A. avicularia (Pink Toe Tarantula)

Avicularia (New World Tarantula)

 * Level: Beginner-Novice
 * Native Habitat: The A. avicularia's natural habitat is tropical canopies and foliage. This species is native to South and Central America and the Caribbean; Brazil, Costa Rica, Guyana, and the Antilles . They are usually active in the evening or night.
 * Common Names
 * Pink Toe Tarantula
 * Guyana pinktoe
 * Common pinktoe
 * South American pinktoe
 * Avic

Captive Habitat

 * Enclosure Type: Arboreal; A. avicularia needs a taller tank than terrestrial species, with room to climb. 10 gallons is sufficient space as long as height is provided. Live or silk plants, sticks and other structures should be added for this species to climb on.
 * Substrate: Natural soil (treated for parasites,) potting soil, and coconut coir are all usable substrate. Sand, small stones, moss, leaf litter and twigs can be mixed with the substrate to create a more natural environment. 2-3"(5-8cm) of substrate is a must to provide padding if the tarantula falls
 * Conditions: Moist; The soil should be kept adequately damp to simulate a natural tropical environment.
 * Humidity: 75-82% Humidity, the enclosure should be regularly misted and water added to the substrate on regular basis to maintain moisture.
 * Temp: 75-85*F(23-30*C)

Husbandry

 * Temperament: Docile-Defensive
 * Behavior: A. avicularia are recognized as one of the most docile tarantulas in the pet trade. This species can be very fast and has little difficulty climbing most surfaces. They may be difficult to catch if they escape.
 * Size: Leg Span up to 5 " (12.5cm)
 * Social: No; this species should only be paired when mating conditions are right, under those circumstances close observation is advised as the larger female may attempt to cannibalize the male.
 * Life Span: Females - 10+ Males - 2-4
 * Venom: Mild
 * Urticating Hair: Yes
 * Feeding: Crickets, roaches, meal worms, etc (larger individuals will accept pinkies if you have the stomach for it, feeding on vertebrates tends to be a messy affair.)
 * Cleaning: The enclosure should be regularly cleared of waste material from feeding to prevent molding, but changing the substrate should be limited to avoid undo stress on the tarantula.