The Antilles Pink Toe tarantula, also known as the Martinique Pink Toe or the Martinique Red Tree Spider, goes by the scientific name Caribena Versicolor. Due to its striking colouration and docile nature, the Caribena Versicolor is regarded as a must-have by many tarantula hobbyists. Suggestions that this species is challenging to keep are mainly due to misguided information and contradicting care sheets. The Antilles Pink Toe (Caribena Versicolor) should not be mistaken for the Common Pink Toe (Avicularia Avicularia).

Origins and Natural Habitat

The Caribena Versicolor hails from the Caribbean island of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. Formerly classified as an Avicularia Versicolor, it’s not surprising that conflicting information and divided opinion can be found when researching this species. In March 2017, the species was reclassified as Caribena Versicolor, listing the Caribbean island of Martinique as its exact origin. Martinique has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 74 – 88 deg F and average humidity of 70 – 80%. What the climate charts don’t tell us, is that Martinique has a coastal wind that the C. Versicolor utilises for air circulation. This requirement for optimal air circulation is often omitted from care sheets and contributes to the misconceptions about the Antilles Pink Toe being challenging to keep.

The C. Versicolor is a new world arboreal tarantula and lives primarily in the forests of Northern Martinique. Its webbings and nests are found in forest trees, and human-built structures elevated from the ground. The C. Versicolor are medium-sized tarantulas and live in colonies in the wild. The female can live for up to 12 years (reaching 5 or 6 inches in size) while the male can live for up to 3 years (reaching 3 or 4 inches in size).

Colouration

C. Versicolor is regarded as one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby due to the striking colour it possesses throughout different stages of its life. This handsome specimen changes colour with age and never loses its beauty. Colourations are as follows:

• Spiderling (sling): Electric metallic blue.
• Juvenile: Metallic blue begins to mix with light green and purple.
• Mature adults: A mixture of green, red and purple.

Antilles Pink Toe is impossible to keep in captivity though… Isn’t it?

This is a common misconception within the hobby. Many of the care sheets available for the C. Versicolor contain misguided information (“Fake News”) concerning husbandry. A strong emphasis has been placed on controlling the temperature and humidity within the specimen’s enclosure. What’s often omitted is the requirement to provide lots of cross ventilation – one thing this specimen does not like is stuffy and stagnant air. Optimal cross ventilation is of highest importance for the C. Versicolor in captivity.

But does the Antilles Pink Toe make a suitable pet?

For the general public looking to get a pet for their kids/family… definitely not. But since you’re reading this, I’m assuming you already have an interest in keeping tarantulas. The C. Versicolor is not all that difficult to keep and is sure to impress any tarantula hobbyist.

As with any pet, there are some guidelines and recommendations to consider when keeping one of these beauties.

1. Cross ventilation is key to a healthy C. Versicolor. We can’t stress this enough, so provide plenty.
2. Docile in nature. When disturbed, will try to flee and is known to shoot its dirt (“poop”) at potential attackers as a form of defence.
3. Type 2 urticating setae – type 2 can’t be bombarded or thrown – direct contact is necessary to make use of it. Handling should be avoided, or at least kept to a minimum.
4. This spider possesses a mild venomous bite – a bite is likened to a bee sting.
5. This species can jump to a height of 30cm and will do so when performing maintenance in the enclosure. If handling outside the enclosure, the spider may jump to ground potentially harming/injuring itself. Don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Enclosure

Although the C. Versicolor live in colonies in nature, they should be kept alone in captivity. Since the C. Versicolor is arboreal, it will naturally nest in the upper sections of its enclosure and requires a tall enclosure as a result. Enclosure height should be three times the overall length of the spider. It should include substrate, branches, cork bark, leaves, plants (real or fake) and any other crevices for use as hiding spots and anchors for webbing.

The spider will construct web tunnels in the upper half of the enclosure, so it’s recommended to avoid enclosures that open from the top to perform maintenance or feeding duties.

Holes for cross ventilation must be present on each side of the enclosure. The substrate should be dry (or moist at most) – damp conditions within the enclosure can cause this species to perish. A water dish with a large surface area will keep the spider hydrated and maintain the humidity. Aim for 75 – 80 deg F temperature. In general, lower humidity is better than high humidity to prevent mould and mites developing. Temperature and humidity aren’t hard and fast rules here, just remember to keep levels from the extreme.

Feeding time

Crickets, roaches and mealworm are recommended. Pre-kill prey for spiderlings and place them on their web. Juveniles and adults can handle live food and will gladly hunt them down. Feed a couple of insects a week to keep your tarantula healthy. It’s essential to remove any remains of uneaten food from the enclosure within 24 hours to prevent mould and mites from developing.

Breeding Time

Breeding the C. Versicolor is similar to breeding any other tarantula. The male should be introduced to the female enclosure, and at a distance. Allow the pair to grow accustomed to each other and begin to perform their ritual. The couple will perform a drumming pattern to declare their interest and will approach each other to start. The process is a lengthy one and must be supervised throughout. Pay close attention to when the act is completed as the female may attack and kill the much smaller male afterwards. When finished, the male will run away to escape the female and protect itself from attack. The time from successful mating to hatching can be as little as 4 months. It’s essential to keep a close eye on the female during this period. Ensure she is well fed and try not to disrupt her enclosure too much as she will be protective of the egg sac during this period.

In Conclusion – the Key Points

The Antilles Pink Toe (Caribena Versicolor) is a stunning species. Cross ventilation is essential for successful keeping. They can jump to 30cm, so care must be taken when opening enclosures. They will jump onto your arm or hand, and it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling. They can be a little skittish and require plenty of hiding spaces in their enclosure. Recommended for anyone with previous experience of tarantulas. Although suitable for a beginner, it’s not recommend as a first tarantula. There are hardier species out there that will tolerate complete newbie errors. If you are already a keeper of tarantulas, ignore the “FAKE NEWS” and get this show stopper today.