SPECIAL NOTE: USPS forbids shipping venomous spiders or scorpions in the mail.

Because of this, we ship these animals FedEx priority overnight for a flat fee of $39.99.

Defining Characteristics:

• A different locale of the classic hobby staple, the Guyana Pink Toe, this spider differentiates from its parent species with its metallic blue coloration as an adult
• Generally good-natured with simple care requirements, this species is a very good option for beginning keepers
• An arboreal spider that stays a manageable size and can be seen in the open a fair amount, this species would be a good candidate for a display tank

Name: Avicularia avicularia Morphotype 6, or the Metallic Pink Toe, Avicularia has Latin roots meaning “Pertaining to” and “small birds”. Due to its size and  choice of habitat, it was likely assumed that this species dined on small birds, though in reality they generally choose prey of a more buggy nature.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: The Metallic Pink Toe is an arboreal species, meaning the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least 3 times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than two times the spider’s diagonal leg span. This species does best in an enclosure with ample cross ventilation.

ABG mix, coco cradle, and Dig-It are all good substrate options for this species, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture (cork bark, manzanita wood, etc.) as well foliage (live or artificial) to climb on and to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature range of 74-80 degrees is ideal, though no issues have come from keeping them at general room temperature of 72°. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided.

A thermometer is recommended to keep an eye on temperatures in the enclosure.

Humidity: The humidity for this species can be a bit trickier to maintain than others, as their requirement of lots of cross ventilation can mean the enclosure dries out quickly. Humidity should be kept around 70%, this can be achieved by making sure the substrate always remains at least lightly moistened and by misting the sides of the enclosure once a week, dependent on the ambient humidity in the room.

A hygrometer is recommended to monitor humidity within the enclosure.

Size: Metallic Pink Toe spiderlings sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 1 inch at time of purchase. This species can achieve diagonal leg span of up to around 5 inches.

Age: At the time of sale, Metallic Pink Toe spiderlings sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 2-3 months old. Females of this species can live up to 12 years of age, with males averaging about one third of that lifespan.

Feeding: At the time of sale, Metallic Pink Toes sold by Josh’s Frogs are eating hydei fruit flies. As the spider molts and grows, so should the prey items, with the goal size of feeder insects being the size of the spider’s carapace or smaller. Spiderlings should be fed every 4-7 days, adults every 7-10. To prevent injury, never offer food to a tarantula less than a week after its most recent molt.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours as these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on the spider's age, the hardening process could take 48 hours to 1 week.

Sexing: Due to age, Metallic Pink Toe spiderlings sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. Specimens of 2.5-3 inches will be able to start being accurately sexed. The most accurate method will always be molt sexing. The molt of a female tarantula, between the top set of book lungs will have a slit with spermatheca and a uterus externus, which on a smaller spider will just be a flap that moves when manipulated with a toothpick or a pin. A male tarantula will have a much more plain slit that will not budge with attempts to manipulate it.

Color/Pattern: Young spiderlings are pink with black toes and patterning on the abdomen. As they age, they transition to having a darker base coloration, light toes and red patterning on the abdomen, finally as adults transitioning to having iridescent blue and green sheen to its otherwise dark body, keeping the light toes.

Social Behavior: While some short term success has been reported housing Avicularia in communal setups, reports usually conclude that as they age, they become cannibalistic. It is for this reason that we recommend that these spiders be housed solitarily.

Natural Range: Colombia

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Metallic Pink Toe tarantula from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!