This is a specific care sheet for Venezuelan Sun Tigers (Psalmopoeus irminia), for more in this genus see Category:Psalmopoeus.

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Description 3 Habitat 3.1 Enclosure 3.2 Substrate 3.3 Temperature 3.4 Humidity 4 Feeding 5 Handling 6 Breeding

Introduction

P. irminia is most commonly known as the Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula or simply the Sun Tiger. They are primarily distributed throughout eastern Venezuela, but are also found in Brazil and northern Guyana. They inhabit humid, dense vegitation usually a few feet above ground level but have been known to accommodate heights much nearer the rainforest canopy.

Many knowledgeable keeper’s claim that the Sun Tiger is a particularly robust species and therefore resilient to the mistakes often made by those with less experience. Although it is not necessarily recommended for beginner’s in the hobby as the Sun Tiger is acknowledged to be a somewhat unpredictable and sometimes aggressive species.

Description

The Sun Tiger is a new world, arboreal species that usually grows to approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches). Their most prominant feature is the bright pattern of orange on the metatarsi and tarsi of their eight legs. The carapace and pubescence surrounding it appear green under certain lights, especially after a [[molt]. The dorsal side of the abdomen also has a distinctive orange and black pattern.

Although they share similar habitats with the Avicularia genus of tarantula’s, they can be identified by their forelegs, which are substantially longer than those at the rear.

Habitat

Enclosure

P. irminia requires a habitat of atleast 5 gallons in volume, and being an arboreal species, height is much more important than floor space. You should provide an arrangement of climbing obstacles for your pet, and try to incorporate a few different shelters and levels for them to explore. Atleast one area of the enclosure should be portioned off and kept away from any direct sources of light, so as to provide a dark area for your spider to retreat.

Substrate

You should cover the bottom of the enclosure with 3-4 inches of peat moss, potting soil or vermiculite. It is recommended that you use vermiculite as it will help to regulate and maintain the desired humidity conditions. Vermiculite, although completely harmless, is known to stick to the bodies of tarantula’s so covering this layer with a coating of sphagnum or peat moss will prevent this from happening.

Temperature

This species is requires a temperature range of between 23-29°C (73.4-84.2°F). To ensure the temperatures are being provided you should monitor them by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.

Humidity

They can be kept in a medium-humidity terrarium at approximately 70% and this can be achieved by providing a shallow water dish and misting ocassionally as necessary. To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your tarantula you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.

Feeding

They will tackle most insects, including crickets, locusts, cockroaches and many other livefoods available in your local pet shop. Adults should be fed 4-6 crickets per week.

Handling

The Sun Tiger is an unpredictable and very fast species and should not be handled by anyone.

Breeding