Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula (Caribena versicolor) 

The Defiant Forest offers many tarantulas for sale, including the candy colored and very  impressive Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula (Caribena versicolor) is one of the most colorful and visually striking arboreal tarantulas in the hobby. Native to the Caribbean island of Martinique, this species is famous for its dramatic color transformation as it matures—from bright metallic blue spiderlings to vibrant green, red, and purple adults.

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula belongs to a group of arboreal tarantulas commonly known as Pink Toe tarantulas, named for the soft pink coloration at the tips of their feet. Its beautiful coloration, active climbing behavior, and elegant arboreal posture make Caribena versicolor one of the most popular display tarantulas in the hobby.

Because of its manageable temperament and fascinating appearance, the Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula is often recommended for hobbyists interested in keeping arboreal tarantulas.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Caribena versicolor
Common Name: Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula / Antilles Pinktoe
Type: Arboreal (tree-dwelling species)
Origin: Martinique, Caribbean
Adult Leg Span: 5–6 inches
Temperament: Generally calm but quick
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lifespan: Females 12–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Caribena versicolor inhabits tropical forests on the island of Martinique. These tarantulas live primarily in trees where they construct silk retreats inside branches, leaves, and tree cavities.

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula spends most of its time within these silk-lined shelters and emerges primarily at night to hunt insects and other small prey. The warm tropical climate of the Caribbean provides high humidity and abundant vegetation, conditions that should be carefully replicated in captivity.

Like many arboreal tarantulas, this species prefers vertical environments with plenty of climbing surfaces.

Appearance

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula is especially famous for its dramatic color changes throughout its life.

Typical coloration stages include:

• Spiderlings: brilliant metallic blue

• Juveniles: purple and turquoise tones

• Adults: green carapace, reddish abdomen, and pink toe tips

The combination of colors and elegant body structure makes Caribena versicolor one of the most visually stunning tarantulas available in the hobby.

Temperament

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula is generally considered a manageable arboreal species. While it can move quickly when startled, it typically prefers to retreat into its webbed shelter rather than display defensive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, Caribena versicolor possesses urticating hairs, although it rarely uses them compared to many terrestrial species.

Because of its active nature and beautiful coloration, this species is a favorite among keepers who enjoy observing arboreal tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

As an arboreal species, the Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula requires a tall enclosure that provides vertical climbing space.

A suitable enclosure should include:

• vertical cork bark or branches

• moderate to high humidity

• excellent ventilation

• anchor points for webbing

• a shallow water dish

Proper airflow is particularly important for arboreal tarantulas like Caribena versicolor.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Caribena versicolor feeds primarily on insects such as crickets, roaches, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–14 days depending on size.

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula usually has a reliable feeding response and adapts well to captive feeding schedules.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Prior to molting, the spider may refuse food and remain within its silk retreat. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

Following molts, the colors of Caribena versicolor often appear brighter and more vibrant.

Why Keep the Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula?

The Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula (Caribena versicolor) is one of the most popular arboreal tarantulas for several reasons:

• dramatic color changes from juvenile to adult

• beautiful arboreal display species

• active climbing and webbing behavior

• manageable temperament compared to many arboreal tarantulas

For hobbyists seeking a colorful arboreal tarantula with fascinating behavior, the Martinique Pink Toe Tarantula is an exceptional choice.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to discover other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.