Psalmopoeus victori (Darth Maul Tarantula)

Psalmopoeus victori (Darth Maul Tarantula)

The Darth Maul Tarantula, also known as the Mexican Half & Half, or Psalmopoeus victori, is a New World arboreal tarantula from Mexico. Adults have black front legs and a black carapace (head), with the rear legs and abdomen turning a deep red, the same bold split that gives this species its Darth Maul name. Spiderlings hatch out dark with pale striping on the legs, then gradually shift into that bold black and red split as they grow. This species only grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span, with a fast growth rate. Females live about 10 years while males typically live only 2 to 3. Many New World tarantulas have a reputation for being calm and easygoing, but this species is one of the exceptions, staying fast, alert and ready to defend its space, which makes it an exciting, engaging species to watch and keep. Grab this new world tarantula for sale today, offered here as your choice of size.

Why do hobbyists keep Psalmopoeus victori?

• Darth Maul Coloration: The adult's bold black and red split, and the Star Wars affiliation that gives it its name, is one of the most recognizable looks among Psalmopoeus species.
• Drastic Color Change: Spiderlings start out dark with a pale striped pattern on the legs, a distinct early-life look that gradually gives way to the adult's split coloration as it molts.
• Great Feeding Response: This is one of the faster growing species in the hobby, growing noticeably with each molt, especially with consistent feeding.
• Heavy Webber: Builds dense, structured tube retreats, often taking over cork bark and enclosure walls.
• Iconic Species: That coloration and its Darth Maul tie have made this one of the more recognizable, more commonly kept species in the hobby.

How should the Darth Maul Tarantula be kept?

• Adult Size: This species hatches out around 0.5 to 0.75 inch and grows to about 5 to 6 inches in diagonal leg span as an adult, so every enclosure we recommend is sized for where it's headed, not just where it is today.
• Enclosure: Enclosure size depends on which size you choose below, from a 4 by 4 by 6 inch starter setup for a spiderling up to a 12 by 12 by 18 inch enclosure for a full grown adult. Each size's own page gives the exact setup for that animal.
• Setup Tips: Real cork bark or a cork tube gives this species a place to build its signature silk tube retreat, which helps it settle in faster and feel secure at every size, spiderling included.
• Rehousing: Expect two rehouses on the way to adulthood, roughly every 6 to 8 months given this species' fast growth rate. Each size page below walks through what is next for that animal specifically.
• Temperature: Keep this species between 75 and 85°F, the optimal range for this tropical arboreal species. Cooler temperatures are survivable, but increase the odds of trouble molting and growing, so we recommend staying in this range.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity of 65 to 75 percent works well, paired with good cross ventilation so the enclosure never feels stagnant.
• Water: A small water dish, kept filled at all times.
• Diet: We recommend prey size from 1/8 inch up to a 5/8 inch cricket or roach depending on the size you choose, offered at least once a week.
• Temperament: Fast, alert and quick to defend its space if startled, this species breaks from the common idea that New World tarantulas are docile, and that same speed and alertness are a big part of what makes it such an exciting display animal.

Are there any additional notes or considerations for the Darth Maul Tarantula?

• Locality: This species is native to Mexico.
• Tube Dweller Behavior: Psalmopoeus species are well known among keepers for building dense silk tube retreats in cork bark and wood rather than burrowing.
• Not Your Typical New World Species: Many New World tarantulas get a reputation for being calm and easygoing, but the Darth Maul Tarantula is one of the exceptions, staying fast, alert and ready to defend its space rather than sit still, which is part of what makes it such a fun species to watch.
• Captive Bred: All tarantulas at Exotics Unlimited are captive bred.

Looking for similar species?

Looking for something similar? Browse our New World and Arboreal collections to explore related care profiles.

Which size should I choose?

• Spiderling (0.5 to 0.75 inch): Unsexed, this is about the size the species hatches at, the earliest point to start with this species.
• Well Started Sling (0.75 to 1 inch): Unsexed, a touch past hatch size with the same whole growth curve still ahead of it.
• Well Started Sling (0.75 to 1 inch), free with qualifying purchase: The same size as above, available as part of a qualifying invertebrate purchase promotion.
• Juvenile (1.5 to 2 inches): Unsexed, past the most delicate early stage with the coloration already starting to show.
• Juvenile Male (1.5 to 2 inches): A confirmed male at this size.
• Juvenile (2 inches and up): Unsexed, a larger juvenile with the coloration well established.
• Juvenile Female (2 to 2.5 inches): A molt-confirmed female, further along than our other sizes but still a juvenile with real growing ahead of her.