Pink-toed tarantula

Pink-toed tarantula Introduction

The Pink-toed tarantula is a small arboreal species native to the rain-forests of South America and the Southern Caribbean. This species is sometimes called the Guyana pink-toe, common pink-toe, or South American pink-toe. The mature pink-toe tarantula has a dark-colored body and pinkish feet, hence its name. Juvenile specimens, however, have pinkish bodies and dark-colored feet. Pink-toe tarantulas undergo a reversal in their coloration as they approach adulthood at 4–5 years. They are sit-and-wait predators, with limited activity. Tarantulas have four pairs of legs, or eight legs total. In addition, they have four other appendages near the mouth called chelicerae and pedipalps. The chelicerae contain fangs and venom, while the pedipalps are used as feelers and claws; both aid in feeding. The pedipalps are also used by the male as a part of reproduction. Being arboreal species, they require a relatively tall habitat with plenty of climbing space in captivity. They require a lot of moisture, along with ample ventilation to prevent molds from developing. Females have a leg span of 4.75 inches (11-13 centimetres), while males average closer to 3.5 inches (9 centimetres).

Keywords to learn

Arboreal:  living in trees

Mold: a furry growth of minute fungi occurring typically in moist warm conditions, especially on food or other organic matter


About Me

Hey Kids, my name is Paris the Pink-toed tarantula and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @

www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

 

Key Data

  • Order:
    Araneae.
  • Lifespan:
    7-9 years.
  • Class:
    Arachnida.
  • Scientific Name:
    Avicularia avicularia.
  • Mass:
    30-80 grams.
  • Length:
    4.75 inches (11-13 centimeters).
  • Region found:
     South America and the Southern Caribbean.
  • Population Status:
    Not evaluated.
  • Current population trend:
    Unknown.
  • Diet:
    Carnivorous.
  • Sexual maturity:
    2-3 years.

 

The Pink-toed tarantula is one of the most popular tarantulas in the pet trade because of its beautiful colors and its docile nature.

 

Now that you know more about the Pink-toed tarantula by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.

 

 

Download questions about the Pink-toed tarantula here: Pink-toed tarantula  (answers are on this page)

 

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on spiders . Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets

 

 

Pink-Toed Tarantula Facts for Kids

  • # 1.  The pink-toed tarantula can throw hairs from its body as a form of defense.
  • # 2. The tarantulas are active predators, feeding on a variety of invertebrates as well as small vertebrates like mice, frogs and lizards. Tarantulas hunt at night and rely on their large size to subdue prey.
  • # 3. After their maturation molt, males develop a “finger” on the underside of the first set of front legs that is used to hook and lock the female’s fangs and to steady themselves while they mate.
  • # 4. Once mated, the female makes a web in which she lays 50 to 200 eggs that become fertilized as they pass out of her body. The female then wraps the eggs into a ball and guards the egg sac.
  • # 5.  In order to grow, the hatched spiders must go through several molts. Molting is the process by which the tarantula sheds its old exoskeleton and emerges in a new, larger one. Spiderlings can be expected to molt five or six times in their first year.

Q&A Corner

# 1. List two other common names of the Pink-toed tarantula?

 

# 2. Which gender of the Pink-toed tarantula is bigger?

 

# 3. What is the weight of the Pink-toed tarantula?

 

# 4. How many eggs does a female Pink-toed tarantula lay?

 

# 5. How many eggs does a female Pink-toed tarantula lay?

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