OttawaChris
09-03-03, 07:35 AM
Species: Psalmopoeus irminia
Common Name: Venezuelan Suntiger
Hails from: Treetops in the Venezuelan jungle
General Description:
This tree dwelling species from Venezuela takes the cake when it comes to colouration in my opinion! I know I say this a lot, but photos really do them no justice... you have to see them in person to really see them. They are jet black with almost luminescent orange chevrons on the abdomen (much like tiger stripes) They also have the same bright orange in a fine seam down each leg ending in more orange at the tip of each leg making almost an arrow. The orange looks almost like it is a neon sign lit up because it contrasts so nicely with the deep black. They are nothing short of breathtaking.
Now for the bad news... as with most things in nature... if it is brightly coloured it usually means keep away and this is no exception. These spiders are fast and really don't appreciate human company. They will bite with little to no provocation and have venom that packs a bit of a whollop... not lethal but it will make you wish you had not been bitten (Psalmopoeus species are one of the few with mentionable venom potency).
Webbing seems to depend on the individual because no two that I have kept have webbed the same... some webbed heavily and some barely at all. All seem to web heavily when it is near molt time though.
Housing:
This is an arboral species so climbing height is mandatory. I often just sit a kritter keeper on its side. For substrate I put about 2 inches of pure peat moss that is well soaked in order to keep humidity levels up. I leave ventilation almost fully open because tree spiders need a bigger amount of fresh air than burrowing spiders do (the book lungs are quite susceptable to mold and fungus growth otherwise) Some structure is a good idea because you would rather have the spider hide than attack. I tend to prefer a piece of cork bark leaned vertically against the side of the tank. Some people like to add foliage to make a more natural setting... but its quite hard to see where the spider is when you do this... and I like to know where these guys are at all times when I am working in the cage.
A water dish should also be provided and always kept full.
Temperature and Humidity:
80 and 80 work well... keeping in mind that ventilation is critical.
Feeding:
Crickets are a staple... twice a week is ideal. Pinky mice or anoles can be offered as a treat or to fatten them up after a molt.
Personal Notes:
-DO NOT underestimate the speed of these guys... they are fast and WILL try to attack
-Males lack the colour but not the ferocity. They tend to be a dull reddish-brown colour.
Common Name: Venezuelan Suntiger
Hails from: Treetops in the Venezuelan jungle
General Description:
This tree dwelling species from Venezuela takes the cake when it comes to colouration in my opinion! I know I say this a lot, but photos really do them no justice... you have to see them in person to really see them. They are jet black with almost luminescent orange chevrons on the abdomen (much like tiger stripes) They also have the same bright orange in a fine seam down each leg ending in more orange at the tip of each leg making almost an arrow. The orange looks almost like it is a neon sign lit up because it contrasts so nicely with the deep black. They are nothing short of breathtaking.
Now for the bad news... as with most things in nature... if it is brightly coloured it usually means keep away and this is no exception. These spiders are fast and really don't appreciate human company. They will bite with little to no provocation and have venom that packs a bit of a whollop... not lethal but it will make you wish you had not been bitten (Psalmopoeus species are one of the few with mentionable venom potency).
Webbing seems to depend on the individual because no two that I have kept have webbed the same... some webbed heavily and some barely at all. All seem to web heavily when it is near molt time though.
Housing:
This is an arboral species so climbing height is mandatory. I often just sit a kritter keeper on its side. For substrate I put about 2 inches of pure peat moss that is well soaked in order to keep humidity levels up. I leave ventilation almost fully open because tree spiders need a bigger amount of fresh air than burrowing spiders do (the book lungs are quite susceptable to mold and fungus growth otherwise) Some structure is a good idea because you would rather have the spider hide than attack. I tend to prefer a piece of cork bark leaned vertically against the side of the tank. Some people like to add foliage to make a more natural setting... but its quite hard to see where the spider is when you do this... and I like to know where these guys are at all times when I am working in the cage.
A water dish should also be provided and always kept full.
Temperature and Humidity:
80 and 80 work well... keeping in mind that ventilation is critical.
Feeding:
Crickets are a staple... twice a week is ideal. Pinky mice or anoles can be offered as a treat or to fatten them up after a molt.
Personal Notes:
-DO NOT underestimate the speed of these guys... they are fast and WILL try to attack
-Males lack the colour but not the ferocity. They tend to be a dull reddish-brown colour.