Avicularia

Dominik Alexander
Apr 6
2 min read

Updated: Jun 7

This genus comprises arboreal species that can be found throughout Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. All of the Avicularia species have pink foot pads. Certain species have been known to jump short distances. Many species in this genus have been transferred to other genera. Currently, there are 12 accepted Avicularia species. Historically, over 50 species were classified as Avicularia. Fukushima 2017 is a large-scale taxonomy summary of this genera.

Genus and species: Avicularia avicularia

Common name: Pinktoe

Given name: Cypress

This species can be found in tropical regions of several South American countries. They have dark bodies and pinkish feet with blue hues depending on the lighting. They reach approximately 6 inches. This species is common in the hobby.

Habitat: Humid forests of Central and South America. Builds webbing and silk tubes in branches and leaves of trees.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x4.5x16.5 wall mount

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Juvenile to Sub-adult

Size: Approximately 4 inches

Growth: Steady, has molted once

Disposition: A bit skittish but generally active at night.

Eating habits: Generally a decent eater but more of a hunter.

Misc: Commonly out at night. Beautiful colors after last molt.

Genus and species: Avicularia braunshaseni (now nomina dubia)

Common name: Goliath Pinktoe

Given name: Arbor

This species is the largest in the Avicularia genus with adult females reaching to 8 inches. They can be found in Brazil and are thought to be a morphotype of A. avicularia.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 8x4.5x16.5 wall mount

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Undetermined

Life stage: Sub-adult

Size: Approximately 5 inches

Growth: Steady, molted early June 2025

Disposition: Fast and skittish

Eating habits: Seems to be a hunter

Misc: Always on display.

Genus and species: Avicularia purpurea

Common name: Purple Pinktoe

Given name: Laurel

This beautiful species is from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador and displays a deep and rich purple coloration. As with some other Avics, they may elect to rocket their excrement as a defensive mechanism.

Habitat: Creates extensive webs in the hollows and trees and leaves in the Amazon rainforest regions. This species has also been found in agricultural areas, including in holes and walls of buildings and sheds.

Husbandry Notes:

Enclosure: 12x12x18

Flora: Bio naturalistic

Sex: Female

Life stage: Adult

Size: Approximately 5 inches

Growth: Has not molted yet

Disposition: Reclusive but active at night.

Eating habits: Seems to consume crickets while in her web

Misc: Commonly out at night

Geographic Location of some Avicularia Species: