Caribena versicolor

🔤 Taxonomy

Caribena versicolor is the currently accepted scientific name. In older literature and much of the hobby, the species was widely known as Avicularia versicolor.

The latest renames that hobbyists most often encounter are:

• Avicularia versicolor -> Caribena versicolor (genus transfer, Fukushima & Bertani 2017)

Older names and combinations associated with the species include:

• Avicularia versicolor (Walckenaer, 1837)

This is a genus-level transfer rather than a change in the species identity; old Avicularia versicolor labels in captive-bred records usually refer to the same Martinique species.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Antilles pinktoe tarantula
• Martinique pinktoe tarantula
• Martinique red tree spider

German common names used in the hobby:

• Martinique-Baumvogelspinne
• Rotfussspinnenvogelspinne

📌 Description

Caribena versicolor is a striking arboreal New World tarantula from the Caribbean. Juveniles are famous for their vivid blue coloration, while older specimens develop the metallic green, red, and pink tones that make the species one of the most recognizable tarantulas in the hobby.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 12-15 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

It is usually kept as a display species rather than a handling animal. Like other pinktoe-type tarantulas, it is fast, alert, and capable of quick movement. Urticating hairs are present but are not usually the main defensive tool.

This species is beautiful but not as forgiving as many beginner terrestrial tarantulas. The key challenge is balancing humidity with excellent ventilation.

☠️ Venom and irritating hairs

Fast movement and jumping make hand-to-hand transfers unsafe even when this spider appears calm. Bites can cause pain and swelling, and contact with irritating hairs can affect skin or eyes. Avoid rubbing the abdomen or bringing a disturbed retreat near the face.

After a bite or eye exposure, obtain medical or poison-centre advice. Breathing difficulty, collapse or throat swelling requires emergency help. Give the species name rather than trying to capture the animal; do not improvise treatment. The medical reference below concerns tarantulas generally, not a clinical study of C. versicolor.

🌍 Distribution

Caribena versicolor is native to Martinique in the Lesser Antilles. In the wild it is associated with humid tropical forest and vegetation where it shelters in silk-lined arboreal retreats.

A practical captive setup should provide:

• a secure vertical enclosure with cork bark or tree-bark retreats
• strong cross-ventilation with moderate humidity
• fresh water and occasional moisture without stale air
• minimal disturbance around the main retreat
• careful maintenance, because fast arboreal species can bolt quickly

🌡 Climate across the native range

Monthly climate normals from reviewed GBIF occurrence locations:

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com · CC BY 4.0 · Monthly normals calculated by Herpeton Academy from daily archive values.

Location references use GBIF.org occurrence data where available; original occurrence records retain their source dataset licenses.

⚖️ Legal status

Caribena versicolor is included in CITES Appendix III following the EU listing request, and that listing is reflected in the EU wildlife trade system as an Annex C treatment. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, breeding, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals from transparent sources are strongly preferable.

🤌 Husbandry

Caribena versicolor should be housed alone in a secure vertical enclosure.

Start slings in small, escape-proof containers where prey, molts, and hydration can be checked easily, then move them up in stages as they grow.

Prioritize these basics:

• Tall arboreal setup
• Cork bark tube or elevated hide
• Strong cross-ventilation
• Dry-to-moderately moist conditions rather than wet stagnant air
• A water dish

A practical adult enclosure might be around 20 × 20 × 30 cm or larger, though more space can be used if the enclosure still provides security and usable anchor points.

Place the upper bark and foliage away from the opening so that the spider can build a silk tube that will not be torn apart every time the enclosure is serviced. Anchor points should connect the feeding area with the retreat rather than leaving an isolated perch. Check that doors and ventilation holes remain escape-proof for the actual spider’s size, not just for an adult.

Prepare the new enclosure and a catch container before rehousing. Work in a closed room within a larger containment area, and never shake a spider out of its web. If its location is uncertain, stop. A new arrival should have separate tools and an observation record covering origin, meals, molts and body condition; concealment alone is not a reason to dismantle the retreat.

💡 Lighting

Tarantulas do not need specialist lighting; a regular room day-night rhythm is enough.

Bright basking lamps are unnecessary and can dry the enclosure too aggressively.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Aim for steady warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

High overheating risk should still be avoided. Stable warmth with good ventilation is more important than intense heating.

💧 Humidity and water

Caribena versicolor usually does best with moderate humidity and constant access to fresh water, but the enclosure must never become stuffy.

Practical points:

• Keep part of the enclosure slightly more humid if needed
• Allow surfaces to dry between heavier moisture additions
• Maintain strong airflow at all times
• Use a water dish rather than trying to keep everything wet

For this species, “humid” should never mean stagnant.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use vertical cork bark, branches, and other stable structures that allow webbing and elevated resting positions.

Useful features include:

• Cork bark tube
• Vertical branchwork
• Good anchor points for silk
• Dry upper retreats
• Safe, well-ventilated layout

Deep wet substrate is unnecessary. The species spends most of its time above ground level.

🪳 Feeding

Caribena versicolor is insectivorous. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Occasional mealworms only in moderation

Adults usually take appropriately sized prey every 7-10 days; slings and juveniles can be fed more often while growing.

For a small spider living high in its silk tube, prey left on the floor may never be encountered. Offer suitably small prey near the accessible retreat entrance, or a small pre-killed item where it can be removed afterward. Do not push forceps into the tube. Check whether food was actually taken and remove accessible leftovers, especially before molt. A sealed retreat should not be opened for a scheduled meal. Resume feeding after the new cuticle and fangs have hardened, rather than using appetite or a fixed date alone.

🩺 Common problems

The most common problems are linked to stale humid air, poor ventilation, dehydration through neglect of water access, falls, and molting complications.

Warning signs include:

• Lethargy in poor airflow
• Shriveling abdomen
• Repeated climbing in a bad setup
• Failed molt
• Obvious decline after overly damp conditions

If something seems wrong, first review ventilation, temperature, water access, and enclosure dryness rather than simply adding more moisture.

📌 Conclusion

Caribena versicolor is one of the most beautiful arboreal tarantulas in the hobby. With a tall enclosure, strong ventilation, moderate humidity, and careful attention to airflow, it can do very well in captivity.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices, checked 2026-05-04
• World Spider Catalog — taxonomy and Martinique range
• Fukushima & Bertani 2017 — genus revision
• Tom’s Big Spiders — species husbandry observations
• MedlinePlus — tarantula bites and irritating hairs
• Official EU annexes — Regulation 2026/1383