Caribena versicolor Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re elevating our view — literally — with an arboreal jewel: Caribena versicolor, also known as the Antilles Pinktoe Tarantula. This tree-dwelling beauty is known for its electric-blue spiderlings, its gorgeous color transformation, and its fast, skittish nature. A true showpiece for observant keepers.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Caribena versicolor
Common name: Antilles Pinktoe, Martinique Pinktoe, Martinique Red Tree Spider
Type: Arboreal New World
Native to: Caribbean — Martinique (Lesser Antilles)
Adult size: ~6″ diagonal leg span
Temperament: Generally docile, but very fast and arboreal — may jump or flee if disturbed
Lifespan: Females ~12 years; Males ~3–4 years
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate (great arboreal species if set up properly)
Fun Fact:
These spiders change color dramatically as they grow — from bright metallic-blue spiderlings to adults with deep green, red, and purple tones.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, C. versicolor lives high in the forest canopy, using tree hollows, branches, and silk retreats to hunt and hide.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ¾ inches (humidity retention) of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 75-82°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 70-80% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
• Spiderlings: Fast and skittish, especially when disturbed.
• Adults: Web-builders; will stay high in their web tunnels or carefully explore.
• Handling: Not recommended — while often calm, they are quick and can jump; best to observe rather than handle.
Observation tip:
Watch for web tunnels, anchored leaves, or leaf clusters — this species weaves delicate web retreats to feel secure.
Common Challenges
Risk of “Sudden Avic Death Syndrome (SADS)” if humidity is too high with poor ventilation — cross-flow airflow is very important.
Maintaining the right balance of humidity without drowning substrate.
Providing enough strong vertical features for web anchoring and climbing.
Risk of escape if enclosure is too “airy” or improperly secured.
Final Thoughts
Caribena versicolor (Antilles / Martinique Pinktoe) is a vibrant, high-energy arboreal species — perfect for keepers who want to watch rather than hold. Its color-changing skin, delicate web builds, and tree-dwelling habits make it an enchanting display tarantula. With the right setup — tall, well-ventilated, and humidity-balanced — this species thrives and rewards with natural, graceful behavior.