Care Sheet

Antilles Pinktoe Tree Spider(Avicularia versicolor)

The Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula has to be one of the most beautiful tarantula species in the world. When the spiderlings hatch out, they are a brillant blue color, and by the time they reach adult coloration they become covered in reds, greens, and purples. The photo above shows the adult coloration. It is a docile yet skittish species that can be quick to run if disturbed. This still does not eliminate it from the beginners' category, but there are easier species out there. These colorful, fairly large tarantulas create strong webs in tree bark in the wild, and they will do the same in captivity if provided with branches or cork bark. Poor ventilation is a death sentence for the Antilles Pinktoe, like many other tropical arboreal species. If the air in the tank is damp and stale, molds will grow, and death can occur from molds growing in the spider's lungs.

Range: Tropical areas of Antilles, Guadeloupe, and possibly the surrounding Caribbean islands.

Type: Arboreal

Diet: Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults will eat crickets and roaches.

Size: 5 to 6 inches when fully grown.

Growth: Medium to fast growth

Temperature: 75° to 80° Fahrenheit

Humidity/Water Requirements: 75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.

Temperament: Docile and skittish. Will tolerate some handling.

Housing: Spiderlings can live in a small clear plastic deli-container with air holes poked with a pin. Use a small amount of substrate such as vermiculite, peat moss or coco fiber. Adults will live in a Large Arboreal Cage Height is more important than floor space. Cork bark leaned on the side of the cage is ideal to simulate a tree, in which they live and hide in. Moss can be added for extra moisture retention and looks.