Vibrant Venezuelan Suntiger Tarantulas: Breeding, Care, and Captive Sources

An Introduction to the Stunning Venezuelan Suntiger Tarantula

For tarantula enthusiasts and exotic pet lovers, the Venezuelan suntiger tarantula (Psalmopoeus irminia) stands out as one of the most beautiful and sought-after species. With vibrant orange coloring contrasted by midnight blue legs and abdomens, these spiders are truly captivating.

Appearance and Size of the Venezuelan Suntiger

The Venezuelan suntiger is a large arboreal tarantula species that originates from Venezuela and other parts of tropical northern South America. They earn the name “suntiger” from their bright orange-red setae covering the patellas and tibias of their front two leg pairs.

These setae reflect light like the rays of the sun. When combined with their dark blue limbs and abdomens, it creates a dramatic “tiger stripe” look. The orange and blue coloring becomes even more prominent after molting.

In terms of size, mature male Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas reach about 4-5 inches in legspan. Females are noticeably larger, sometimes exceeding 6 inches.

Venezuelan Suntiger Habitat and Behavior

These stunning tarantulas inhabit tropical forests and scrublands in Venezuela and Colombia. Very arboreal, they spend most of their time in trees and vegetation up to 40 feet off the ground.

Venezuelan suntigers are active at twilight and nighttime when they emerge from their silken nests to hunt. They use venom and speed to capture insects, small amphibians, lizards, snakes, and even rodents for food.

While fiercely predatory to live prey, Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas are very timid with humans. They tend to flee rather than bite if disturbed. Their urticating hairs also serve as an effective defense mechanism against potential predators.

Breeding and Egg Care for Venezuelan Suntigers

In the wild, Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas reach maturity within 2-4 years for males and 4-6 years for females. After maturing, breeding typically takes place in the early fall months of September to November.

Finding and Pairing Suitable Mates

To successfully breed Venezuelan suntigers in captivity, a mature male and female must be paired together during this breeding timeframe. It can be tricky finding, sexing, and matching appropriate mates.

Mature males can be identified by their noticeably smaller size, enlarged pedipalps, and hooked spurs on the first set of walking legs. Visual confirmation of spermathecae is needed to confirm females.

Once a male and female are acquired, they should be introduced very slowly in short sessions to avoid aggression. Several days of cohabitation may be necessary for successful mating.

Egg Laying, Incubation and Spiderlings

After mating concludes, the male tarantula should be promptly removed before being cannibalized by the female. Approximately 30-40 days later, the female will produce an egg sac containing 400-500 eggs which she attaches to vegetation, wood, or other surfaces.

The female diligently stands guard over her egg sac, stroking it gently to keep fungal growth at bay. After an incubation period of five to eight weeks, the tiny spiderlings will emerge and cluster onto the female’s abdomen for about a week before dispersing.

The young require very humid conditions and small prey items until their next molt which occurs within a few weeks. With good care, these Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas for sale will thrive and display their full orange and blue magnificence.

Purchasing Captive Bred Venezuelan Suntigers

Those interested in adding one of these gorgeous spiders to their collection will need to source them from reputable sellers who captive breed Venezuelan suntigers. Look for specimens bred domestically to ensure legality and sustainability.

Cost Considerations for Venezuelan Suntigers

Due to the intricate demands of breeding, these exotic tarantulas tend to demand premium prices ranging from $200 to $350 per spiderling. Expect to pay even more for adult females or confirmed males nearing maturity.

While the upfront investment can be significant, properly raised and bred Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas can more than recoup their initial costs for diligent hobbyists able to hatch and sell their offspring. This species can sell out quickly when available.

Choosing Healthy Specimens from Reputable Sellers

Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas require tropical conditions and higher humidity than desert species. They also have a faster metabolism and stricter feeding requirements as arboreals.

When sourcing your spiders, closely inspect them for signs of good health like vibrant colors, intact limbs, and alert reactions. Clear enclosure photos from the seller can also give helpful insight on housing conditions.

Additionally, check reviews and community reputation of any online breeder before purchasing rare, higher-value species like the Venezuelan suntiger. Joining tarantula enthusiast groups and forums can help identify the most reputable sellers currently offering Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas for sale.

Caring for Pet Venezuelan Suntiger Tarantulas

While undoubtedly eye-catching display specimens, caring for Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas requires some specialized husbandry techniques to mimic their natural tropical, arboreal habitat.

Suntiger Housing and Enclosure Recommendations

Ample height is essential for an arboreal enclosures so an adult suntiger has space to climb and create intricate tunneling and retreats amongst fake foliage, branches, and cork bark. Enclosure size should allow stretched diagonal legspan x2 at minimum.

Substrate wise, several inches of eco earth, cocofiber, or potting soil enables burrowing. Adding springtail cultures helps manage waste. Cross ventilation plus supplemental misting maintains the higher 60-80% humidity suntigers need.

Lastly, create plenty of anchor points for webbing throughout the enclosure, vertically and horizontally. Venezuelan suntigers are prolific webbers and will use these to ambush prey.

Ideal Feeding Regime for Pet Suntigers

Healthy feeding is also paramount when keeping suntigers. Offer appropriately sized feeder insects like gut loaded crickets, dubia roaches, grasshoppers etc. about once per week for juveniles and every 7-14 days for adults.

Never go long periods without feeding arboreals as they have faster metabolisms than terrestrial species. Make sure clean water sources are always available as well using should drip bottles mounted on the enclosure walls.

With the right setup and care regimen, pet Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas will thrive for decades while dazzling spider enthusiasts with their radiant beauty!

FAQs

How big do Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas get?

Mature male Venezuelan suntigers reach about 4-5 inches in legspan while females can exceed 6 inches in legspan once full grown.

Are Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas aggressive?

No, Venezuelan suntigers are generally very timid and docile tarantulas. They will likely flee rather than bite if startled or threatened. However, care should still be taken when cleaning enclosures or performing maintenance.

What do Venezuelan suntigers eat?

Venezuelan suntigers are voracious predators that eat insects, arachnids, small reptiles and amphibians. Good feeder insects include crickets, roaches, grasshoppers and occasionally mealworms.

How long do Venezuelan suntigers live?

With proper care, Venezuelan suntiger tarantulas can live 15 years or longer in captivity. Males generally have shorter 1-2 year lifespans after reaching maturity and breeding.