Caribena versicolor 'Antilles Pink Toe'

About Caribena versicolor

Caribena versicolor (formerly Avicularia versicolor) is a New World arboreal tarantula from Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Caribbean. It undergoes one of the most dramatic colour changes in the hobby: slings are an intense metallic blue, while adults develop a rich iridescent coat of purple, red, and green that shifts in the light.

This species is arboreal — it lives in trees, not on the ground. Everything about its enclosure setup differs from terrestrial tarantulas. C. versicolor builds tubular web retreats high in the enclosure and spends most of its time there.

Females live 12–15 years; males typically 3–4 years. Growth rate is moderate.

Enclosure — ventilation is critical

This is the single most important section of this guide. Caribena versicolor slings and juveniles are notoriously sensitive to stagnant, humid air. More C. versicolor die from poor ventilation than any other cause. The enclosure must have cross-ventilation — air holes on opposite sides, not just a mesh lid.

• Enclosure: tall and narrow — 20×20×35 cm minimum for adults, with ventilation on at least two sides
• Cork bark tubes or branches positioned vertically for climbing and web anchor points
• Substrate: a thin layer of coconut fibre (3–5 cm) — this species rarely touches the ground
• A water dish at ground level — they will come down to drink
• Fake or live plants for additional climbing surfaces and cover

For slings, use a well-ventilated deli cup with holes drilled on multiple sides. Do not keep slings in sealed or poorly ventilated containers — they will die.

Temperature, humidity & water

Keep temperatures at 24–28°C. This species needs warmth — do not let temperatures drop below 22°C for extended periods.

Humidity should be 65–80%, but this must be achieved with good airflow. Lightly mist one side of the enclosure every 1–2 days and allow it to dry between mistings. The enclosure should never feel damp or stuffy. Think "tropical breeze," not "sealed greenhouse." A water dish helps maintain baseline humidity without creating stagnant conditions.

Feeding & moulting

C. versicolor has a good appetite and feeds readily. Offer prey every 5–7 days. Arboreal species prefer prey that climbs — crickets and flying insects work well. Drop prey near the base of their web retreat or use tongs to offer it at height.

Pre-moult signs include darkening of the abdomen and food refusal. Arboreal species often moult hanging from their web retreat. Do not disturb a moulting spider. After the moult, wait 1–2 weeks before feeding — the fangs must harden first.

Tarantulas moult by flipping onto their backs. If you find your tarantula lying upside-down, it is almost certainly moulting — not dead. Do not touch it, do not spray it, and do not attempt to help. The process can take several hours. Leave it completely undisturbed.

Temperament & handling

C. versicolor is generally calm for an arboreal species but can be skittish and fast when startled. Its primary escape response is to bolt or jump — and arboreal tarantulas are remarkably agile. Handling is not recommended. An escaped arboreal tarantula is far harder to recapture than a terrestrial one, and falls remain a serious injury risk.

As a New World species, it has urticating hairs on the abdomen but does not kick them defensively like terrestrial species do. Bites are uncommon and venom effects are mild — comparable to a bee sting.

If urticating hairs contact you

• If hairs contact your skin, use tape to remove them and wash the area
• If hairs get in your eyes, flush immediately with clean water and see a doctor — do not rub
• Wash hands after handling or cleaning the enclosure