Invertebrate Interests is authored & photographed by Lillie Nyte of Inverts Unlimited
Courtesy of Lillie Nyte
Antilles Pink Toe Avicularia versicolor
General Description
Synonyms: Mygale versicolor, Mygale hirtipes, Aranea hirtipes
Common name(s): Antilles pink toe, Antilles tree spider, Martinique pink toe, Martinique red tree spider
Keeper experience: Beginner – Intermediate
Adult size: 5 – 6 inches in leg span
Growth rate: Medium – Fast (Reaches maturity within 2 – 4 years)
Lifespan: Relatively short with males living only 2 – 3 years. Females 8 – 12 years
Type: Arboreal
Temperament: Mostly docile and may tolerate handling but can be nervous and move quickly or jump. Also able to expel fecal matter as a defense
Venom: Mild (Not likely to bite)
Urticating hairs: Yes, possessing type II urticating hairs which can be delivered by kicking or by direct contact with the abdomen
Natural distribution: Caribbean islands of Martinique, Guadalupe, and Dominica in the Lesser Antilles
Natural conditions: Tropical forests, living in tubular dens made of silk within plants such as palms and bromeliads
Courtesy of Lillie Nyte
Antilles Pink Toe Captive Care
Temperature: Mid 70’s to low 80’s
Humidity: Mid to high range
Substrate: 2 – 3 inches of slightly damp substrate, moistened when dry
Prey items: Not picky and will readily consume appropriately sized crickets, roaches, mealworms, and superworms. Prey should be no bigger than the tarantula’s abdomen. Non-burrowing prey items may be preferred.
Miscellany: This species requires a combination of good ventilation and high humidity especially for the health of spiderlings, moist stagnant air can be even more detrimental than conditions that are too dry.