Urban Tarantulas
Venezuelan Sun Tiger - Psalmophoeus irminia
Venezuelan Sun Tiger - Psalmophoeus irminia
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Meet the Venezuelan Sun Tiger: The Halloween Enthusiast of the Tarantula World 🎃🕷️
Known to many as the Halloween Spider, the Venezuelan Sun Tiger is a showstopper with its striking orange and black pattern. This species is a must-have for any hobbyist looking to add a dash of color and personality to their collection.
Care/Husbandry: A Room with a View... and a Burrow 🌳🕳️
When it comes to housing, think vertical. These tarantulas are hybrid species that enjoy both climbing and burrowing. They're like the gymnasts of the spider world but without the balance beam. Originating from sub-tropical climates, they prefer their substrate to be on the moist side—think dewy morning, not swampy bayou.
For the adults, a water dish is a nice touch, but the youngsters can do without. And when it comes to temperature, these guys are sun-worshippers. They thrive in conditions ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s.
Other Useful Information: The Quick Facts 📚
- Latin/Scientific name: Psalmophoeus irminia
- Common name: Venezuelan Sun Tiger
- Type: Arboreal, Fossorial. Burrower.
- Category: New World, but don't be fooled—they can be a bit defensive.
- Locale: Hailing from the exotic lands of Venezuela, South America.
- Size: The ladies can flaunt a legspan of up to 8 inches.
- Urtication hairs: None, so no itchy surprises.
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast at room temperature, but crank up the heat above 75°F and they're practically sprinters.
- Life expectancy: Females can live up to 15+ years, while males clock in around 6 years.
- Recommended experience level: Novices welcome!
For more tarantula content that'll make your day, don't forget to check out my Instagram. I update and post quite often. And if you're curious about what others have to say, take a gander at my Facebook review page.
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SHIPPING
Shipping costs:
I charge a standard rate of $50 for shipping tarantulas, and isopods.
I take a loss on shipping, on every package.
There are many costs associated with shipping that are not evident on the surface level:
An insulated box.
Cold/heat pack.
The vials that the animals go inside of have to be drilled a certain way.
The preparation of the vials with padding takes labor to make.
So $50 for shipping is actually a bargain.
Packages go out usually Monday/Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday.
I will not ship after Wednesday, because if there are shipping delays, I do not want it to go over the weekend.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
I offer LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) on every single package that I ship.
Animals usually arrive at your doorstep, or your nearest FedEx hub the following day after I ship. Usually 10am, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes it might take an additional day to arrive, but that is rare.
In the RARE case that the animal/s arrive DOA (dead on arrival), the receiver MUST send photos and video to me within an hour documenting the condition of the said animal.
We will then discuss replacement options if that is the case.
I've been shipping and sending hundreds if not thousands of packages over the last 10 years with an impeccable track record.
Shipping costs on DOA’s are never refundable.
Local Pick Up:
Local pick up in Los Angeles is always available.
If you live close, come pick up the animals.
I can also personally deliver the animals the same/next day if the order is over $200.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do you get your enclosures?
For a good quality enclosure, I recommend Herpcult Enclosures
What substrate do you use?
I prefer coco fiber substrate mixed with peat. Usually a 80/20 mixture.
Coco or similar
Sphagnum Peat Moss or similar
What temperature do you keep your tarantulas in?
I have my room set at 80°F, but they will be perfectly fine in temperatures between 69°F-83°F. I prefer using the Govee thermometer.
Are tarantulas venomous?
Yes, all spiders are venomous. However, tarantulas do not possess a medically significant venom. There have been no records of any humans dying due to a tarantula bite.
What happens if I get bit by a tarantula?
On the rare occasion that you get bit by a tarantula, remain calm. Do not run hot water over the wound because it will speed up the spread of the venom. Instead, clean the bite mark with room temperature water and monitor your symptoms. If your pain does not go away, please consult a physician.
What do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms. However, crickets are always the easiest and most accessible from pet stores.
Tongs I use are- My favorite option or a less expensive alternative.
How often do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas once a week or bi-weekly.