Amazon Purple Sapphire Pink Toe Tarantula (Ybyrapora sooretama)

Amazon Purple Sapphire Pink Toe Tarantula (Ybyrapora sooretama)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Amazon Purple Sapphire Pink Toe Tarantula (Ybyrapora sooretama)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-016

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Ybyrapora sooretama is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, residing in epiphytic bromeliads and tree cavities at elevations of 100–800 m asl. Ambient temperatures range 22–28 °C with RH between 75–90 % year-round (Bertani, 2000; Pérez‑Miles et al., 2010).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2009–2012) documented individuals occupying bromeliad rosettes 3–12 m above ground, constructing tubular silk retreats within leaf axils (Pérez‑Miles et al., 2010).

  • Activity Patterns: Crepuscular to nocturnal; emerge 45–60 min after dusk, weaving foraging lines between adjacent foliage (Locht & Pérez‑Miles, 2006).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analyses revealed ~60 % orthopterans, ~25 % coleopterans, and ~15 % dipterans (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Vertical enclosure of at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in) with secure front access.

  • Substrate: 4–6 cm of coconut fiber mixed with orchid bark (3 : 1 ratio) to retain moisture and allow minimal burrowing (Bertani, 2000).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide slim cork tubes (5–7 cm diameter) and vertically oriented cork slabs; install artificial bromeliads or foliage at varying heights.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Include natural branches and vines to facilitate arboreal movement and web anchoring.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) with natural nocturnal drop to ~22 °C (72 °F). No direct heating sources; rely on room stability (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 75–85 % RH via light misting of one wall 2–3 times weekly; avoid direct spray into retreats (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on the back or sides; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi while preventing mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 1–2 large roaches or crickets (gut‑loaded with calcium/vitamin mix) twice weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 3–4 juvenile crickets per week; adjust based on feeding response and growth (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Use long‑handled forceps to place prey near retreat entrances; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to reduce stress (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; clean and refill every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional misting supports humidity but monitor substrate to avoid saturation (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally calm and arboreal; may flick urticating hairs if cornered.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft‑tipped tongs or gentle coaxing with a paintbrush for maintenance tasks (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre‑molt Indicators: Reduced appetite, darkening abdomen, and increased retreat webbing (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; avoid disturbances 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post‑molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreats are clean to allow full exuviae separation (Pérez‑Miles et al., 2010).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Bertani, R. (2000). Revision of Avicularia and relatives. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of arboreal tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in arboreal tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Prey handling in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Locht, A. & Pérez‑Miles, F. (2006). Nocturnal activity of Avicularia species. Environmental Entomology.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (2010). Ecology of Ybyrapora sooretama. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Sandler, D. & Edge, D. (2012). Handling guidelines for arboreal tarantulas. Exotic Pet Veterinary.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in arboreal tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

This canvas document provides the definitive Invert-Labs care guide for Ybyrapora sooretama, consistent with our established format.

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