HD Arachnids

The Avicularia minatrix, known commonly as the Redstripe Pinktoe, Venezualen Red Stripe and Red Slate Pinktoe Tarantula, is one of my FAVORITE dwarf species! This New World arboreal tarantnula is one of the smallest and most reclusive species in the hobby, except for maybe the T. seladonia.

Scientific Name: Avicularia minatrix

Common Name: Red Slate Pink Toe Tarantula

Type: Arboreal

Location: Venezuela

Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): up to 2.5-3in (7cm)

Growth Rate: Medium/Fast

Life Expectancy: Females (10 to 12 years) | Males (2 to 3 years)

Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

 Described by Pocock, 1903 The Red Slate Pink Toe, is known scientifically as the Avicularia minatrix, is a NEW WORLD arboreal dwarf tarantula from Venezuela. This is the smallest tarantula in the Avicularia genus, only growing to about 2.5” inches in size. In nature, this species tends to make their homes in the Bromeliads and can be found in the coastal regions of Venezuela as well as the areas near Maracay. In nature, 2 or 3 A. minatrix have been observed sharing on bromeliad making separate web tunnels in different parts of the same plant. Though it seems they tolerate living closely together out of necessity and aren't a true communal species that can be kept together in one enclosure in captivity. This species can be difficult to find available for sale and usually are more expensive than other Avicularia species, making it a VERY risky and costly to attempt to experiment keeping them communally. In fact, it is not something I personally would try or suggest others to do. Part of the reason they can be difficult to come across and expensive to purchase is because they have very few eggs per sac compared to other species of tarantulas. Typically there seems to be as little as 20 eggs per sac and at most maybe 40 eggs. That along with the fact dwarf species don't seem to be as sought after as larger species of tarantulas, there may not be a demand large enough to encourage breeders to constantly attempt to produce large numbers of egg sacs. 

Unlike other species of Avicularia, Caribena, or Ybyrapora tarantulas, the minatrix is probably my most reclusive NW arboreal. I see my Psalmopeous species more than I see my minatrix. Mostly she spends her time huddled up in her web tunnels and rarely is out on display or walking around her enclosure. Which is a shame because they are such a beautiful species. Not only is this species shy and reclusive, but they can be very skittish as well. Mine will quickly bolt around its enclosure and dive into hiding if I happen to catch her out and frequently will run away from its prey when I feed her before actually pouncing on it and eating. This isn't a species I would attempt to handle, not because it has powerful venom, in fact it has been theorized, though not yet scientifically proven, that they have some of the weakest venom of any species of tarantula, and not because of the urticating hairs, as Avicularia species only posses Type 2 urticating hairs meaning they don't kick the hairs up in a cloud when they feel threatened like other species of new world tarantulas, the only way Type 2 urticating setae can be transferred is with direct contact. So if your Avicularia is rubbing its abdomen on you, it isn't showing affection, it is trying to rub off itchy hairs on you. But I wouldnt handle this species because it is so small and skittish. My concern is that because it is easily startled, it will attempt to bolt or jump and escape, become hurt, possibly even fatally. So this is a species I keep safely in its enclosure and am cautious when feeding and rehousing. 

See more about how I care for this species here: