Avicularia avicularia

Pinktoe Tarantula

Origin

New World

Native Range

Region: Northern South America

Countries:

Brazil
Guyana
Suriname
French Guiana
Venezuela
Trinidad and Tobago

Type

Arboreal

Pinktoe tarantulas inhabit tropical rainforests where they spend their lives in trees, shrubs, and other elevated hiding places. Warm temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and excellent airflow characterize much of their natural habitat.

Overview

The Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) is one of the most recognizable arboreal tarantulas in the hobby and is often recommended as an introduction to tree-dwelling species. Native to the tropical forests of northern South America, these tarantulas are known for their dark bodies, distinctive pink feet, and calm, deliberate movements.

Unlike many terrestrial tarantulas, A. avicularia spends nearly its entire life above the ground, constructing dense silken retreats among branches, leaves, and tree hollows. Their beautiful web structures and gentle demeanor make them fascinating display animals when provided with a properly designed enclosure.

While generally considered a beginner-friendly arboreal species, successful husbandry depends on providing excellent ventilation alongside appropriate humidity rather than maintaining constantly damp conditions.

GENERAL HUSBANDRY

Temperature

Recommended: 72-80*F (22-27*C)

Brief fluctuations outside this range are generally well tolerated, but maintaining stable room temperatures promotes healthy growth and feeding.

Humidity

Rather than chasing a specific humidity percentage, focus on providing access to fresh water while allowing the enclosure to dry between light waterings.

Lightly moistening a portion of the substrate or enclosure after it dries can help maintain suitable conditions without creating stagnant, overly wet environments.

Ventilation

Excellent cross-ventilation is essential

This species benefits from fresh airflow throughout the enclosure. Good ventilation helps prevent stale, damp conditions that may contribute to husbandry issues.

Feeding

Slings

Flightless fruit flies
Small crickets
Red runner nymphs

Feed approximately every 4–7 days.

Juveniles

Small to medium crickets
Dubia roaches
Red runner roaches

Feed every 7–10 days.

Adults

Large crickets
Dubia roaches
Red runners

Most adults thrive when fed every 10–14 days.

**Always provide fresh water regardless of feeding schedule.**

Enclosure Design

Substrate & Decor

Pinktoe tarantulas require a vertically oriented enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities.

Recommended Features

Vertical cork bark or cork tubes
Artificial or live foliage
Multiple web attachment points
Water dish mounted or placed near elevated areas if practical
Deep enough substrate to retain some moisture, though the spider rarely uses the ground

Acrylic arboreal enclosures with abundant ventilation work particularly well.

Growth & Size Metrics

Growth Rate: Moderate

Specify diagonal leg span here. Provide average measurements for both males and females if distinct.

Adult Leg Span: 4.5–5.5 inches

Adult Female Lifespan: 10–12 years

Adult Male Lifespan: 3–4 years

Behavioral Observations

Pinktoe tarantulas are generally considered one of the calmer arboreal species, although individuals can be surprisingly quick when startled.

Rather than displaying defensive behavior, they often choose to retreat into their webbed hide or move rapidly through the enclosure. They frequently construct elaborate silk retreats near the upper portions of their enclosure and may spend long periods resting inside these structures during daylight hours before becoming more active after dark.

Quick Facts

Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
Venom Significance: Mild (New World)
Urticating Hairs: Type II (Released by direct contact instead of kicking)
Display Species: Excellent
Webbing: Heavy
Temperament: Generally calm
Visibility: Moderate
Speed: Moderate to fast
Climbing: Excellent