| Psalmopoeus cambridgei | |
|---|---|
| Subadult | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Family: | Theraphosidae |
| Genus: | Psalmopoeus |
| Species: | P. cambridgei |
| Binomial name | |
| Psalmopoeus cambridgei Pocock, 1895 |
|
Psalmopoeus cambridgei, the Trinidad chevron tarantula, is a species of spider in the Theraphosidae family, endemic to Trinidad. Its venom is the source of psalmotoxin which is classified as an inhibitor cysteine knot protein and may be of therapeutic use in patients suffering from a stroke.
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The female has chevron-shaped dark markings on the abdomen and her colour varies through shades of green and brown with characteristic red or orange flashes on the legs. The male is a more uniform grey or brown colour. It is a large, hairy, fast growing species that reaches six inches in leg span. It feeds readily and makes an attractive display animal, being fairly active when given correct housing conditions.[1]
Arboreal tarantulas live singly in specially constructed silken tube webs or in crevices, behind loose bark or among epiphytic plants.[2] The Trinidad chevron tarantula breeds freely in captivity. Two silken egg sacs are commonly produced from one mating and each of these contains one hundred to one hundred and fifty eggs.[1] The female spider guards the sac, turning it occasionally, and the eggs hatch after about six weeks. The spiderlings usually disperse at the first instar stage.[2]
The Trinidad chevron tarantula is a good first arboreal species of tarantula being hardy and fairly easy to rear.[1] It can be kept in an aquarium tank at a temperature range of 75-78°F and a humidity level of at least 80% and good ventilation. It is an arboreal species so twigs should be provided for climbing and web building. The substrate should be a peat and vermiculite mix and at least 1 inch deep. A water dish should be provided, misting undertaken and invertebrate food given. Males live for two to three years whereas females live for up to twelve years. This species is aggressive and handling is not recommended.[3]