Psalmopoeus victori Care Guide

The Mexican Half & Half Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Psalmopoeus victori, commonly known as the Mexican Half & Half Tarantula, is one of the most visually striking members of the Psalmopoeus genus. Native to Mexico, this species stands out with its bold contrast of deep black and rich red hues, making it one of the most uniquely colored tarantulas in its genus.

As with all Psalmopoeus species, P. victori lacks urticating hairs, relying instead on speed, agility, and potent venom for defense. While not as defensive as P. irminia, this species is lightning-fast, highly food-motivated, and will bolt to safety at the slightest disturbance.

Due to its fast movements and moderate venom potency, P. victori is best suited for intermediate to advanced keepers. Its strong feeding response, rapid growth rate, and semi-arboreal nature make it a fantastic display tarantula for those with experience.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus victori

• Common Name: Mexican Half & Half Tarantula

• Type: Semi-Arboreal

• Category: New World (Lacks Urticating Hairs)

• Endemic Location: Mexico

• Body Length: ~3.5” (9 cm)

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

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 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 victori was officially described in 2014, making it one of the more recently recognized species in the genus. Unlike its South American relatives, P. victori is the first and only member of the genus found in Mexico, marking a significant geographical expansion of the Psalmopoeus range.

The species was named after Victor H. Jiménez, a Mexican arachnologist who contributed significantly to the study of tarantulas in the region. This discovery has provided insight into the evolutionary history of Psalmopoeus species, suggesting a wider historical distribution than previously thought.

What Makes Psalmopoeus victori Special?

• Striking Black & Red Contrast: This species features a dark black carapace and legs, with a rich reddish-orange abdomen, making it one of the most visually unique Psalmopoeus species.

• Fast Growth Rate: Matures in 2-3 years, making it a quick-growing species compared to other tarantulas.

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

• Aggressive Feeding Response: Like its relatives, P. victori is a relentless hunter, taking down prey with impressive speed and efficiency.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Setup

Psalmopoeus victori is native to tropical forests in Mexico, where it experiences warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and dense foliage. In captivity, replicating its natural environment involves providing vertical climbing structures, moderate humidity, and cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant air.

Housing & Substrate

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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 victori 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 other Psalmopoeus species:

• Psalmopoeus irminia (Venezuelan Suntiger): More defensive, known for threat displays and striking black-and-orange markings.

• Psalmopoeus cambridgei (Trinidad Chevron): Less defensive, with an olive-green body and chevron leg patterns.

• Psalmopoeus pulcher (Panama Blonde): A calmer, golden-hued species with a slightly more tolerant temperament.

• Psalmopoeus reduncus (Costa Rican Orange Mouth): Subtle brown coloration but with distinctive orange chelicerae.

Breeding Psalmopoeus victori in Captivity

Psalmopoeus victori, commonly known as the Mexican Half-and-Half Tarantula or Darth Maul Tarantula, is an arboreal species native to Mexico. Renowned for its striking black and orange coloration, this species has garnered attention among tarantula enthusiasts. Breeding P. victori in captivity requires understanding their specific environmental needs and reproductive behaviors.

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 2–3 months after mating, though this duration can vary.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–85°F (24–29°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 ranging from 50 to over 100 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose to remove the egg sac from the female after 15–30 days 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. victori 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. victori is known for its agility and speed. While generally not aggressive, they can be skittish and may retreat rapidly when disturbed. 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 striking appearance and manageable care requirements, Psalmopoeus victori has become a sought-after 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 victori is a stunning, fast-moving species that thrives in semi-arboreal setups with plenty of vertical space. Its bold black-and-red coloration, strong feeding response, and high activity level make it an exciting display tarantula.

For experienced keepers looking for a beautiful and unique species, P. victori is a fantastic choice. Just be mindful of its speed, reclusive tendencies, and moderate venom potency.

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).