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Scientific name: Psalmopoeus Cambridgei
Common name: Trinidad Chevron
An arboreal species endemic to Trinidad.
Physical Description
Females: Reach up to 7 inches (18 cm) in leg span, with green and brown colouration and chevron-shaped dark markings on the abdomen. They have red or orange flashes on their legs.
Males: Smaller, with a more uniform grey or brown colouration and a leg span of about 5 inches (12 cm). They exhibit sexual dimorphism.
Spiderlings: Opportunistic burrowers, often creating silken hides in small crevices covered in soil.
Behavior
Fast, defensive, and capable of jumping or bolting when threatened. Unlike most New World tarantulas, P. cambridgei lacks urticating hairs but compensates with intimidation displays or bites.
Venom
Its venom contains psalmotoxin and vanillotoxin—classified as inhibitor cystine knot proteins—which have potential therapeutic applications, such as stroke treatment.
Habitat and Enclosure
Found in tropical rainforests, living in silken tube webs behind loose bark or among epiphytic plants.
In captivity, they require tall arboreal enclosures with cork bark for anchoring webs, moderate humidity (light misting weekly) always provide a water dish, and temperatures between 72–82°F (22–28°C).
Scientific name: Psalmopoeus pulcher
Common name: Panama Blonde
Is a stunning arboreal species from the tropical rainforests of Panama. Below are its key characteristics:
Physical Description
Colouration: Features a golden-blonde carapace, peachy-pink legs, and a cream-coloured abdomen with dark accents. Its feathery setae give it a fluffy appearance, especially after molting.
Size: Females reach a leg span of 6 inches (15 cm).
Males slightly smaller at around 5 inches (12cm).
Behavior
Temperament: Generally calmer than other Psalmopoeus species, though still fast and skittish. Rarely displays defensive postures but can leap or bolt when startled.
Venom: Lacks urticating hairs but has medically significant venom, so caution is advised.
Habitat and Care
Enclosure: Requires an arboreal setup with vertical cork bark or hollow logs for webbing. Juveniles can be housed in smaller containers, while adults need taller enclosures.
Humidity and Temperature: Prove a water dish, slightly dampend substrate and temperatures between 78–82°F (25–28°C).
Growth and Lifespan
Growth Rate: Medium-fast.
Lifespan: Females live longer than males, typical of tarantulas.
This species is popular among intermediate hobbyists for its striking appearance and manageable temperament. However, its speed and venom make it unsuitable for beginners.
Scientific name: Psalmopoeus irminia
Common name: Venezuelan Suntiger
A striking arboreal tarantula from Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil. It was first described by F. Saager in 1994.
Physical Description
Colouration: Deep velvety black body with bright orange chevron markings on the legs and tiger-striped patterns on the abdomen. The carapace may have a greenish hue.
Size: Females reach 5.5–6 inches in diagonal leg span, while males are slightly smaller and appear drab grey upon maturity due to sexual dimorphism.
Unique Traits: Lacks urticating hairs but compensates with agility and venom stronger than most New World species.
Behavior
Temperament: Skittish, fast, and sometimes defensive. It relies on speed and strong venom for defense.
Webbing: Constructs elaborate web tunnels in tree hollows or vertical spaces.
Habitat and Care
Enclosure: Requires a vertical setup with cork bark or branches for climbing and webbing. Spiderlings may burrow initially but become fully arboreal as they grow.
Temperature and Humidity: Prefers temperatures of 78–82°F (26–28°C) and provide slightly dampend substrate with a water dish.
Lifespan
Females live 10–12 years, while males typically survive only 3–4 years after maturing.
This species is highly sought after for its beauty but is recommended for intermediate to advanced keepers due to its speed, defensiveness, and venom potency.
