Avicularia purpurea (Purple Pinktoe) Care Sheet

Avicularia purpurea, commonly known as the “Purple Pinktoe,” is a strikingly beautiful arboreal tarantula native to Ecuador. It is especially admired for its deep, velvety dark coloration that shimmers with intense purple iridescence under the right lighting, giving it a rich, almost metallic appearance. Like other “pinktoes,” A. purpurea features soft pink to peach-colored tips on its feet, creating a subtle but beautiful contrast against its velvet purple body. As an arboreal species, it spends its life in the trees, constructing silken retreats in hollows, foliage, or crevices where it rests and waits to ambush prey.

Despite its quick movements and sometimes nervous disposition, Avicularia purpurea is generally considered not aggressive and prefers to flee or hide when disturbed. It relies on speed and agility for defense, and may flick hairs or, like other members of its genus, eject fecal matter with surprising accuracy when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of small insects and other invertebrates, which it captures using patience and sudden bursts of speed.

With its vivid purple sheen, delicate pink accents, and graceful arboreal behavior, Avicularia purpurea is a visually stunning and fascinating species with a rare, unique and incredible appearance.  There is a reason this species is so sought after, and it’s the same reason I rarely have them available! 

New to tarantulas? Read THIS ARTICLE first!

Origin: New World. This tropical species is native to Ecuador.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced, depending on size (smaller specimens are more finicky)

Type: Arboreal

Adult Size: 4-4.5”

Growth speed: Medium

Longevity: Males 4-7 years, females 8-12+ years. Click HERE to learn how to determine the gender of a tarantula. 

Temperament: Docile yet skittish. If agitated they may flee and/or flick urticating hairs. Bites of this species are rare.

Bite potency:  Mild

Urticating hairs: Yes

Ideal Temperature:  72 to 76°

Humidity: Medium to Medium-High

Interesting Fact: Really… just look at it! A. purpurea looks like it was made of royal purple velvet! There are no words! 

Enclosure: Good ventilation is a must and safety should be a top priority when choosing and designing your tarantulas enclosure. For spiderlings under about 1-1 1/4″ I recommend the 2.25 x 2.25 - Arboreal Kit. For specimens over 1″ to about 2 1/2″ I recommend the 4x4x8 Arboreal Kit.  Specimens over 2-2 1/2″ and to about can go into a 7x7x11” or 8x8x14” Arboreal Enclosure. 

Click HERE to find out how to you measure a tarantula.

Avicularia species require an enclosure that is taller than it is wide to suit its arboreal nature. Vertical space is essential, along with climbing structures like cork bark, branches, or vines. It also needs multiple anchor points, such as foliage or textured surfaces, to build its signature tubeweb retreats high above the ground. Good ventilation is important to prevent stagnant, overly humid air while still maintaining moderate humidity.

Substrate: Cocofiber, vermiculite, peat moss and/or potting soil (or a mix) are all excellent substrate choices. Please make sure the substrate you choose is organic and chemical/fertilizer free. Do not use sand, pebbles, rocks or wood chips or anything else that could potentially cut or injure the tarantula. An underlayment of hydronton or similar and.or cork chips are typically okay. 

Water: Arboreal species also require frequent misting. Larger specimens 1 1/2-2” and over should be provided with a shallow water bowl. Be sure to use RO or spring water to avoid potential health issues as a result of trace pesticides and/or chemicals. 

Feeding: Adults will eat every 4-10 days depending on the size of the spider and it’s prey. Spiderlings should eat more often, every 2-5 days. Adults may be fed crickets, mealworms or roaches. Spiderlings under .75” can only eat food small enough for it to overpower. This includes pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies & freshly hatched “pinhead” rusty red roaches. It is not advised to feed your tarantula wild-caught food. It could contain parasites or pesticides that could be fatal to your pet. Keep your tarantulas enclosure clean. food waste left in the enclosure will invite mold, mildew, mites, flies and other pests. It is advised to remove uneaten prey items after 3-12 hours. If using a feeder who will not “bother” a tarantula such as dubia roaches it is alright to leave them in the enclosure as long as they are not causing stress to the specimen. A more detailed feeding, misting & troubleshooting guide can be found HERE.