Welcome to the ultimate Caribena versicolor care guide!
If you are looking to add a beautiful, docile spider to your home, an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula might be the perfect pet for you.
In this guide, you will learn all the necessary information on how to care for this type of pet tarantula.
From its habitat needs to understand when and how to handle, feed, and clean. This article will cover all the basics of keeping a healthy and thriving spider.
| Characteristics: | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula |
| Family Name | Theraphosidae |
| Scientific Name | Caribena versicolor |
| Use | Pets |
| Temperament | Non-aggressive |
| Lifespan | Males: Up to 3 years / Females: Up to 12 years |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Adult Size | 5-7 inches |
| Breeding Type | Egg Layer |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 Gallons |
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Temperature | 75-85°F |
What Are Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas?
Caribena versicolor is a majestic and docile arachnid found throughout Central America, and the Caribbean.
It is sometimes referred to as the Caribbean Pinktoe or the Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula due to its beautiful black, pink, and yellow coloration.
Its scientific name can be broken down into its family, the Theraphosidae, and its species name, versicolor, which means ‘variously colored’.
The common name ‘Antilles’ refers to the islands in the Caribbean where this tarantula is commonly found.
What Do Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas Look Like?
The Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula is a stunning species of spider with a vibrant pattern.
On average, these spiders grow to a size of 5 to 6 inches.
They can even reach up to 7 inches depending on age and lifestyle.
Their body is tan in color with light pink or orange hues along their legs and abdomen.
They also have a light pinkish or yellow line running along their carapace.
Their legs are covered with long spines of the same color.
Females have a bulbous and glossy abdomen while males have a thinner abdomen.
Their fangs are dark brown or black in color and can reach up to 1/4 of an inch in length.
Finally, they have eight bright and bold eyes on their face.
Benefits Of Using Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas
Caribena versicolor makes great first pet arachnids for beginner keepers and creates interesting displays in vivariums.
Not only are they a unique and colorful species, but they are also relatively calm and handleable.
With proper care, Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas can live for several years.
Their diet consists of a variety of invertebrates, making them relatively easy to feed.
When properly cared for in an enclosure, a Pinktoe can become a stunning showpiece and provide some hours of entertainment.
This tarantula in a terrarium is also low maintenance, requires minimal space, and is more affordable than other pet spiders.
Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula Facts
The Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula is a stunning tarantula found in the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
It has a unique and attractive color pattern with pink toes and is known for its docile temperament.
They typically feed on small insects in the wild and can live for many years.
Breeding is possible, however, it requires a specific temperature and humidity level, as well as a large enclosure.
Habitat
Caribena versicolor are native to the tropical and subtropical lands of the Caribbean islands.
They are commonly discovered on forest floors under logs and vegetation, as well as boulders and leaf litter.
This species of tarantula is usually found on the islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Martinique.
In their natural habitat, these tarantulas prefer the humid, warm, and tropical environments typically offered by the region.
They are arboreal, found most often in bushes and trees, or along any surface that provides them with a sheltered place to build their webs.
Overall, a Pinktoe Tarantula’s natural habitat provides them with the necessary elements and comforts for a healthy and happy life.
Diet
The diet of an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula in its natural habitat is mostly composed of small insects and worms.
These invertebrates make up the bulk of their meals, however, they can occasionally eat small amounts of vegetation.
When hunting for food in the wild, they use their strong webs to catch their prey.
This is done by waiting at the edge of a web and detecting any vibrations that could indicate potential prey.
Once they detect a vibration, they rush toward the prey quickly and paralyze it with their venom.
In their natural environment, the arachnid can feed up to two or three times per week.
Temperament
Caribena versicolor are quite docile and rarely bite humans.
That being said, they can be skittish and startle easily if provoked.
The best way to interact with your Pinktoe is by giving it some time to adjust to its new environment and get comfortable with your presence.
After a few weeks, give it some food to get it used to being handled, and watch its behavior around you.
As long as it’s not overly aggressive, you can slowly start handling it by lifting it gently and manipulating its body in such a way that it won’t feel scared.
As for other animals, an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula shouldn’t be living with any other spiders, as they might fight, and can be potential prey to other animals like cats and lizards.
Therefore, it is good practice to keep your tarantula in a separate, stable, secure environment away from other animals.
With that being said, having a Pinktoe in your home is still a very doable and satisfying experience as long as you take the necessary precautions and care for it properly.
Lifespan
With good care, Antilles Pinktoes have a lifespan of several years. Males will typically live for up to 3 years, while females will for 12.
Their life starts as an egg, protected within a sac until they hatch. When they hatch, they start out as tiny and vulnerable spiderlings.
Over the course of a year, they will molt several times before reaching adulthood.
When the tarantula achieves adulthood, the whole process starts over.
Soon after each molting, mating season begins, when adults look for partners in order to reproduce by laying eggs.
Breeding
Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas mate in a ritualized courtship event referred to as a “mating dance.”
During this dance, the male will present a special gift that is specific to this species, known as a spermatophore.
If the female accepts the gift, she will then lay her eggs in a silky cocoon that she spins near her burrow.
After the eggs are laid, she will guard the sac until they hatch.
Depending on the temperature, the eggs may take several weeks to hatch.
Once the spiderlings have hatched, the mother will remain with them for a few weeks until they are ready to take care of themselves.
