Holothele longipes
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Description
Holothele longipes - Spectacular dwarf tarantula weaving dense silk tunnels
Holothele longipes (widely known in the hobby as the Trinidad Pink Tarantula) is an exceptionally dynamic New World tarantula that transforms its enclosure into a breathtaking labyrinth of dense silk tunnels. As a unique representative of the subfamily Ischnocolinae, it is evolutionarily devoid of urticating setae on its abdomen, making it completely safe for allergy sufferers and keepers who value an irritation-free environment. Compact adult dimensions, outstanding hardiness against temperature fluctuations, and a voracious appetite make it an ideal choice for both aesthetic nano enclosures and an exhilarating introduction to terrestrial tarantulas.
- No urticating setae: A defensive anomaly eliminating the risk of skin and respiratory irritation for the keeper.
- Master web architect: In just a few days, it covers the entire available space with a three-dimensional network of silk tunnels and funnels.
- Compact nano size: Adult females reach just 3.5-4.5 cm in body length, thriving in compact enclosures measuring 15x15x15 cm or 20x20x20 cm.
- Lightning reflexes and appetite: An active hunter that reacts with incredible explosive speed to web vibrations and strikes feeder insects instantly.
| Scientific name | Holothele longipes (L. Koch, 1875) |
| Common name | Trinidad Pink Tarantula |
| Origin | South America and the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil) |
| Target size | Female: body length 3.5-4.5 cm (leg span 7-10 cm) Male: body length 2.5-3.5 cm (leg span 6-8 cm) |
| Enclosure type | Terrestrial-fossorial with cross ventilation (15x15x15 cm to 20x20x20 cm) |
| Substrate depth | 5-8 cm (moist coconut fiber or peat moss allowing burrow construction) |
| Temperature | 24-28°C (75-82°F) during the day (tolerates room temperature 22-25°C (72-77°F) very well), 20-22°C (68-72°F) at night |
| Humidity | 70-80% (moisture gradient - 1/3 of substrate kept consistently damp) |
| Urticating setae | Completely absent across the body (subfamily Ischnocolinae) |
| Venom potency | Mild (comparable to a bee sting, medically insignificant) |
| Lifespan | Females 8-10 years (occasionally up to 12 years), males 1.5-2.5 years (6-18 months after ultimate molt) |
Choosing your stage and first steps with your tarantula
Regardless of the chosen development stage, Holothele longipes offers fascinating observations from the very first moments in its new home. Young spiderlings stand out with charming salmon-pink setae, while juveniles and adult specimens display a stunning copper-gold carapace contrasting with dark legs. Tarantulas are shipped in professionally secured, ventilated vial containers or transport tubs with stable substrate.
Step 1: Thermal acclimation and rest - After receiving your parcel, leave the transport container in a shaded, quiet spot for 24 hours at 20-22°C (68-72°F). Strictly avoid supplementary heating with a heat mat during the first 24 hours. Rapid temperature spikes accelerate metabolism and amplify shipping stress.
Step 2: Preparing the enclosure - House young spiderlings in a small transitional container (100-250 ml deli cup), while housing juveniles or adult specimens in a nano enclosure measuring a minimum of 15x15x15 cm. Add a substrate layer 5-8 cm deep, leaning a piece of cork bark at an angle alongside a clump of moist sphagnum moss, which will serve as sturdy anchor points for webbing tunnels.
Step 3: Calm rehousing - Open the transport vial inside the new enclosure and gently guide the tarantula into its hide using long terrarium tweezers (25-30 cm) or a soft paintbrush. Keep in mind that this species is agile and fast, so avoid abrupt movements or strong air puffs.
Step 4: First feeding - Offer the first feeder insect only after 24-48 hours have elapsed since rehousing, once the tarantula has settled in and laid down its initial anchor silk. The size of the feeder insect should measure between 50% and a maximum of 100% of the tarantula's abdomen length.
What enclosure setup does Holothele longipes require?
The optimal enclosure for an adult Holothele longipes is a terrestrial setup measuring 15x15x15 cm or 20x20x20 cm equipped with effective cross ventilation. Providing 5-8 cm of moist substrate alongside web anchoring points, such as natural cork bark and moss, is essential for enabling deep tunnel construction.
A substrate blend of coconut fiber and peat moss should remain consistently slightly moist in the bottom layer, but never soggy. Maintain an enclosure humidity level of 70-80% by routinely moistening approximately 1/3 of the substrate surface while keeping the remaining area dry. An essential addition for adult tarantulas is a shallow water dish filled with fresh water, which prevents dehydration and stabilizes the microclimate. Efficient cross ventilation (vent holes placed at different heights on opposing sides) guarantees constant air circulation, safeguarding the setup against stagnant, stuffy air and mold growth.
What should you feed Holothele longipes and how to schedule meals?
The diet of Holothele longipes consists strictly of live feeder insects sized to 50-100% of the tarantula's abdomen length. Feed young spiderlings every 3-5 days with small Turkish roach nymphs, while feeding juveniles and adults larger roaches or small crickets every 7-10 days.
