Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment.

Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell.

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water.

Defining Characteristics:

• This species has a fast growth rate
• Another common name is the “half and half” due to this animal's color pattern
• The genus is native to many places, such as: Trinidad, Tobago, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Brazil, Belize, Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras
• Psalmopoeus victori has been reported as being the first arboreal tarantula of Mexico

Name: Psalmopoeus victori is also commonly known as the Darth Maul Tarantula, though it has no affiliation with the Star Wars series. 

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Psalmopoeus victori is an arboreal species, meaning the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least three times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than two times the spider’s diagonal leg span. The enclosure will need to be upgraded as the animal continues to grow.

4-5 inches of substrate will help the terrarium retain humidity while still allowing for this species to have its high ventilation requirements. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! 

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 degrees, or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment. The recommended ambient humidity should stay between 70% and 75% This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly.

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 1/4 of an inch. Females can grow to be up to 8 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller.

We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal.

For this species, the average lifespan is 4-5 years in males, and 8-12 years in females when provided the adequate environment.

Feeding: At the time of sale, this animal is eating 5-8 hydei fruit flies once a week. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Psalmopoeus victori sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Coloration/Patterning: As a spiderling, this species actually shows its adult coloration, just a bit more dull. As it matures, the color becomes quite saturated with the front half being a dark velvety black, and the back being a deep burgundy/red.

Social Behavior: Psalmopoeus victori is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism.

Natural Range: Psalmopoeus victori is native to the forests of Veracruz, Mexico.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Psalmopoeus victori from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!