Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula

Psalmopoeus reduncus Care Guide

The Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Psalmopoeus reduncus, commonly known as the Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula, is a fast-growing semi-arboreal species native to Costa Rica and Honduras. While not as well-known as Psalmopoeus irminia or Psalmopoeus cambridgei, this species shares the genus’s signature speed, potent venom, and arboreal tendencies.

With its subtle brown and tan coloration, contrasted by its striking orange chelicerae (mouthparts), this species may not be as visually flashy as some of its relatives, but it makes up for it with its hardy nature, strong feeding response, and fascinating behavior. Like all members of the Psalmopoeus genus, P. reduncus lacks urticating hairs, relying instead on agility, speed, and venom for defense.

This species is best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers due to its defensive capabilities, fast movements, and venom potency.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus reduncus

• Common Name: Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula

• Type: Semi-Arboreal

• Category: New World (Lacks Urticating Hairs)

• Endemic Location: Costa Rica, Honduras

• Body Length: ~3” (7.5 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): ~5.5-6” (14-15 cm)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 12-15 years

  • Males: Around 3-4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced

• Venom Potency: Moderate (More potent than typical New World species but not considered medically significant)

Taxonomy & Research Update

Psalmopoeus reduncus was first described by Karsch in 1880, making it one of the earliest Psalmopoeus species recognized in the scientific community. Despite being overshadowed by P. irminia and P. cambridgei, P. reduncus is a robust and underrated species that displays similar behaviors and care requirements.

Recent research on Psalmopoeus species suggests they exhibit varied levels of arboreality based on environmental factors, with some individuals preferring terrestrial burrows during early stages before transitioning to arboreal behavior as adults.

What Makes Psalmopoeus reduncus Special?

• Striking Orange Mouthparts: One of its most distinctive features is its bright orange chelicerae, which contrast with its brown-tan body.

• Fast Growth Rate: This species matures in 2-3 years, making it one of the faster-growing New World tarantulas.

• Semi-Arboreal Behavior: While juveniles may burrow, adults thrive in arboreal setups and will web up their enclosures extensively.

• Strong Feeding Response: Like its relatives, P. reduncus is an aggressive eater, often ambushing prey with lightning speed.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Setup

Psalmopoeus reduncus is native to the tropical forests of Costa Rica and Honduras, where it thrives in humid, warm environments with plenty of tree hollows, loose bark, and dense vegetation.

In captivity, it’s crucial to provide vertical climbing structures, moderate humidity, and cross-ventilation to mimic its natural environment.

Housing & Substrate

Check out Tarantula Cribs for the BEST tarantula enclosures. Use code TTC10 to save 10%.

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, Treehouse Extra Small, Sling Crib by Tarantula Cribs

• Substrate: 1–2” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, foliage, sphagnum moss

• Water: Small dish or occasional misting

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Treehouse Switch Small, Small Treehouse, Coffin Crib Medium, Crib 360 - 8 inch Arboreal by Tarantula Cribs

• Substrate: 1–2” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude

• Decor: Cork bark, secure hiding spots, artificial plants

• Water: Small water dish provided

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Treehouse Switch-XL2.0, Large Treehouse - Clear Back, Treehouse Switch - Large, Large Coffin Crib by Tarantula Cribs

• Substrate: 2–3” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude

• Decor: Cork bark tubes, vertical branches, foliage

• Water: Larger water dish

Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature range: 70–78°F (21–25°C)

• Humidity: Maintain 65–75% humidity by misting one side of the enclosure and keeping a full water dish. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mold growth.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Behavior & Temperament

Psalmopoeus reduncus is a fast, skittish species that relies on speed rather than aggression when threatened. While generally reclusive, it can throw up a threat posture or even strike if cornered.

Compared to P. irminia, which is known for its defensive nature, P. reduncus tends to be slightly more tolerant but still not a handling species. Like other Psalmopoeus species, it is a strong ambush predator that rarely refuses food.

Breeding Psalmopoeus reduncus in Captivity

Psalmopoeus reduncus, commonly known as the Costa Rican Orange Mouth Tarantula, is an arboreal species native to Costa Rica. Known for its distinctive orange coloration around the mouthparts and its adaptability, this species has become a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 1–2 years, characterized by longer legs and the development of bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 2–3 years, achieving a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Providing an enclosure with ample vertical spaces and anchor points for webbing can facilitate a more natural interaction during pairing.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac approximately 3 months after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–82°F (24–28°C) with humidity levels between 70–80%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches of around 89 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 3.5 weeks for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• P. reduncus spiderlings exhibit a fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient vertical space to accommodate their arboreal nature, including structures for climbing and web attachment.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 3–4 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Temperament: P. reduncus is known for its adaptability and relatively calm demeanor compared to other species in the genus. However, caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or accidental injury.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

With their distinctive appearance and manageable care requirements, Psalmopoeus reduncus has become a popular species among tarantula enthusiasts. Their fast growth rate and relatively high reproductive output make captive breeding essential to maintain healthy populations in the hobby. By focusing on these efforts, we can reduce the need for wild-caught specimens, ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable species for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Psalmopoeus reduncus is a fast-growing, hardy species that thrives in semi-arboreal enclosures with plenty of vertical space. While not as flashy as P. irminia or P. pulcher, its orange chelicerae and strong feeding response make it an excellent display tarantula.

Compared to other Psalmopoeus species:

• Psalmopoeus irminia (Venezuelan Suntiger): Highly defensive with bold black-and-orange markings.

• Psalmopoeus cambridgei (Trinidad Chevron): Larger and more olive-toned, often less defensive than P. irminia.

• Psalmopoeus pulcher (Panama Blonde): Golden-caramel coloration with a calmer temperament.

• Psalmopoeus victori (Mexican Half & Half): Striking black-and-red contrast with a strong feeding response.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, check out Tarantula Cribs (code TTC10 for 10% off).
For substrate, use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.
For purchasing tarantulas, visit Spider Shoppe (code TTC10 for 10% off).