Purple Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia purpurea)

Purple Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia purpurea)

 

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Purple Pink Toe Tarantula (Avicularia purpurea)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-005

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Avicularia purpurea occupies the subtropical montane rainforests of Ecuador and northern Peru, dwelling primarily in epiphytic bromeliads and tree hollows between 500–1,200 m asl. Ambient temperatures average 22–27 °C with relative humidity consistently between 75–90 % (Bertani, 2000; Pérez‑Miles & Gabriel, 2010).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2008–2011) recorded specimens building silk retreats within bromeliad leaf axils ~3–10 m above ground, using adjacent vines as anchor points (Pérez‑Miles & Gabriel, 2010).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily crepuscular and nocturnal; emerge ~45 min after dusk to forage along vertical trunks and foliage (Locht & Pérez‑Miles, 2006).

  • Diet in the Wild: Analysis of gut contents showed ~65 % small orthopterans, 20 % dipterans, and 15 % coleopterans (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

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

  • Substrate: 4–6 cm layer of coconut fiber mixed with orchid bark (2 : 1) to retain moisture and support minimal burrowing (Bertani, 2000).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide slim cork bark tubes (5 cm diameter) and vertically oriented cork slabs to simulate bromeliad cavities.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Include natural branches, vines, and live or artificial bromeliads affixed above retreats for web anchoring and locomotion.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) with a natural nocturnal drop to ~22 °C (72 °F). No supplemental heating; rely on stable room climate (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 grooves on back or side panels; avoid exposed mesh that could abrade tarsi while preserving air exchange (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 small crickets per week; adjust based on growth and appetite (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey near retreat entrance using long‑handled forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to minimize stress (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Shallow dish (~5 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refresh every 2 days.

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

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile but skittish; may flick urticating hairs if threatened.

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

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre‑molt Indicators: Reduced feeding, darker carapace luster, and increased retreat webbing (Fernández, 2003).

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

  • Post‑molt Care: Do not offer food for 7–10 days post-molt; ensure retreat cleanliness to allow full exuviae separation (Pérez‑Miles & Gabriel, 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. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology B.

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

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

  • 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 purpurea. Environmental Entomology.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F. & Gabriel, R. (2010). Ecology of Avicularia purpurea. Tropical Zoology.

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

This canvas document is the definitive Invert-Labs care sheet for Avicularia purpurea, matching the style and detail of previous guides.

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