Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia versicolor)

The Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula has to be one of the most beautiful tarantula species in the world! When the spiderlings hatch out, they are a brillant blue color, and by the time they reach adult coloration, the Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula is covered in reds, greens, and even purples! The photo to the left shows the adult coloration. These attractive tarantulas can not be kept communally, like their relative the Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia). The Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula is a docile but skittish species that can be quick to run if disturbed. This still does not eliminate it from the beginners' category, but there are easier species out there. These colorful, fairly large tarantulas create strong webs in tree bark in the wild, and they will do the same in captivity if provided with branches or cork bark. Poor ventilation is a death sentence for a Martinique Pinktoe Tarantula, like many other tropical arboreal species. If the air in the tank is damp and stale, molds will grow, and death can occur from molds growing in the spiders' lungs. A complete or half screen cover will do fine as a solution. For good reason, Martinique Pinktoe Tarantulas are among the most sought after tarantulas in the hobby.

Range	Tropical areas of Martinique, Guadeloupe, and possibly the surrounding Caribbean islands.
Type	Arboreal.
Diet	Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, moths, flies, other large insects, and an occasional small lizard or pinkie mouse.
Full Grown Size	5 to 6 inches.
Growth	Medium to fast speed.
Temperature	75 to 80° F.
Humidity	75 to 80%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament	Docile and nervous.
Housing	Spiderlings can live in a tall clear plastic container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Height is more important than floor space.
Substrate	2 to 3 inches of peat moss, potting soil, or wood chips.
Decor	Branches, live plants, vines, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web. Moss can be added for floor cover.
Other Names	Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula, and Martinique Treespider.