Psalmopoeus victori / Darth Maul Tarantula Care Sheet

Psalmopoeus victori is a New World arboreal (tree-dwelling) tarantula. 

Hailing initially from Mexico, this species is understood below two completely different frequent names; the Darth Maul tarantula or the Mexican Half-and-Half. Each these names do job of describing the looks of this species. 

The Darth Maul identify springs from the truth that it is a pink and black tarantula that matches the colour scheme of the Star Wars villain. 

The Half-and-Half identify arises from the best way these two colours are organized; it’s primarily black on the entrance finish (each legs and carapace) after which half means again turns into orange/pink. The depth of this orange/pink (greatest described as “fiery”) and the distinction in opposition to the black, are what make this tarantula so visually interesting. 

Certainly, for my part, this is without doubt one of the most lovely tarantulas accessible within the pastime and definitely one of many extra thrilling species to enter the commerce lately. 

Sadly, as with different latest, colourful introductions, this has made for robust demand and higher-than-average costs. 

They’re definitely 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 for those who can’t afford one proper now, simply do not forget that persistence 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 plenty of tarantula keepers due to this fact have expertise with related species. 

Assume particularly of Psalmopoeus cambridgei, Psalmopoeus irminia, Psalmopoeus reduncus and Psalmopoeus pulcher. Most of those might be acquainted to moderately-experienced tarantula keepers. Pleasantly, I’ve discovered that Psalmopoeus victori responds effectively to a near-identical housing and care routine. 

Consequently, 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 fairly fast-moving so care ought to 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 their total 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 move. 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 constructions throughout the pots that connect with and match across the cork bark. This offers them someplace darkish and comfortable to cover away from view through the day. 

When my Psalmopoeus victori outgrow these tubs (which in all fairness fast) they’re moved into far bigger containers. My desire is for 500ml clear plastic containers (roughly 17oz). The setup is similar, 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 regular 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 fantastic. And with a fairly fast-moving species like this a little bit further area might be welcome, providing you with a treasured few further seconds of your Psalmopoeus victori bolts if you open the container.  

Meals, Feeding & Progress Price

Like different members of the genus, Psalmopoeus victori is a comparatively fast-growing species. Because of this I’m so assured that costs will go down in time; there are going to be plenty of adults maturing within the subsequent yr 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 enhance 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) they usually willingly eat each single week. The one instances my specimens refuse meals is once 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 per week, although I believe they’d most likely eat extra usually if it was supplied. Certainly, as my smaller specimens are sexed I could attempt to enhance 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 source 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 rising 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 examine 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 easy course of has labored effectively thus far – defending the tarantulas from hazard but additionally minimizing my effort on attempting to fish undesirable crickets out of cages.  

Water bowls are given to bigger specimens, the place area throughout the cage permits it. For spiderlings and smaller juveniles I merely spray a little bit water in opposition to one facet of the cage as soon as per week. On this means there are water droplets to drink from if required, however because of the temperature and air flow the bathtub quickly dries out to forestall stagnant, damp situations. 

Perspective & Temperament

Psalmopoeus victori is a comparatively skittish species and appears opposed to vivid gentle. If I flick the sunshine on in my spider room they’re just about assured to scurry off to their cover. 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 little 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 from time to time. Carry on the catch cup! 

I have been conserving and breeding unique pets for over 25 years. I at present reside within the East Midlands within the UK, and maintain a group of a number of hundred tarantulas, mantis and extra.

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