Pink Toed Tarantula
The first tarantula ever recorded, pink-toed tarantulas earned their name as a result of their pink or orange-tipped legs. These arachnids are arboreal and, unlike most other tarantula species, tend to jump. They require humid, hot conditions. The eating habits of pink-toed tarantulas are similar to those of other tarantula species: they consume large insects, as well as small animals such as reptiles and rodents. Tree frogs may also become the prey of the pink-toed tarantula.
Known as the clown of tarantulas, pink-toed tarantulas are docile and only bite when provoked. Prior to biting, they exhibit warning postures and use urticating hairs along their abdomens to deter attackers. Unlike other tarantula species, pink-toed tarantulas are not able to release these urticating hairs and must instead make direct contact with predators. They have been recorded projecting fecal matter at enemies as another way to drive attackers away.
Pink-toed tarantulas are present primarily in tropical forested zones. Females produce close to 100 eggs at once and encase them in silk. The female will then protect this cocoon until the spiderlings hatch, typically six to eight weeks later.
