Avicularia purpurea (Purple Pink Toe Tarantula) about 1" FREE AFTER $350 SPENT

Avicularia purpurea (Purple Pinktoe Tarantula)

Avicularia purpurea is one of the few tarantulas that consistently shows a true purple coloration without relying on lighting. Both males and females display a dark, almost black base with rich purple layered across the legs, carapace (head), and abdomen, giving the entire spider a deep, saturated look that stands out even in normal conditions. The purple is especially noticeable across the femurs and upper legs, while the abdomen holds a darker tone with a subtle violet sheen. Adults reach around 4 to 5 inches and have the long-legged, lightweight build typical of arboreal species.

Spiderlings start off completely different from typical pinktoes. Instead of the usual pink and black look, they come in black and grey with banding, giving them a distinct “smoked” appearance. Around the 2-inch range, that fades and the purple begins to develop, transitioning into the full adult coloration.

Why Hobbyists Keep Avicularia purpurea

• True Purple Coloration: One of the only species that shows consistent purple without needing specific lighting

• Unique Sling Appearance: “Smoked” black and grey spiderlings instead of the typical pinktoe look

• Arboreal Display Species: Builds web platforms up high and is often visible when established

• Manageable Temperament: Generally calm, though quick and alert like most pinktoes

• Proven Favorite: A long-standing, sought-after species in the hobby

Care Overview

• Enclosure: Arboreal setup, 2× leg span footprint and 3× leg span height, with vertical cork bark flats and foliage for anchor points and webbing

• Temperature: 65–75°F

• Humidity: Moderate with strong cross-ventilation, avoid stagnant or overly damp conditions

• Diet: Crickets, roaches, and similar prey, sized appropriately to the carapace (head)

• Temperament: Docile but fast, more likely to retreat than display defensive behavior

Additional Notes or Considerations

This species does best when given plenty of anchor points to web. Cork bark flats placed vertically against the enclosure walls often encourage visible web retreats, turning the upper enclosure into a webbed living space rather than a hidden retreat. Spiderlings should be kept in smaller, well-ventilated setups so they can establish webbing quickly and feed confidently.

As a New World tarantula for sale, Avicularia purpurea remains one of the most sought-after arboreal species, valued for its true purple coloration and classic pinktoe behavior.