The spiderlings disperse soon after, typically in the direction of the wind.
Where To Find Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas
Caribena versicolor are native to the Caribbean islands, specifically Puerto Rico, and can be found in tropical wet forests.
They are fairly prolific and most experienced arachnologists are able to locate them in the wild, although due to their small size and excellent camouflage, they can be difficult to spot.
The Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula is a popular pet species and can be found for sale at many pet shops, reptile expos, and animal supply stores.
When looking for a captive-bred Pinktoe, it is important to look for a healthy specimen with an active and agile lifestyle.
Check the abdomen to make sure it is a deep, even black color – a lighter color could indicate dehydration.
Look for Tarantulas with all their legs intact with no signs of being regrown or missing, and if possible examine the individual for any signs of mites.
Lastly, check the enclosure it comes in, and make sure it is properly set up and maintained.
Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula Care
To provide proper care for Caribena versicolor, provide a suitable habitat with a consistent temperature with appropriate substrate and humidity.
Also, feed them small, soft-bodied invertebrates, handle them with care, and clean the habitat regularly.
Monitor their health signs and take precautions against illness, infestations, and injury.
Tank Requirements
The ideal tank requirements for an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula start with the right type of vivarium.
Tall paludariums or terrariums are best for housing tarantulas since they allow for seamless viewing and also effective ventilation.
The pH levels of the tank should be between 6 and 8, with water hardness around 3-8KH.
The temperature of the tank should be kept between 74-86 F (23-30 C) and it should provide both surface and deep terrarium soil.
As for terrarium lighting, the tank should be kept in indirect, natural light with a few hours of exposure each day.
What Do Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas Eat?
Feeding Caribena versicolor is an essential part of providing a healthy and safe environment for your spider.
They can eat a variety of invertebrates such as crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and grasshoppers.
They should only be fed invertebrates that are appropriate for their size; smaller spiders should only be fed invertebrates that are about the size of their body.
Feedings should be done no more than once every three to four days and should consist of four to five insects.
Avoid overfeeding as it can lead to health problems or obesity.
Make sure to remove any uneaten food after about an hour or so as it can start to attract pests or cause a mess in the habitat.
Finally, ensure that the food is healthy and free from pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals.
If you’re looking for a more detailed approach to feeding these arachnids, be sure to check out my ultimate DIY tarantula food guide. I give a more in-depth explanation of the best foods and my favorite recipe.
Best Tankmates For Antilles Pinktoe Tarantulas
When housing an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula, there are several friendly neighbors it can have to make the environment more enjoyable and stimulating.
Selecting the right tankmates is vital as it can encourage natural behaviors that would otherwise go unseen.
Some of the best tankmates for Caribena versicolor are isopods, springtails, millipedes, and land snails. They are all easy to care for and very beneficial for the tank.
They will help keep the substrate clean by digesting organic debris and fungi, as well as help control mold, and can even be used as an alternative food source for the tarantula.
Lastly, some species of roaches are also good tankmates for the tarantula.
For instance, Madagascar Hissing Roaches and Dubia Roaches can be kept with the spider if they are properly managed and monitored due to their large size.
They are great at cleaning up any leftover pieces of food or debris and can also help to keep other pests, such as mites, away.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now finished reading our ultimate Caribena versicolor care guide.
We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to safely and successfully keep your new pet in the best possible condition.
Caring for an Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula is both rewarding and educational – and you just might find that their unique personalities and behaviors can make having one of these amazing spiders a truly special and enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to hold an Antilles pinktoe tarantula, but it’s generally recommended to handle them sparingly and with caution as they can be delicate and prone to stress.
The bite of a pink toe tarantula is generally not painful, and is usually described as feeling like a bee sting. However, the bite can cause some swelling and itchiness. In rare cases, allergic reactions and more serious effects could also occur. If you experience any discomfort or reaction after being bitten, seek medical advice.
Antilles pinktoe tarantulas are generally known to be less aggressive compared to other tarantula species, but their behavior can vary individually. They are typically docile and prone to defensive posturing rather than aggressive behavior.
Yes, pink toe tarantulas are known for their ability to jump. They have strong hind legs and can perform agile leaps when threatened or trying to capture prey.
Yes, pink-toe tarantulas will eat cockroaches. In their natural habitat, their diet consists of insects, small vertebrates, spiders, and other invertebrates. In captivity, they can be given a variety of food items including cockroaches, crickets, moths, and mealworms.
The best way to determine the gender of a pink toe tarantula is to look for the presence of a “pedipalp bulge“. Adult males will have two bulges on the underside of their legs, whereas females will have only one. If you are uncertain, it is best to seek help from an experienced exotic vet, as they will be able to confirm the gender of your tarantula.
No, pink toe tarantulas do not require a heat lamp. They are a tropical species and prefer temperatures between 75 and 85 °F. However, they can tolerate a temperature range between 65–90 °F, as long as they have access to humid shelters.
Caribena versicolor, commonly known as the pink toe tarantula, can reach a maximum size of up to 7 inches (20 cm).
Caribena versicolor, or the pink toe tarantula, will typically reach their adult size in 12 to 20 months, but some can grow faster.
Yes, Caribena versicolor (pink toe tarantula) has defensive hairs on their abdomen which they can kick off when they feel threatened. These hairs can cause skin irritation in humans, so it is important to handle these spiders with care.