Not furry either, still lovely.
Pink Toe Tarantula
Avicularia avicularia
Also called Guyana pinktoe, South American pinktoe
A generally gentle spider that would rather run or jump away than bite.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 cm (6 in)12 |
| Lifespan | 2 to 12 years21 |
| Coat | Hairy exoskeleton (tarantula) |
| Origin | Northern South America and the southern Caribbean: Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.21 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A generally gentle spider that would rather run or jump away than bite. It can be quick and jumpy when startled, and may squirt droppings as a defence. It is best enjoyed by watching.21
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pink Toe Tarantula. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Looks how to spot one
Hairy exoskeleton (tarantula)
A tree-dwelling tarantula with a dark, hairy body and bright pink-tipped feet. Young spiders are coloured the other way round, with pinkish bodies and dark feet, and swap to the adult look as they grow.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An agile climber that lives in the mid to upper levels of trees in the wild. It builds silk retreats up high and moves around its enclosure most at night.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep a water dish available and mist lightly now and then. Feed adults roughly every 2-3 weeks. Good airflow matters more than anything for this species, so avoid closed, stuffy setups.12
Home where they are happiest
A tall, arboreal enclosure with cork bark and climbing decor, a shallow layer of substrate (about a third of the height) and excellent cross ventilation. The Tarantula Collective suggests 21-27 C and 60-70% humidity; Wikipedia stresses a dry substrate with a water dish rather than damp, still air.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Company who they like around
A solitary spider in captivity; keep one per enclosure.1
The story where it all began
Linnaeus described it in 1758, so it has been known to science for well over two centuries. Early captive losses were linked to keeping it too damp, and once keepers switched to dry, well-ventilated setups it became a popular first tree-dwelling tarantula.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It was scientifically named by Linnaeus back in 1758.2
- 2
Young pink toes are coloured in reverse to adults, with pinkish bodies and dark feet.2
- 3
Instead of biting, a nervous pink toe may jump away or shoot droppings at a threat.2
- 4
In the wild it lives high in the tree canopy rather than in a ground burrow.2
Recognised by the official bits
- World Spider Catalog (via Wikipedia)
- Accepted species Avicularia avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758), family Theraphosidae.2
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pink Toe Tarantula?
Feed adults roughly every 2 to 3 weeks, and adjust based on size and moult stage. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding depends on the spider's species, size, and moult stage, so always check with a vet or good breeder for your individual tarantula.21 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Pink Toe Tarantula eat, and what should it never eat?
They eat insects like crickets, roaches, and moths. Never feed them wild-caught insects, as they may carry pesticides, and avoid any prey larger than the spider's body.21
How much space does a Pink Toe Tarantula need?
They need a tall, arboreal enclosure with climbing decor and good cross ventilation. The exact size varies, but it should be tall enough for climbing and have a shallow substrate layer about a third of the height.21
What temperature, light or water does a Pink Toe Tarantula need?
Keep the temperature between 21 and 27°C and humidity around 60 to 70%. Provide a water dish and mist lightly now and then, but ensure the substrate stays dry with good airflow to avoid damp, still air.21
How often should I clean a Pink Toe Tarantula's home?
Spot clean weekly by removing leftover food, and change the substrate every 180 days as part of Pet Wiki's starting plan. Always leave the tarantula in peace while moulting. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Pink Toe Tarantula live with others?
No, they are solitary spiders and should be kept one per enclosure to avoid stress or harm.1
How long does a Pink Toe Tarantula live?
They can live between 2 and 12 years, with females often living longer than males. Lifespan varies based on care and individual factors.21
Can I handle a Pink Toe Tarantula?
It's best to enjoy them by watching, as they are quick and may jump or squirt droppings when startled. They are generally gentle but handling can stress them, so it's not recommended.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Avicularia avicularia care sheet (The Tarantula Collective) thetarantulacollective.comused for leg span, lifespan, enclosure, ventilation, temperature, humidity, feeding
- Avicularia avicularia (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, lifespan, colour change, temperament, habitat, diet, history
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.