| Pinktoe tarantula | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Avicularia |
| Species: | A. avicularia |
| Binomial name | |
| Avicularia avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Aranea avicularia |
|
The pinktoe tarantula, Avicularia avicularia, is a species of tarantula native to South America, Costa Rica to Brazil, and the southern Caribbean. This species is sometimes called the Guyana pinktoe, Common pinktoe or South American pinktoe since they are frequently harvested from those areas, and has pink feet pads.
The mature pinktoe tarantula has a dark-colored body and pinkish feet, in keeping with its name. Juvenile specimens, however, have pinkish bodies and dark-colored feet. Pinktoe tarantulas undergo a reversal in their coloration as they approach adulthood at 4-5 years.
These types of tarantulas are very docile, albeit nervous and jumpy, and are frequently kept as pets. Being arboreal species, they require a relatively tall habitat with plenty of climbing space. They require a lot of moisture, along with ample ventilation to prevent molds from developing.
Although this species is often rumoured to be communal, housing them in groups will almost inevitably lead to cannibalism over time.