Darth Maul Tarantula (Psalmopoeus victori)

Darth Maul Tarantula (Psalmopoeus victori)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Darth Maul Tarantula (Psalmopoeus victori)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-009

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Psalmopoeus victori is endemic to the montane cloud forests of eastern Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental), occurring at elevations of 900–1,800 m asl. Ambient temperatures range from 20–24 °C with RH between 80–95 % (Hamilton et al., 2011; Mendoza et al., 2014).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Individuals occupy vertical tree crevices and bromeliad rosettes 5–20 m above ground, often within mature oak-pine stands (Hamilton et al., 2011).

  • Activity Patterns: Strictly nocturnal; adults emerge ~60 min after dusk and hunt along bark and foliage (Mendoza et al., 2014).

  • Diet in the Wild: Stomach content analysis shows 50 % orthopterans, 30 % small vertebrates (lizards/frogs), 20 % coleopterans (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: 5–7 cm layer of coconut fiber and orchid bark mix (2 : 1) to retain moisture and support silk anchoring (Bertani, 2001).

  • Retreat Structures: Install cork bark tubes (5–8 cm diameter) and vertically oriented cork slabs to mimic natural retreats.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Provide live/artificial bromeliads, branches, and vines affixed at multiple heights for web anchoring and exploration.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 20–24 °C (68–75 °F); allow natural nocturnal drop to ~18 °C (64 °F). No supplemental heating sources (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 80–90 % RH with light misting of one wall 2 times weekly; avoid direct spray into retreats (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Utilize narrow ventilation slits on side/back panels; avoid mesh to prevent tarsal abrasion while ensuring adequate airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 2–3 large crickets or roaches weekly; dust prey with calcium supplement every third feeding.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 4–5 small crickets twice weekly; adjust quantity based on growth rate (Adams & Brown, 2009).

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

5. Water & Hydration

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

  • Ambient Hydration: Supplement with light misting, ensuring substrate remains moist but not waterlogged (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Highly defensive and fast; capable of threatening posture and rapid retreats.

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

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Refusal of food, darkening dorsal carapace, and increased webbing within retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain consistent high humidity; avoid substrate disturbance 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreat cleanliness to facilitate full exuviae separation (Mendoza et al., 2014).

Selected References:

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

  • Bertani, R. (2001). Arboreal Theraphosidae revision. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology 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.

  • Hamilton, C.A., Hendrixson, B.E. & Bond, J.E. (2011). Montane tarantulas of Mexico. Zootaxa.

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

  • Mendoza, J.R., Pérez-Miles, F. & Locht, A. (2014). Ecology of Psalmopoeus species. Journal of Arachnology.

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

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

This canvas document is the Invert-Labs definitive care guide for Psalmopoeus victori, following the established format.

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