Trinidad chevron tarantula (Psalmopoeus cambridgei) is part of the
Species: cambridgei.As the popular name implies, the species is found in Trinidad. In the wild, adult specimens of this species are found in the canopy of trees in the forests of Trinidad, juveniles are more often found hiding in different galleries or hiding places that they build themselves.
Food Psalmopoeus cambridgei
The food of tarantulas should consist of: cockroaches, crickets, superworms, mealworms. As a general rule, food should be offered every 2-3 days. However, it is possible to judge when it should be offered according to the size of the tarantula's abdomen.Features Psalmopoeus cambridgei
Arboreal species, however young specimens will spend most of their time in galleries built of canvas, over which they will place substrate to camouflage themselves.
Prosoma and ophistosoma are olive-green in color, showing orange drawings on the legs. The pedipalps and the first two pairs of legs are wider towards the tips than the rear ones, with an obvious thickening of the "scopula pad", an adaptation specific to arboreal tarantulas. This tarantula does not possess hives although it is a species found in Latin America. Some consider that Psalmopoeus cambridgei is only a color variant of Psalmopoeus irminia, there are cases in which hybrids obtained from specimens belonging to these species were fertile and that Psalmopoeus cambridgei is an island species.
Specimens of this species are fast, defensive thus not recommended for beginners. It is considered by some breeders to be the most aggressive of all the species representing this genus. Dimensions at maturity: 16-17 cm, it is the species that reaches the largest sizes in the genus.
Terrarium
For specimens that have reached body maturity, a terrarium of 35x35x40 centimeters (Lxwxh) is recommended. The most suitable substrate would be coconut, and the thickness of the substrate should be 7-10 centimeters. After the specimen reaches 7-8 centimeters legspan should never miss the bowl with water. The temperature in the terrarium should be between 23 – 28gr Celsius, and the relative humidity of the air should be around 80%.
Being a species that requires a high level of humidity, in the terrarium of a Psalmopoeus cambridgei there may be problems in combating mold and the appearance and multiplication of mites. It is recommended that the terrarium be very well ventilated and at 2-3 weeks it is absolutely necessary to make sure that no mites have appeared.
Venom
All species of tarantulas possess venom. Although it is not very potent, bites are never placute.De just like any species of tarantula and Psalmopoeus cambridgei can be unpredictable and a bite can occur at any time. For these reasons we recommend maximum attention when the tarantula is fed, moved or when its terrarium is cleaned.
It is not recommended to handle tarantula, especially by those without experience.
Reproduction Psalmopoeus cambridgei
Due to the fact that it is a tarantula quite common in the hobby, mating attempts have been numerous, and also the rate of successful mating is quite high. For these reasons, the species is considered one of the best species for a first breeding attempt, along with Pterinochilus murinus.
From my own experience I can say that the males of this species are quite scared at the moment of mating and it is possible that mating does not take place immediately, although the females have a perfect behavior for mating it can lead to cases where the female kills the male and consumes it. There are also cases where the female lays eggs, but they are infertile.
