Caribena versicolor - Martinique pink toe tarantula

Photo provided by Chadwick family inverts on instagram

1. Overview & Natural History
    • Caribena versicolor is a striking, arboreal tarantula native to the Caribbean islands. In the wild, these remarkable arachnids live high in the forest canopy. They are typically found amidst tropical forests where they inhabit elevated retreats on trees, in bromeliads, and within crevices in tree bark.
    • Their natural habitat is a mosaic of conditions—while the local climate is tropical and generally warm, it experiences fluctuating humidity. Periods of refreshing tropical rain are interspersed with drier intervals. This balance has led Caribena versicolor to evolve behaviors and physical adaptations that allow them to thrive in the arboreal niche.

2. Enclosure Requirements
    • To support their arboreal nature, provide a vertically oriented enclosure that encourages climbing and exploration.
    • An adult specimen should be housed in an enclosure approximately 20 cm (Depth) × 20 cm (Width) × 30 cm (Height). Although this size provides sufficient room, pay special attention to the vertical space to allow natural climbing behavior.
    • Create a layered environment with different heights where your tarantula can set up retreats that mimic its wild habitat.

3. Humidity & Water
    • Despite living in a tropical climate that sees occasional heavy rains, Caribena versicolor prefers a primarily dry resting microenvironment. In captivity, avoid over-humidifying the enclosure.
    • Always offer fresh water in a shallow, stable dish. In the wild, they would receive moisture from dew and occasional rains, so providing water ensures they can hydrate as needed without overly dampening their main habitat.

4. Substrate & Decorations
    • Use a substrate that remains relatively dry while allowing for a touch of natural burrowing or anchoring opportunities. A light, well-draining substrate is best.
    • Do not use rocks as decorations. Instead, incorporate cork bark tubes and other secure arboreal structures (such as safe artificial plants or non-toxic vertical branches) that offer elevated shelters and mimic the natural crevices found in trees. These elements help your tarantula express its innate climbing and hiding behaviors.

5. Handling & Safety
    • Handling is not recommended. Regular interaction can induce stress and potentially compromise the tarantula’s health.
    • Always perform observational interactions from a safe distance, and when enclosure maintenance is needed, use appropriate tools to minimize direct contact.

6. Additional Care Tips Reflecting Their Wild Habitat
    • Place the enclosure in a quiet room with minimal disturbances, as a calm environment helps reduce stress for these sensitive, arboreal creatures.
    • Maintain a consistent ambient temperature suitable for a tropical forest environment, avoiding sudden fluctuations.
    • Regularly check and clean both the water dish and substrate to prevent mold or bacterial growth.
    • Observe your tarantula’s health and behavior. Changes in activity level, coloration, or appetite could indicate stress or an unsuitable environment, warranting adjustments to mimic natural conditions even more closely.

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 By closely emulating the arboreal, tropical forest conditions found in the wild, you provide Caribena versicolor with an environment where it can express natural behaviors. The combination of vertical space, climbing structures like cork bark tubes, controlled humidity with ever-available fresh water, and minimal handling all contribute to a more authentic and healthy habitat for your arboreal tarantula.