Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell.

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• Fast growing, fast moving, quick tempered species
• The short bushy hairs on the underside of this species' toe pads (scopulae) have a shiny,  metallic, rainbow sheen. This is because these short hairs refract light like a prism.
• Adult female Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus have a shiny green carapace.

Name: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus is commonly known as the Ecuador Olive Grey Tree Spider/Tarantula. The species epithet, ecclesiasticus, is likely derived from the Latin word for "church-related" or "ecclesiastical," perhaps referencing the tarantula's habits of dwelling in trees, which resemble church spires or cathedral roofs.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus is an arboreal species, meaning the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least 3 times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than 2 times the spider’s diagonal leg span. The enclosure will need to be upgraded as the animal continues to grow.

4-5 inches of substrate will help the terrarium retain humidity while still allowing for this species to have its high ventilation requirements. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture (cork bark, manzanita wood, etc.) as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85° should be avoided. A thermometer is recommended to keep an eye on temperatures in the enclosure.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least slightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly.  A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, this animal will be at least 2 inches. Females can grow to be up to 6 inches, and typically the males are a bit smaller. We use diagonal leg span to measure our spiders.

Age: Before making this species available to our customers, we ensure that they are well-established. This means our spiders are generally molted to a minimum of third instar and will have hatched two to three months prior to being listed for sale.

For spiders that we have not produced in house, we like to get 2 to 3 solid feedings in as well as the aforementioned minimums. They go through a 2-week minimum quarantine process to ensure the health of the animal. 

For this species, the average lifespan is 4 to 6 years in males, and 8 to 12  years in females when provided an adequate environment. They are currently approximately 12 to 16 months old. 

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 4 to 8 - 1/2 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: Adult female Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus have a shiny green carapace. They have reddish brown abdomens, and their feet start out with vibrant red chevrons on their last leg segment (tarsus). The foot around the chevron is bright brownish red, which fades to a darker reddish brown on their knees (patellas). Their femurs (first leg segment from the body) are jet black. From their knees to their toe tips, they have long, shaggy hairs (setae) which give their legs a somewhat bottlebrush appearance.                                                                                         

Social Behavior: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species spends a lot of its time inside its silk tent. When they feel comfortable and confident they do come out and walk around, particularly at night. P. ecclesiasticus is quick to run away, and quick to react defensively if it feels that it cannot run away.

Natural Range: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus are found in the Cordillera Occidental branch of the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador.

History in the Hobby: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus has been very rarely available in the hobby, but has occasionally been available over the course of the last two decades.  

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!