor building its web in the corners and cracks of trees. This species is very easy to keep, and this attribute makes it one of the more popular spiders for beginner tarantula keepers looking to wander off from the standard of earthly species. It has a short lifespan averaging between 7 to 12 years, but females typically have a longer life span than males.
Physical Description
These tarantulas have unique colors, but the overall color of the spider is black with a mixture of some green Versicolor on the upper body. Each leg contains pink color at the end, and this is the reason it is called a Pink toe tarantula. The incisors of the tarantula crease under the body, meaning that it must hit downwards to pierce its prey. These Avicularia versicolor spiders have eight legs and 4 pairs of legs. They also have four other attachments close to the mouth called chelicerae and pedipalps. The pedipalps are used as sensors and claws, while the chelicerae hold fangs and poison. Both functions help in feeding. The pedipalps are also used as male reproduction parts during mating. These spiders have hairy bodies and dark color abdomen with pink feet, which makes them more attractive.
| Common Names | Pink toe tarantula, Antilles tree spider |
| Scientific Name | Avicularia versicolor |
| Adult Size | Leg span of 3.5 to 5 inches |
| Life Span | Up to 10 years in captivity |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Price | $30 – $100 |
| Enclosure Size | 5-gallon |
| Range | South, Central American Rainforests |
| Similar Species | Rose Hair and Curly Hair Tarantula |
Size
The pink-toed tarantula is a medium-sized, tree-residence tarantula. The size of females is about 4.75 inches leg span while males have near to 3.5 inches.
Behavior & Temperament
The pink-toed tarantula has a playful temperament. These spiders move quickly and yet flick hairs if worried. Though, most would not essentially deem them to be a belligerent species. They move slowly and arbitrarily scurry off and jump to the next position. These spiders belong to the new world tarantula, but they commonly do not bite. But in case of a bite, the pink toes venom is relatively gentle. They are disreputable “poop-shooters” and will shoot feces at whatever bothers them.
This is quite a common attribute of Avicularia species, but it is often just the keeper twists up on the receiving end of the pink toes strange tricks. These tarantulas have unique colors, which make them display animals. The pink toes consider good pets but sometimes try to jump and run arbitrarily. They are perfect for beginners tarantula keepers. They do have the ability to bring a bite if they hold a mouth. The edges are dangerous as bee stings. So, if a person gets bitten by this tarantula, they have a severe allergic reaction. It is recommended to avoid handling this spider.
Pinktoe Tarantula Care Sheet
Housing for Pinktoe Tarantula
Pink toes are tree tarantulas that need height instead of the outer region when it comes to an enclosure. There are many online classes indicating the simplicity of converting a 10-gallon aquarium into appropriate arboreal sections for an adult pink toe tarantula. But there are many places to buy a suitable enclosure. To maintain the humidity level, plastic pens are best. Sometimes glass terrarium is also best as the enclosure. Humidity and ventilation is the most essential point. Because poorly ventilated enclosures with clammy, humid conditions can cause the death of your tarantula, too damp of a substrate can also draw mites and cast. The front- or side-opening enclosures are the best for arboreal species for many causes.
The opening of the section from the top can bother your pink-toed tarantula, and it also makes it easier for the spider to flee when worried. This species loves to climb and jump. It always tries to make its hide-hole region close to the top of the terrarium. Sometimes it makes holes out of the web and between the plants or after the furnishings inside. These Pinktoe spiders need the cover. That’s why many florae are placed at the top of the terrarium. In some enclosures, cork bark tubes are used for the Pink toe to grow at angles within the terrariums. The humidity level must be between 75 to 85 percent, and you can achieve this level through vapors. The substrate with the ability to absorb moisture is also necessary. Sometimes a tiny dish of water is used for humidity.
Substrate of Enclosure
As Avicularia is not an earthly class, the substrate for your pet tarantula could be something as easy as coconut thread sphagnum moss or natural and pesticide-free potting earth. The deepness is not virtually as significant as it is when contracting with burrowing species. The enclosure temperature is also critical and should remain between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This can achieve by maintaining the room temperature or by placing the heat mat or heat ribbon under the enclosure. Try to avoid the open area for the tarantula section. The direct heat of the sun is dangerous for your pet tarantula, and it may kill your pet.
Pinktoe Tarantula Diet
In the untamed, the pink-toned tarantula nourishes a diversity of prey. Typically, small invertebrates and also smaller vertebrates, for instance, lizards and frogs, are used for feeding. But in captivity, the size of the prey is essential for the health and growth of your tarantula. Many pet stores have many food options for Pink toe tarantula. Some keeper takes a difficult task and gives the insects to a tarantula in the enclosure. It would help if you gave Dubai roaches, live crickets, and mealworms the most common feed for a tarantula. You can also purchase it from any tarantula pet store. Ensure you have selected the best and proper diet for your tarantula because a healthy diet is necessary for growth.
The favorite food of Pinktoe is Dubai roaches. To put your Pinktoe on the chase, throw some crickets or insects into the terrarium. Once your tarantula takes food, the leftover food causes many bacteria in the terrarium, so it is essential to clean the leftover foodstuff. The proper heat and lighting are also crucial factors for your tarantula health.
Pinktoe Tarantulas as Pets
Tarantulas are usually enduring animals that don’t face any health issues in custody. But it would be best if you also kept a vigilant eye on the tarantula’s behavior and movement. If your pet shows lazy behavior and loss of appetite, then it may need your concern. These symptoms can point out a latent health problem, and you should seek advice from a veterinarian specializing in tarantulas. Some keepers get confused and consider it tarantula’s molting and ignore its sickness. These spiders are skittish and love to jump, so it is necessary to handle your pet with proper care. Do not grip your Pink toe tarantula if you see his aggressive behavior. They sometimes throw urticating hair if they feel threatened. These tarantulas also use some other defense strategies.
Molting of Pinktoe Tarantula
Molting is a process that is important in the growth of invertebrates such as tarantulas and the pink-toed tarantula. As they grow, you’ll notice a radical modification between spiderlings and mature adults. The coloration also changes after molting, the spiderlings have pink and black little toes, and when they become adults, the coloration turns dark with the pink toes. And due to this coloration, they are known as Pink toe tarantula. Molting can be a lengthy procedure, but it usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. You should provide the proper environment for your tarantula during molting.
The common symptoms of molting are lethargic behavior and loss of appetite. The critical attribute of Pinktoe is it likes to molt in its hide. In this process, the spider sheds its exoskeleton to form new skin. During molting, many tarantulas sit on their back and sometimes look dead. Though, if you observe that your Pinktoe is losing weight, is hiding in a curve pushed in all day, or has an emaciated stomach, this may be a symbol of sickness. At this time, you should consult a good and expert veterinarian.
Reproduction and Growth of Pinktoe Tarantula
After the molting, males build up a “finger” on the bottom of the first set of front legs that helps to clip and lock the female’s incisors and stabilize themselves while they mate. After mating, the male dies within a few months. The female must have newly molted in sequence to duplicate, or acquired sperm will be misplaced through the molt. It creates a web in which she lays 50 to 200 eggs. The female tarantula then enfolds the eggs into a ball and protector the egg pouch.
