Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus Irminia (Saager, 1994)
Synonyms: NIL
Psalmopoeus Irminia is most commonly known as the Venezuelan Sun Tiger Tarantula or simply the Sun Tiger. They are primarily distributed throughout eastern Venezuela, but are also found in Brazil and northern Guyana. They inhabit humid, dense vegetation usually a few feet above ground level but have been known to accommodate heights much nearer the rainforest canopy.
Many knowledgeable keeper's claim that the Sun Tiger is a particularly robust species and therefore resilient to the mistakes often made by those with less experience. Although it is not necessarily recommended for beginner's in the hobby as the Sun Tiger is acknowledged to be a somewhat unpredictable and sometimes aggressive species.
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| Picture: Adult Photo of Psalmopoeus Irminia |
The Venezuelan Sun-tiger Tarantula (Psalmopoeus Irminia) is a striking tarantula species from Venezuela and hence considered a New World species. It has hairy legs which are typically dark in colour (pro-nominally black) with a black carapace. Males are generally a slightly lighter, more faded colour than females. The female has a striking colouration with bright orange chevrons on their long legs and a tiger stripe design on its abdomen. It is a large species, regularly reaching lengths of up to 6 inches. It has a medium growth rate and is an arboreal (tree dwelling) species.
It has an aggressive temperament and is quite skittish and unpredictable with considerable speed when it rushes. It is unable to keep up these high speeds for long. It is not recommended to handle this species because of its disposition and also due to the strong venom which can come in the form of multiple bites. The venom of the P. irminia is quite potent and can have a lot of negative effects such as full body aches, fever, and even light-headedness However, it is important to note that like all other tarantula species, the venom cannot kill you. If given a choice, it would rather flee. This species is not recommended for inexperienced owners.
It thrives with temperatures of 80/85°F with 75/80% humidity levels. Being an arboreal species, it requires a tall enclosure. Height is more important than floor space, and often times the spider will make use of something to allow it to climb, such as cork bark. It will only require about 2 inches of substrate. It has a tendency to web up the enclosure.
General Information
Regions Found: Native to Venezuela
Type: New World Arboreal
Lastingness: Fast Growth rate, mature in 2-3 years
Adult Size: 4.5 to 5.5 inches
Temperament: Defensive and skittish
Urticating Hairs: Yes
Venom Potency: Unknown
Tarantula Housing: Height is much more important than floor space, a substrate should be provided with a variety of plants and branches. Ensure branches are in a stable position and will not fall if the tarantula climbs onto it
Temperature: 23-29°C (73.4-84.2°F)
Humidity: High 78 to 82%
Special Requirements: No special requirements
Experiences Needed: Moderate (For Novice->Moderate->Advance->Expert)
Breeding Difficulty: Unknown
Egg Sac Size: UnknownDanger to Male: Possible sexual cannibalism
Diet: Slings: Pinhead Crickets or Meal worms. (Meal worms must have to cut into two)
Larger specimens: Crickets, Meal worms, Pinky, Roaches, or Other Large Insects
Recommended Pet Supplies
- An appropriately sized Terrarium/Vivarium/Aquarium depending on sizes
- Substrate (3 to 4 inches thick of peat moss/coco peat/potting soil etc. for larger specimen)
- Heating equipment e.g. heat lamps, heat mats and thermostats
- Large shallow water dish as it maybe drinks from it and it help to control the humidity (All tarantulas that have at least a 3 inches leg-span may drink from a shallow, wide water dish. Pebbles may be put for safety)
- Decorations and hiding places (e.g. drift wood, stone or ornamental features)
- Live-food (NOT for Slings/Spiderlings) as it may injured your T, Half Dead or Cut Meal worm is recommended)
Remarks
- The Sun Tiger is a new world, arboreal species that usually grows to approximately 14 cm (5.5 inches). Their most prominent feature is the bright pattern of orange on the metatarsi and tarsi of their eight legs. The carapace and pubescence surrounding it appear green under certain lights, especially after a moult The dorsal side of the abdomen also has a distinctive orange and black pattern. Although they share similar habitats with the Avicularia genus of tarantula's, they can be identified by their forelegs, which are substantially longer than those at the rear.
Source: Internet, Wikipedia, Wiki pets
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