Purple tree tarantula (Avicularia purpurea)

Short answers

Purple tree tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters).

Purple tree tarantula: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, at night 20–22 °C.

Purple tree tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Purple tree tarantula: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: females approx. 8–12 years, males approx. 2–3 years.

Purple tree tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

70–80 % (with strong cross-ventilation)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)

Substrate

Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5 cm; a vertical cork tube and branches to web up, double or cross ventilation

Feeding

Food

Flying or climbing insects (flies, house crickets, small roaches)

Feeding interval

adults approx. 1×/week, juveniles 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–14 cm leg span

Life expectancy

females approx. 8–12 years, males approx. 2–3 years

Origin

Ecuador (the Amazon lowlands)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; no special registration duties

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly. Despite occasional communal attempts with Avicularia, keeping them singly is the safe option; there is no reliable evidence of group success for this species.

Notes

An arboreal species without urticating hairs, usually shy and quick (it jumps and flees), not aggressive. The commonest keeping mistake: too damp with too little air movement → waterlogging is lethal. Always keep it well ventilated, with substrate only slightly damp.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
• Metallic pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia metallica) – Intermediate
• Peruvian pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia juruensis) – Intermediate
• Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
• Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
• Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
• Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
• Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Purple tree tarantula (Avicularia purpurea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×40 cm tall enclosure (arboreal, height matters)), substrate (Coco humus (slightly damp), about 5 cm; a vertical cork tube and branches to web up, double or cross ventilation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.