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Purple Tarantula (Avicularia purpurea)

The spider known as the ‘purple tree tarantula’ has many names like ‘Ecuadorian purple tarantula’ and ‘Ecuador purple pinktoe’. Guess where it’s from? Ecuador! These spiders love to climb and hang out in tree nooks and crannies. We’ve got a bunch of fun facts to share about them, so stick around!

Scientific Classification

Purple Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They can reach a maximum length of about 5 cm (2.0 in).
  • Color: The body is a deep brownish-purple to black, with hairs that are a lighter shade.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The entire body is covered with fine, velvety hair growths except the back of the cephalothorax and the abdomen.
Purple Tarantula Size

Photo Credit: Tom Schultz

Eggs

After an aggressive mating with the male, the females lay up to 120 eggs in a cocoon after a few months. The mother keeps protecting the cocoon until the baby spiders are ready to come out.

Spiderlings

After six to eight weeks anything between 50 and 120 nymphs come out since not all eggs hatch successfully. As they emerge, the young spiders are taken care of by the female until they attain maturity and are ready to find their own food.

Are Purple Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Purple Tarantulas have venom. They use it mainly to grab and eat small bugs.

Can Purple Tarantulas Bite?

They can! If they’re startled or poked, they might give a bite. But for people, it usually feels like a tiny pinch and isn’t too bad.

Ecuadorian Purple Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Purple Tarantula 

In their natural habitat, the Purple Tree Tarantula plays a crucial role in controlling the population of insects. Their predatory behavior not only benefits agricultural fields by keeping pest numbers in check but also contributes to the biodiversity of their ecosystem by participating in the food web.

Natural Predator: Despite being hunters themselves, Purple Tree Tarantulas are preyed upon by various reptiles and birds. Their survival strategies include camouflage and quick retreats to the safety of tree crevices, showcasing the ongoing battle between predator and prey in their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas have a varied diet consisting of crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, waxworms, and darkling beetles. Occasionally, they may even capture small rodents. Their venom is a critical tool for subduing prey, ensuring they can feed and continue their role as nocturnal hunters.

Relationship with Humans: The interaction between humans and Purple Tree Tarantulas is minimal, as they reside primarily in agricultural areas. When encountered, they might bite if provoked, but their venom is not particularly harmful to humans, usually resulting in a sensation similar to a small pinch.

Quick Facts

LifespanNot known, but females live longer than males
DistributionFound only in Ecuador
HabitatIn agricultural areas, especially in the grazing cattle fields
Common predatorsVarious kinds of reptiles and birds
DietCrickets, mealworms, cockroaches, waxworms and darkling beetles
Purple Pink Toe Tarantula

Did You Know

  • Some reports say that they have been seen feasting on small rodents.

In summary, Purple Tree Tarantulas are vital insect predators in Ecuador, with minimal human risk and a diet including beetles and worms.

Purple Tree Tarantula

The spider known as the ‘purple tree tarantula’ has many names like ‘Ecuadorian purple tarantula’ and ‘Ecuador purple pinktoe’. Guess where it’s from? Ecuador! These spiders love to climb and hang out in tree nooks and crannies. We’ve got a bunch of fun facts to share about them, so stick around!

Purple Tarantula

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • Size: They can reach a maximum length of about 5 cm (2.0 in).
  • Color: The body is a deep brownish-purple to black, with hairs that are a lighter shade.
  • Other Characteristic Features: The entire body is covered with fine, velvety hair growths except the back of the cephalothorax and the abdomen.
Purple Tarantula Size

Photo Credit: Tom Schultz

Eggs

After an aggressive mating with the male, the females lay up to 120 eggs in a cocoon after a few months. The mother keeps protecting the cocoon until the baby spiders are ready to come out.

Spiderlings

After six to eight weeks anything between 50 and 120 nymphs come out since not all eggs hatch successfully. As they emerge, the young spiders are taken care of by the female until they attain maturity and are ready to find their own food.

Are Purple Tarantulas Venomous?

Yes, Purple Tarantulas have venom. They use it mainly to grab and eat small bugs.

Can Purple Tarantulas Bite?

They can! If they’re startled or poked, they might give a bite. But for people, it usually feels like a tiny pinch and isn’t too bad.

Ecuadorian Purple Tarantula

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Purple Tarantula 

In their natural habitat, the Purple Tree Tarantula plays a crucial role in controlling the population of insects. Their predatory behavior not only benefits agricultural fields by keeping pest numbers in check but also contributes to the biodiversity of their ecosystem by participating in the food web.

Natural Predator: Despite being hunters themselves, Purple Tree Tarantulas are preyed upon by various reptiles and birds. Their survival strategies include camouflage and quick retreats to the safety of tree crevices, showcasing the ongoing battle between predator and prey in their environment.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: These tarantulas have a varied diet consisting of crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, waxworms, and darkling beetles. Occasionally, they may even capture small rodents. Their venom is a critical tool for subduing prey, ensuring they can feed and continue their role as nocturnal hunters.

Relationship with Humans: The interaction between humans and Purple Tree Tarantulas is minimal, as they reside primarily in agricultural areas. When encountered, they might bite if provoked, but their venom is not particularly harmful to humans, usually resulting in a sensation similar to a small pinch.

Quick Facts

LifespanNot known, but females live longer than males
DistributionFound only in Ecuador
HabitatIn agricultural areas, especially in the grazing cattle fields
Common predatorsVarious kinds of reptiles and birds
DietCrickets, mealworms, cockroaches, waxworms and darkling beetles
Purple Pink Toe Tarantula

Did You Know

  • Some reports say that they have been seen feasting on small rodents.

In summary, Purple Tree Tarantulas are vital insect predators in Ecuador, with minimal human risk and a diet including beetles and worms.

Purple Tree Tarantula