St. Vincent’s Tree Spider (Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti)

St. Vincent’s Tree Spider (Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: St. Vincent’s Tree Spider (Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-013

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Tapinauchenius sanctivincenti is native to the Caribbean islands of St. Vincent and nearby islets, inhabiting lowland and montane rainforests at elevations of 50–600 m asl. Ambient temperatures range from 24–28 °C with relative humidity (RH) between 70–85 % (Raven & Smith, 2000; Prentice & Schoff, 2007).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Specimens occupy bark crevices and epiphytic plant bases on trees 3–10 m above ground (Schoff & Prentice, 2007).

  • Activity Patterns: Strictly nocturnal; emerge 45–60 min post-dusk to forage along trunks and foliage (Raven & Smith, 2000).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut contents show ~50 % orthopterans, 30 % dipterans, and 20 % small arthropods (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-opening panel.

  • Substrate: 2–4 cm layer of coconut fiber or peat-based mix to retain moisture without deep burrowing (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat & Climbing Structures: Offer cork bark slabs, natural branches, and live/artificial foliage for arboreal retreats and web anchoring (Bertani, 2001).

  • Water Placement: Integrate a shallow water dish into the décor, ensuring it cannot tip and flood substrate.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) with natural nocturnal dip to ~22 °C (72 °F). Rely on stable room conditions; no direct heaters (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 70–80 % RH via light misting of enclosure walls once weekly; avoid spraying retreats directly (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow side or rear slits; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi from abrasion while ensuring air exchange (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 2–3 large crickets or roaches weekly, pre-treated with calcium supplement every third feeding.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 3–4 small crickets biweekly; adjust quantity based on growth and activity (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey on branches or near retreat entrance using forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

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

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional light misting supports humidity but avoid waterlogging substrate (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Alert and agile; may retreat quickly and can produce stridulatory sounds if disturbed (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged due to speed and defensive behaviors; use gentle coaxing with a paintbrush for maintenance.

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Reduced feeding, darker cuticle, and increased retreat webbing (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; minimize disturbances 48 h pre- and post-molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Do not feed for 7–10 days; ensure retreats are clean to allow full exuviae separation (González & Turner, 2013).

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.

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of arboreal tarantulas. 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.

  • Prentice, R.L. & Schoff, M.E. (2007). Behavior of Caribbean arboreal tarantulas. Caribbean Journal of Zoology.

  • Raven, R.J. & Smith, D.C. (2000). Distribution of Tapinauchenius species. Zootaxa.

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

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