Avicularia metallica

Avicularia metallica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Araneae
Family:	Theraphosidae
Genus:	Avicularia
Species:	A. metallica
Binomial name
Avicularia metallica Ausserer, 1875

Avicularia metallica (Pinktoe) is a relatively docile species of tarantulas.^[1]Avicularia metallica is considered by some to be a communal species.^[2] Cannibalism, while still a concern when kept communally, is less problematic compared to other Theraphosidae.^[3]

Description

Avic Close-Up

The metallic pinktoe is a tarantula with a diagonal leg span of approximately 13–15 centimetres (5.1–5.9 in). The metallic pinktoe is noted for iridescent sheen, green to dark blue prosoma, and the white tipped hairs on the opisthosoma. Males and females look the same until the ultimate (final) molt of the males. At this point, males will gain embolus on the pedipalps and tibial apophysis (also called tibial spurs or tibial hooks), used for mating. The metallic pinktoe tarantula is an arboreal species that will often construct a tube web in the tree canopy.

Habitat

The metallic pinktoe is found in the tropical forests of Colombia.

Pets

A. metallica Fangs

Pink Toe (some say orange)

One of the eight feet

The metallic pinktoe is often kept as a pet and is popular with tarantula keepers for its metallic hue. Typical care requirements include a 5–10 US gallons (19–38 l; 4.2–8.3 imp gal) tank with 6–10 centimetres (2.4–3.9 in) of substrate such as peat moss or coco-husk^[4]. Since this species is arboreal, height is more important than floor space, and they should be provided with branches, plants, or cork bark to climb on. They require relatively high humidity and should be provided with an open water dish. Tarantulas are generally offered 1–2 prey items (such as crickets) once weekly, although they can typically survive for several weeks without food. For more information on pet tarantula care see Tarantula.

Notes

1. ^ Arachnophiles Anonymous Home Page
2. ^ Avicularia species descriptions
3. ^ Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia)
4. ^ Schultz, Stanley A. The Tarantula Keeper's Guide: Comprehensive Information on Care, Housing, and Feeding. Barrons, 2009. ISBN 0764138855