This species is known for outstanding voracity and explosive feeding strikes. The tarantula instantly detects web vibrations triggered by prey movement and bolts out of its retreat in a lightning-fast ambush. Excellent feeder insects include Turkish roaches, Dubia roaches, banana crickets, and mealworms. Always remove any uneaten prey remains with long tweezers within 24 hours of feeding to prevent mite outbreaks and mold growth in the warm microclimate.
How do you recognize an approaching molt in a tarantula?
An approaching molt is signaled when the tarantula enters the pre-molt phase, during which it completely refuses food, its abdomen noticeably darkens, and the burrow entrance is sealed shut with a thick silk sheet. During this stage, the spider requires complete peace and slightly elevated humidity.
The molting process (ecdysis) almost always occurs while the tarantula is flipped onto its back. This posture is entirely normal, and under no circumstances should you touch or flip the spider over. Once the old exoskeleton is shed, the tarantula's new cuticle is exceptionally soft and vulnerable to mechanical injury. For this reason, never leave live feeder insects inside the enclosure, as they can fatally injure the defenseless animal. Wait 7 to 14 days after molting before offering the first meal, allowing sufficient time for the exoskeleton and fangs to harden completely.
Common care mistakes and how to avoid them
- Attempting communal keeping: Holothele longipes is strictly solitary and aggressive toward conspecifics. Housing multiple individuals together inevitably leads to lethal fighting and cannibalism. Keep every specimen in an individual container from early instars onward.
- Mounting a heat mat under the enclosure floor: In nature, tarantulas escape heat by burrowing down into cooler soil. A heat mat positioned underneath heats the bottom of the burrow, causing the burrowing spider to overheat and dehydrate fatally. Always install heat mats on a side wall.
- Stagnant air and waterlogged substrate: Excessively wet substrate combined with inadequate ventilation fosters deadly mold and mite infestations. Ensure cross ventilation and maintain moisture in only one section of the enclosure.
- Disturbing the spider during molting or leaving live feeders: Attempting to rescue a tarantula lying on its back or leaving chewing feeder insects in the container during ecdysis are leading causes of mortality. Provide absolute quiet and remove all feeders during the molting period.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Holothele and synonym rectification
The genus Holothele had a complicated systematic history for more than a century. A breakthrough arrived in 2017 with a comprehensive revision conducted by arachnologists Guadanucci, Perafán, and Valencia-Cuéllar. The researchers demonstrated that numerous populations described across South America under separate names were phenotypic variations of a single species. Under this revision, taxa including Holothele recta and the widely kept hobby form Holothele sanguiniceps (previously Stichoplastus sanguiniceps) were synonymized with Holothele longipes. This revision also definitively separated Holothele from the genus Neoholothele erected in 2015. Unlike Neoholothele incei, which possesses type VI urticating setae and exhibits communal tolerance, Holothele longipes is strictly solitary and entirely lacks defensive setae.
Ecology, biogeography, and eurytopic adaptability of the species
Holothele longipes exhibits an exceptionally broad biogeographical range, encompassing Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Bolivia, Brazil, Panama, and Ecuador. The species displays remarkable eurytopy, thriving across vastly diverse habitats. It occurs in hot lowland rainforests at sea level (0 m ASL) as well as cooler cloud forests in the Colombian Andes at elevations exceeding 2000 m ASL. These tarantulas have also been documented around cave entrances (such as in the Santander department of Colombia), taking advantage of stable microclimates without developing troglobitic adaptations. This ecological plasticity explains their exceptional resilience and hardiness in captivity.
Is the venom of Holothele longipes dangerous to humans?
The venom of Holothele longipes possesses very low toxicity to mammals and is classified as mild and medically insignificant. A mechanical bite produces only transient localized discomfort comparable to a bee or wasp sting, occasionally accompanied by minor swelling. Furthermore, when disturbed, this tarantula instinctually retreats deep into its silk burrow rather than displaying defensive aggression. Conducting routine maintenance with long 25-30 cm terrarium tweezers ensures complete safety for the keeper.
Does Holothele longipes require CITES documentation or registration?
No. Holothele longipes is not listed on CITES appendices or EU wildlife trade regulations. Purchasing and keeping this tarantula is 100% legal and free from bureaucratic paperwork. Keepers are not required to register the specimen with municipal authorities or possess captive-breeding certificates.
Is this tarantula suitable as a beginner pet spider?
Holothele longipes is an outstanding choice for keepers who understand foundational husbandry practices and desire an active, captivating terrestrial tarantula. The complete lack of irritating urticating setae, mild venom, and solid temperature resilience allow it to forgive minor beginner errors. Because of its remarkable agility and speed, general attentiveness is required when opening the enclosure to prevent unintended escapes.
Looking for an active tarantula that impresses with extensive silk webbing and zero irritating urticating setae? Select the stage best suited to your experience, add Holothele longipes to your cart, and enjoy observing this captivating tropical predator in your own home!
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During cold weather, we include a professional HeatPack warming pad to maintain the proper transit temperature.
Live animals are shipped exclusively Monday through Thursday to prevent parcels from being held over the weekend.
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