Psalmopoeus

Psalmopoeus is a genus of New World arboreal tarantulas found from Mexico through Central America to Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, northern Brazil and Trinidad. In the wild they live in humid forest, building silk-lined retreats in tree hollows, under loose bark and among dense vegetation, often well off the ground. The genus was described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1895, with Psalmopoeus cambridgei as its type species, and it now contains around 20 described species, several of them named from Central America and Ecuador in just the last few years.

Psalmopoeus are medium to large tarantulas, with adult females of most species reaching leg spans of around 12-18cm. Unlike most New World tarantulas they do not have urticating hairs, so instead of flicking hairs they rely on speed, bolting for cover or standing their ground when disturbed. They are also known for a more potent venom than many New World species, and research on Psalmopoeus cambridgei venom has even identified toxins that act on the same pain receptor as the capsaicin in chilli peppers. Their speed and attitude reward a calm, careful keeper, and they make a fantastic first arboreal for anyone ready to step up from slower, more docile species.

The genus contains several firm favourites in the UK hobby. Psalmopoeus cambridgei, the Trinidad Chevron, is the classic species, a robust olive-green to brown arboreal with dark chevron markings on the abdomen and bright orange patches on the tips of its legs. Psalmopoeus irminia, the Venezuelan Suntiger, is one of the most eye-catching tarantulas in the hobby, with a velvety black body set off by vivid orange stripes on the legs and a tiger-striped abdomen, while Psalmopoeus victori, the Darth Maul Tarantula from Mexico, has bold orange-red markings against a dark body and has quickly become a collector’s favourite.

For collectors, there is plenty more to discover in the genus. Psalmopoeus pulcher (Panama Blonde) and Psalmopoeus reduncus (Costa Rican Orangemouth) are long-standing hobby species, and with new species such as Psalmopoeus zombie and Psalmopoeus satanas described in recent years, Psalmopoeus remains one of the most exciting arboreal genera to follow. They are also famously fast growers with excellent appetites, and many species produce thick silk tunnels and webbing across their enclosure, making them rewarding display animals.

For tarantula keepers, Psalmopoeus care is rewarding once you get a few key points right. They are housed in an arboreal enclosure with more height than floor space, a few centimetres of moisture-retentive substrate, a vertical piece of cork bark to anchor their retreat, some plants or foliage for cover and a water dish that is always kept full. They appreciate moderate humidity, so part of the substrate can be kept slightly damp, but good cross ventilation is essential to keep the air fresh, and most are comfortable at warm UK room temperatures. Because they are quick and can be defensive, plan rehousing and maintenance carefully and avoid handling. Psalmopoeus grow at a fast pace with a hearty appetite, so captive-bred slings reward keepers with visible progress and their adult colours developing in a short time.

Whether you are researching Psalmopoeus tarantula species, looking for information on Psalmopoeus care, comparing Psalmopoeus cambridgei and Psalmopoeus irminia, browsing Psalmopoeus slings, juveniles and adults for sale in the UK, or searching for a fast-growing, colourful arboreal tarantula, exploring the individual species is the best way to find the right Psalmopoeus for your collection.