Pink Toed Tarantula

Animal Description:
The Pink Toed Tarantula is an attractive spider. It is colourful and fluffy, it is no surprise that this species is often kept as a pet by hobbyists.
Pink Toed Tarantulas are not commonly seen during the daylight hours. You are much more likely to run into one at night as this is when it is usually hunts for prey. The Pink Toed Tarantula is an arboreal species and is also a web builder. Its tubular webs are commonly seen in folded leaves in the tree of the rainforests where they live. In the wild the Pink Toed Tarantula commonly preys on insects, reptiles and tree frogs. Some have noted that they will occasionally eat small roosting birds. In captivity they can be fed insects. Aquarium floss (thick fabric like stuff in aquarium filters) in the water dish will keep crickets from drowning (clean often to stop bacteria from growing). Many people find the eating behaviour of the tarantula fascinating. Once they capture their prey they will inject their meal with venom. The venom acts to paralyse and kill the victim. Once captured the tarantula will then regurgitate into the victims mouth. These fluids will liquefy the insides of the victim allowing the tarantula to eat them. After feeding only a bare husk remains of the prey. In captivity, the Pink Toed Tarantula will need a tank set up with trees and leaves, mimicking their natural habitat. For substrate, use vermiculite or peat moss. It is important to keep the humidity levels high, at least 80 percent. Low humidity is a primary cause of death among these spiders in captivity. Keep the temperature around 75-85 degrees. As is true with most tarantulas, the Pink Toed Tarantula may flick urticating hairs when it is touched or petted. Some hobbyists have reported that washing one's hands well after handing their Pink Toes will decrease the amount of irritation caused by the urticating hairs. Washing should be done even if no hairs are visible as they are very fine. Like most tarantulas females have a significantly longer lifespan, which averages 8 to 10 years. Males usually live between 2 and 3 years.
Female Pink Toed Tarantulas will grow to a length of up to five inches while males will tend to be smaller measuring only three and a half inches. Like most tarantulas, is difficult to distinguish a male Pink Toed Tarantula from a female until they have reached the adult stage. As adults, the female's abdomen will be larger and the male will have some changes in the pedipalps and first pair of legs. The male's pedipalps will have slight swellings at the ends and there will be a set of "hooks" on the first or second joint of the front legs. These are used to secure the female's cephalothorax or possibly her fangs during mating so she won't kill the male. This species is most easily recognized by their orange or pink "toes." The Pink Toed Tarantula has a black carapace and abdomen; both are covered in long hairs. Because of their distinct colour some have dubbed them the clown of tarantulas.
The Pink Toed Tarantula was the first tarantula ever to be described and documented. These spiders have a wide range and can most commonly be found in Tobago, Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, and Trinidad.

Specific Care Information:
The Pink Toed Tarantula requires high humidity for survival. Failure to keep their tanks at 80 percent humidity can be fatal to these tarantulas. For substrate, use vermiculite or peat moss. It is important to keep the humidity levels high, at least 80 percent. Low humidity is a primary cause of death among these spiders in captivity. Keep the temperature around 75-85 degrees

Please be aware that the care sheet written contain our personal views on the husbandary concerned and should be taken as general guidelines. There are always different opinions on the husbandary of reptiles and if in doubt consult specialist help! Although we will do our best to ensure that all information is a accurate as possible

	Author	Topic: Pink Toed Tarantula (Read 1821 times)
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