Pinktoe Tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)

This species of pinktoe tarantula, known simply as the Pinktoe Tarantula, is common, docile, beautiful, and can be speedy. 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 Pinktoe Tarantula may be kept socially, if provided with certain conditions detailed under "Housing" below. 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, molds can grow, making it a dangerous environment for the tarantula. Death can occur from molds growing in the spiders' lungs. Overall, the Pinktoe Tarantula can be an inexpensive and rewarding tarantula species to keep in captivity.

Range	Tropical areas of Brazil, Trinidad, Guyana, French Guyana, Surinam, Venezuela, and throughout the Amazon Basin.
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	4.5 to 5 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	75 to 85° F.
Humidity	78 to 82%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament	Docile and active.
Housing	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.
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	Guyana Pinktoe Tarantula, Common Pinktoe Tarantula, and South American Pinktoe Tarantula.