Common Name: Pink Toe Tarantula
Scientific Name: Avicularia avicularia
Size: 4.5 to 5 inches
Pink Toe Tarantulas are from tropical areas of Brazil, Trinidad, Guyana, French Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela, and throughout the Amazon Basin. This species is fairly docile and is a good beginner's choice. It has a tendency to be rather nervous until used to its surroundings. They are agile jumpers and fast when startled. They can usually be easily and safely handled. Pink Toe Tarantula’s are tree dwellers and are nocturnal.
Captive Environment:
Adults can live in a 10 to 40-gallon tank, depending on the number of tarantulas. This Avicularia species can be kept communally in a large, well-planted aquarium with many hiding spots and broad-leaved plants. There should be little or no cannibalism, especially if the tarantulas are about the same size. Height is more important than floor space. 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. Substrate should be 2 to 3 inches of jungle mix soil, reptile bark chips or shredded coconut husks. Mist the enclosure daily to provide a Rainforest-type climate. Cover the enclosure with screen lid to provide the Ventilation that is very important with this species, many people have lost tarantulas due to the poor ventilation. These tarantulas need higher humidity than most other species as well, making ventilation even more important! If the air in the tank is damp and stale, molds can grow, making it a dangerous environment for the tarantula.
Temperature:
Temperature 75 to 82F. with a relative humidity of at least 75%. An under-tank heat pad is required. Always use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Water:
All tarantulas that have at least a 3" leg span may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Food:
Adults eat crickets, moths, flies, other large insects, and an occasional small lizard or pinkie mouse. Do not leave uneaten live food to over run the enclosure as these will annoy, stress or damage the tarantula.
*Please note that ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. Also, New World species of tarantulas like this one can rub urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of these tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
