Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
The Pink-toed Tarantula (Aviculara avicularia)
The pink-toed tarantula
The pink-toed tarantula (Aviculara avicularia) is a species of tarantula native to South America, Costa Rica to Brazil and the southern Caribbean. This species is sometimes called the Guyana pinktoe, Common pinktoe or South American pinktoe since they are frequently harvested from those areas.
The mature pinktoe tarantula has a dark-coloured body and pinkish feet in keeping with its name. Juvenile specimens, however, have pinkish bodies and dark-coloured feet. Pinktoe tarantulas undergo a reversal in their coloration as they approach adulthood.
These types of tarantulas are very docile, albeit nervous and jumpy and are frequently kept as pets. Although all tarantulas are prone to cannibalism, pinktoes are more tolerant of one another and can be stored in the same vivarium, if it is large enough. Being arboreal species, they require a relatively tall habitat with plenty of climbing space. They require a lot of moisture, along with ample ventilation to prevent moulds from developing.
Tarantulas are said to come from fairly low habitats, places such as low plants, buildings, under leaves, behind small blocks among other places.
Adult pinktoes can reach lengths of about 4.5 inches. They are generally regarded as slow spiders although they can move at paces comparable to other species.
It is said that they have no real defence mechanism, as such they rarely attempt to attack. They are unable to spit their hairs and instead have to force them into their victims.
Tarantulas are said to 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. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. 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 this tarantula’s natural defences may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous.
They are known to tackle most insects, including crickets, locusts and roaches.
And since this species of tarantula is common, docile, beautiful, and can be speedy, they are often accepted as pets.
Although generally easy to rear they can become more of a challenge if more than one are kept together in a terrarium. Unlike other tarantulas the Pink toes may be socially if provided with certain conditions.
It is said that spiderlings can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. 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 terrarium 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.
An ideal enclosure should consist of a 4-gallon tank (give or take a gallon or so), and furnished with lots of climbing material, including cork bark, logs, and fake plants. The bottom of the enclosure should be lined with a layer of substrate, eco earth of peat does the job well, to help retain humidity. A water dish should also be provided. Temperatures should be around 25 degrees celsius.
Ventilation is very important with this species, and 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, moulds can grow, making it a dangerous environment for the tarantula. Death can occur from moulds growing in the spiders’ lungs. Overall, the Pinktoe Tarantula can be an inexpensive and rewarding tarantula species to keep in captivity.
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