Avicularia merianae
The Avicularia merianae, or Peruvian Pinktoe, stands out with its striking dark blue and black hues, giving it an enchanting, almost metallic appearance. Native to the lush forests of Peru, this arboreal beauty is known for its gentle nature, making it a top choice for collectors who appreciate a calm yet stunningly unique tarantula.
Care Details
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Temperature: Ideal range is 75 to 85°F (24 to 29°C). A warmer environment promotes faster growth, increased feeding, and quicker molts, making care flexible and straightforward.
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Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of 75–80%. Water dishes are not necessary, but if used, they pose no harm. I personally do not use them.
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Housing:
- Arboreal species: For babies, provide a small vial up to 5 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter with good ventilation. Free vials available at checkout—please request one at checkout; otherwise, it won’t be included.
- For juveniles over 2 inches, an enclosure of 7-8 inches tall is suitable. Adults need a 12 to 16-inch-tall enclosure to thrive.
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Diet: I personally give them a variety of crickets and cockroaches, including Dubia, Red-runner, Lobster, and Madagascar hissing roaches. For the baby tarantulas, baby crickets and baby roaches are ideal. If you have access to only one type of prey, that is also perfectly fine.
If you cannot find a small enough cricket or cockroach, just crush its head and leave it in the enclosure; your tarantula should handle the rest.
Remember to remove any uneaten food to prevent any mold growth.
And for an occasional treat, a pinky or hopper mouse adds a nice variety to their diet. Make sure to not overfeed rodents and feeder lizards to your tarantulas; these should be done every once in a while as a treat. Too much calcium is not good for the tarantula as it can cause constipation, and the tarantula might have a hard time pooping.
In-depth Facts
- Latin name: Avicularia merianae
- Common name: Peruvian Pinktoe
- Locale: Native to Peru, especially in tropical forest regions.
- Category: Arboreal; moderate webbing with exploration and light web construction tendencies.
- Size: Females can grow up to 5.5 inches, males slightly smaller.
- Urticating hairs: Don't have to worry about this species kicking hair
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Life span: Females live up to 15 years, while males have a life span of about 3-4 years.
- Recommended level: Excellent for enthusiasts who appreciate a calm, visually stunning arboreal species.
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Safety Disclaimer:
Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been no recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.
It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.
Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 11 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.
Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula.