Brazilian Blue & Green Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia geroldi)

Brazilian Blue & Green Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia geroldi)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Brazilian Blue & Green Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia geroldi)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-014

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Avicularia geroldi inhabits the Atlantic coastal rainforests of Brazil, primarily occupying bromeliads and tree hollows at elevations of 100–600 m asl. Ambient temperatures range 24–28 °C with RH consistently between 75–90 % (Bertani, 2000; Pérez‑Miles et al., 2010).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2008–2011) found individuals in bromeliad rosettes 2–10 m above ground, often weaving silk retreats within leaf axils (Pérez‑Miles et al., 2010).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal and crepuscular; emergence begins ~45 min after dusk and continues for 2–3 h (Locht & Pérez‑Miles, 2006).

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

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Vertical enclosure ≥30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in) with secure front door.

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

  • Retreat Structures: Provide slim cork tubes (5–7 cm diameter), cork slabs vertically oriented, and artificial bromeliads to replicate canopy microhabitat.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Include branches, vines, and live/artificial foliage for web anchoring and exploratory behavior.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–28 °C (75–82 °F), allowing nocturnal dip to ~22 °C (72 °F). No supplemental heat sources; rely on ambient 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 slits on side or rear panels; avoid exposed mesh to protect tarsi from abrasion while preventing mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: 1–2 large roaches or crickets twice weekly; dust prey with calcium supplement biweekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: 3–4 appropriately sized crickets 3 times/week; adjust based on growth and feeding response (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey within 5 cm of retreat entrance using forceps; remove leftovers after 24 h to reduce stress (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

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

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional misting supports RH; monitor substrate moisture to avoid waterlogging (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

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

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

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Noticeable appetite decline, darkened abdomen, and increased retreat webbing (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; avoid substrate or decor disturbance for 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreats are clean to facilitate full exuviae removal (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 the genus Avicularia. 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). Activity patterns of Avicularia species. Environmental Entomology.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (2010). Ecology of Avicularia geroldi. 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 Invert-Labs care guide for Avicularia geroldi, consistent with the established format.

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