Venezuelan Sun Tiger (Psalmopoeus irminia)

Strictly Not for beginners. This is a very attractive new world tarantula, with it’s beautiful black sheen and orange accents, it always a beauty to see. Photos can not do this spider justice. Regardless, the Venezuelan Sun Tiger is a fantastic spider to own and watch, they have a hearty appetite and explosive feeding responses. They are also very very quick, from sling to adult, they can move with blinding speed. They really do bring the term “exotic” to your collection.

This bird spider makes beautiful webbed structures for it’s hide, which is usually at the base of a hollow vertical hide, like bamboo or a curved piece of cork bark. It’s temperament is generally manageable, it’s only during feeding, cleaning or maintenance that one should take care because Psalmopoeus irminia is known to be unpredictable and skittish, turning to defensive and even aggressive if they are constantly provoked or feel trapped in a corner. Their hide is their home. Don’t trespass unless you really have to.

The Sun Tiger will also jump if it thinks that’s the way out, so be extra careful. If they do happen to jump, Sun Tigers tends to spread it’s legs like a star when falling, acting like a parachute they actually fall quite well. Sun Tigers are also suspected to have medically significant venom for humans and a badly placed bite could cause serious pain and discomfort. One might consider hospitalisation depending on the severity and reaction to a bite. These are truly beautiful and amazing to own, but must be treated with respect and preferably by slightly more experienced keepers.