Psalmopoeus victori is a New World arboreal (tree-dwelling) tarantula.
Hailing initially from Mexico, this species is understood beneath two completely different widespread names; the Darth Maul tarantula or the Mexican Half-and-Half. Each these names do a great job of describing the looks of this species.
The Darth Maul identify springs from the truth that it is a purple and black tarantula that matches the colour scheme of the Star Wars villain.
The Half-and-Half identify arises from the way in which these two colours are organized; it’s primarily black on the entrance finish (each legs and carapace) after which half manner again turns into orange/purple. The depth of this orange/purple (greatest described as “fiery”) and the distinction in opposition to the black, are what make this tarantula so visually interesting.
Certainly, in my view, this is among the most stunning tarantulas obtainable within the pastime and positively one of many extra thrilling species to enter the commerce in recent times.
Sadly, as with different latest, colourful introductions, this has made for robust demand and higher-than-average costs.
They’re actually not the costliest tarantulas within the pastime, however they are usually priced effectively above the typical specimen. Inevitably, although, these costs will drop over time. So when you can’t afford one proper now, simply keep in mind that endurance is a advantage.
Housing Psalmopoeus victori
One of many very nice issues about Psalmopoeus victori is that genus identify – Psalmopoeus. It’s a genus that’s well-established in lots of collections, and lots of tarantula keepers due to this fact have expertise with related species.
Suppose particularly of Psalmopoeus cambridgei, Psalmopoeus irminia, Psalmopoeus reduncus and Psalmopoeus pulcher. Most of those will likely be acquainted to moderately-experienced tarantula keepers. Pleasantly, I’ve discovered that Psalmopoeus victori responds effectively to a near-identical housing and care routine.
In consequence, and in distinction to another latest introductions, that makes this fairly a easy tarantula to look after. The one fly-in-the-ointment in fact being that it’s moderately fast-moving so care must be taken when the cage is open.
On the time of writing I’ve ten specimens of Psalmopoeus victori in my assortment, ranging in measurement from mid-sized juveniles to adults. All of my specimens have been raised from the tiniest of spiderlings, so have been reared by me by way of their complete progress section.
Spiderlings are fairly sturdy in my expertise. I begin them off in tall 5oz (150ml) clear plastic pots. These measure about 6cm tall, being barely narrower. Holes are drilled all spherical the highest of the pot to allow air circulate. Substrate of potting compost or coir was added to the ground of the pots, whereas a small piece of cork bark was laid at an angle to supply an anchor level.
Like different Psalmopoeus species the spiderlings quickly mix webbing with the substrate, constructing intricate buildings inside the pots that connect with and match across the cork bark. This offers them someplace darkish and comfy to cover away from view through the day.
When my Psalmopoeus victori outgrow these tubs (which within reason fast) they’re moved into far bigger containers. My choice is for 500ml clear plastic containers (roughly 17oz). The setup is an identical, simply on a bigger scale (deeper substrate, bigger piece of cork bark).
Lastly as soon as they outgrow these tubs they’re prepared to maneuver as much as their remaining housing. Psalmopoeus victori is an average-sized tarantula, attaining a leg span of 5-6”. This implies a typical arboreal tarantula set-up works effectively for them.
At a minimal I’d counsel a 20cm x 20cm x 30cm (tall) cage. Plastic or glass will each work advantageous. And with a fairly fast-moving species like this a bit further house could be welcome, providing you with a valuable few further seconds of your Psalmopoeus victori bolts once you open the container.
Meals, Feeding & Development Charge
Like different members of the genus, Psalmopoeus victori is a comparatively fast-growing species. That is why I’m so assured that costs will go down in time; there are going to be a number of adults maturing within the subsequent 12 months or two, and due to this fact probably loads of egg sacs.
Provide and demand implies that costs will drop (as they’ve already began to do). Psalmopoeus are additionally identified to be able to multi-clutching – that’s producing two or extra egg sacs from a single mating. Which is able to see provides of this species improve even additional sooner or later.
Anyway, again to meals and feeding. As you’d count on from a fast-growing New World tarantula, they’ve wholesome appetites. I preserve mine someplace between 20-25’C (68-77’F) and so they willingly eat each single week. The one occasions my specimens refuse meals is after they’re in premoult. It is a profit; not one of the frustrations of fussy Grammastolas or Brachypelmas that typically randomly go off their meals for weeks or months on finish.
All my specimens are fed as soon as every week, although I feel they’d in all probability eat extra usually if it was provided. Certainly, as my smaller specimens are sexed I could attempt to improve feeding on the females, within the hope that they’re prepared for mating when the males of the group mature.
Black crickets are my go-to supply of meals for all my tarantulas and Psalmopoeus victori is not any completely different. The hatchling slings get hatchling / 1st instar black crickets, with the cricket measurement growing because the spiders develop. By a leg span of 2-3” they’re simply tackling grownup crickets, which makes feeding good and easy.
As at all times, attempt to keep away from uneaten crickets being left within the cage. I verify all my spiders the morning after feeding, eradicating something that hasn’t been munched. I additionally mark the cage so I can bear in mind which specimens didn’t eat.
After a tarantula refuses meals for 2 weeks in a row they’re then not fed once more till they’ve molted. This straightforward course of has labored effectively to this point – defending the tarantulas from hazard but in addition minimizing my effort on making an attempt to fish undesirable crickets out of cages.
Water bowls are given to bigger specimens, the place house inside the cage permits it. For spiderlings and smaller juveniles I merely spray a bit water in opposition to one facet of the cage as soon as every week. On this manner there are water droplets to drink from if required, however due to the temperature and air flow the bathtub quickly dries out to stop stagnant, damp situations.
Perspective & Temperament
Psalmopoeus victori is a comparatively skittish species and appears hostile to brilliant mild. If I flick the sunshine on in my spider room they’re nearly assured to scurry off to their conceal. As an arboreal species they’re additionally fairly fast. This isn’t due to this fact a species you’ll wish to attempt to deal with.
Nevertheless with a bit expertise they’re simply manageable. Whereas I deal with my spider with respect, I’ve but to have a Psalmopoeus victori throw up a risk posture, even throughout rehouses.
The one proviso earlier than buying a Psalmopoeus victori will due to this fact be to make sure you’re comfy coping with a fairly skittish, fast-moving tarantula now and again. Carry on the catch cup!