Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula)
What to Know About This Color-Changing Arboreal Species
Some tarantulas look good at one stage of life.
Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula) looks good at every stage with striking colors that change as it grows.
From metallic blue spiderlings to adults with layered reds, greens, and purples, the Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula is one of the more recognizable arboreal tarantula species in the hobby. It’s a species people are consistently drawn to, not just because of how it looks, but because of how it develops over time.
Why Caribena versicolor Stands Out to Keepers
One of the most interesting things about Caribena versicolor is how much it changes between life stages.
As spiderlings, they start out as a vivid metallic blue with a soft, almost fuzzy appearance. In the hobby, this stage is often called the “blueberry phase.” They’re small and a bit more sensitive at this point, but visually, they stand out immediately.
As they grow into juveniles, their colors begin to shift. You’ll start to see a blue body paired with a bright orange abdomen, creating a strong contrast that signals the next phase of development. This is usually where keepers begin noticing more obvious changes between molts.
By the time they reach adulthood, their coloration becomes more layered. Adults typically show red to pink tones across the body, purple hues in the legs, and a green to teal carapace that can shift depending on lighting. It’s not a flat color. It has depth, and it changes depending on how you’re looking at it.
Behavior & Webbing
Caribena versicolor is an arboreal tarantula species, meaning it lives and builds upward rather than on the ground.
In captivity, it’s known for heavy webbing and will often create layered web tunnels and retreats higher up in the enclosure. Once it establishes itself, it tends to stay in those elevated areas.
With the right arboreal setup, this species can remain visible more often than many tarantulas, though behavior will vary. The more vertical structure and anchor points you provide, the more natural behavior you’ll see.
Size & Overall Appearance
As adults, Caribena versicolor typically reaches a 5 to 6-inch leg span, placing it in a comfortable mid-size range. This refers to diagonal leg span, measured from the front leg to the opposite back leg when fully extended.
It has a long-legged, lightweight build and a softer, fuller look, especially after molting. Compared to many terrestrial species, it appears more elevated and less bulky, which adds to its overall presence as a display tarantula.
Temperament
The Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula is generally considered docile, particularly as an adult. That said, it is still fast-moving and can react quickly if startled. Like most arboreal tarantulas, it may jump or bolt rather than stand its ground.
As with most tarantulas, Caribena versicolor is best appreciated as a display species rather than something meant for handling.
Care Overview
Getting the enclosure right is the most important part of keeping Caribena versicolor.
As an arboreal species, it needs vertical space. A good guideline is an enclosure around three times its leg span in height and about twice its leg span in width. Inside, provide cork bark and foliage so it has structure to build webbing and create a retreat.
Spiderlings tend to do better in smaller setups where they can establish webbing quickly and feel secure.
Temperatures should stay between 65 and 75°F, with consistency being more important than higher heat.
Humidity should be moderate to high, with slightly moist substrate, but airflow is just as important. This species does not do well in stagnant conditions, so strong cross ventilation is key.
Feeding is typically straightforward. Most do well with two to three appropriately sized insects per week, with prey no larger than the carapace. Spiderlings may respond better when food is placed directly onto their webbing rather than on the ground.
They should always have access to water, and placing a dish higher up in the enclosure often works well for this species.
Proper Caribena versicolor care is slightly more detail-oriented than some beginner species, especially when it comes to airflow and enclosure setup, but there is no reason you can’t be successful with the right approach.
This setup follows the same principles used in most arboreal tarantula care. For a more detailed breakdown, you can read our Complete Guide to Arboreal Tarantula Care.
Why It’s Considered Intermediate
While adults are generally easygoing, this isn’t usually recommended as a first tarantula.
Spiderlings are more sensitive, especially when it comes to airflow and enclosure conditions. They don’t tolerate stagnant setups well, and small mistakes in husbandry can have a bigger impact compared to more beginner-friendly species.
With the right setup and attention to detail, most keepers have good success.
Additional Keeping Notes
A few small details can make a noticeable difference. Screen top enclosures are best avoided, as they can make humidity harder to maintain and create unnecessary risk for climbing species.
Providing plenty of anchor points early on, like cork bark, helps encourage webbing and gives the spider a more stable structure to work with.
It’s also normal for this species to stay higher in the enclosure and ignore prey on the ground, especially when young. Adjusting how you feed can improve consistency.
Origin
Caribena versicolor, commonly known as the Antilles Pink Toe Tarantula, is native to St. Martin in the Caribbean. Its natural environment helps explain its preference for airflow, elevation, and balanced humidity in captivity.
Availability & Demand
Caribena versicolor remains consistently popular within the tarantula hobby, especially among keepers looking for an arboreal species with strong visual appeal.
Availability can vary depending on breeding cycles, and many hobbyists keep an eye out for restocks from trusted sources.
At Exotics Unlimited USA, we are actively working toward breeding this species.
Final Thoughts
Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pink Toe) stands out because it offers something different at every stage of its life. It continues to be a favorite for keepers.
It’s not just the color changes. It’s the combination of its appearance, webbing behavior, and how it settles into its space over time.
For keepers who are willing to pay attention to setup and airflow, it’s a colorful species that can be rewarding to keep, especially when set up to encourage natural behavior.
Reviewed by William West, Owner of Exotics Unlimited, with hands-on experience caring for over 200 tarantula species.
Updated August 2026
