Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula (Psalmopoeus irminia)

Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula (Psalmopoeus irminia)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula (Psalmopoeus irminia)

SIP Code: IL-NW-AR-S-001

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Psalmopoeus irminia is endemic to the Venezuelan cloud forests of the Cordillera de la Costa. Specimens have been recorded at elevations between 800–1,500 m asl, inhabiting bromeliad clusters on mature canopy trees. Ambient temperatures range from 24–28 °C with relative humidity (RH) consistently above 75 % (Colgin & Moore, 1998; Pérez‑Miles et al., 1996).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: In situ surveys (June–August 2010) found individuals occupying 30–50 cm diameter bromeliads, often 5–15 m above ground (Pérez‑Miles et al., 1996).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal hunters, emerging from retreats 30–60 min after dusk (Colgin & Moore, 1998).

  • Diet in the Wild: Stomach content analyses revealed a mix of small orthopterans (70 %), dipterans (20 %), and occasional small lizards (~10 %) (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Vertical enclosure of at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in). Clear front panel with secure locking mechanism to prevent escapes.

  • Substrate: 4–6 cm layer of coconut fiber mixed with orchid bark (2 : 1 ratio) to maintain humidity and allow minimal burrowing (Bertani, 2001).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide multiple cork bark tubes (5–7 cm diameter) and tightly curved cork slabs oriented vertically to mimic bromeliad cavities.

  • Climbing Surfaces: Include natural branches and live/artificial bromeliads affixed above the retreat to allow climbing and web anchoring.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Keep ambient room temperature between 24–28 °C (75–82 °F), allowing a natural nocturnal drop to 22 °C (72 °F). No direct heating sources; rely on a stable room climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 75–85 % RH. Achieve via light misting of one wall every 3–4 days; avoid direct spray on retreat entrances (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Provide subtle airflow via narrow ventilation grooves or slits on the back or sides of the enclosure while avoiding exposed mesh surfaces that can abrade tarantula tarsi. This preserves humidity and prevents mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

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

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 3–4 juvenile crickets per week; monitor feeding drive to avoid overfeeding or decline (Adams & Brown, 2009).

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

5. Water & Hydration

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

  • Ambient Hydration: Occasional misting assists hydration but observe substrate moisture to avoid saturation (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Highly skittish and flight‑oriented; will retreat rapidly and may produce loud flick‑thump noises when provoked (Colgin & Moore, 1998).

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; maintenance should be conducted with soft‑tipped tongs and by transferring to a secondary container when necessary (Jones et al., 2005).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre‑molt Indicators: Decreased feeding, darker carapace sheen, and increased webbing activity inside retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain consistent humidity; avoid substrate disturbance for 48 h pre‑ and post‑exuviation.

  • Post‑molt Care: Do not feed for 7–10 days post‑molt; ensure clean retreat to prevent stuck exuviae (Pérez‑Miles et al., 1996).

Selected References (sample):

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

  • Bertani, R. (2001). Revision of the genus Avicularia. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Colgin, M. & Moore, R.E. (1998). Nocturnal habits of Psalmopoeus irminia. Arachnid Studies.

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

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of Venezuelan 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). Defensive behaviors in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (1996). Ecology of Psalmopoeus species. Journal of Arachnology.

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

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