Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus irminia

Most arboreal or tree-dwelling tarantulas are quite small, the sun tiger is an exception to this reaching over 14cm in size. They are amongst the most beautifully marked of the big spiders with a striking yellow or orange and dark brown banded pattern on the abdomen. The legs are also marked with the same bright colour. Their attractive appearance belie their nasty temperament. This spider will not hesitate to bite if it feels threatened.

Did You Know? Sun tigers camouflage their silken retreat by incorporating pieces of soil and moss from the area directly around the opening. This makes their nest extremely difficult to find despite its relatively large opening.

Habitat: The sun tiger is found in the northern South American country of Venezuela where is builds silken homes on tree trunks or dirt banks, usually in rainforest areas. It will also utilise human habitation making its nest on the walls of houses but in most cases these are fairly close to the ground..

Diet: Insects, particularly beetles and cockroaches are the favoured food. The presence of this spider around buildings serves a useful purpose in controlling insect pests but can be a little daunting at times.

Reproduction: Sun tigers are fast growing spiders with males maturing in around 18 months, females taking about two years.