Psalmopoeus irminia

🔤 Taxonomy

Psalmopoeus irminia is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Venezuelan sun tiger
• Sun tiger tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Venezuela-Sonnentiger
• Sonnentiger-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Psalmopoeus irminia is a fast, striking arboreal New World tarantula known for its dark body, orange leg markings, and bold webbed retreats. It is one of the most popular display species for keepers who want a more dramatic arboreal tarantula without moving into Old World genera.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 13-15 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

Unlike many New World tarantulas, species in Psalmopoeus do not rely on urticating hairs. Their defense is more about speed, retreating, threat posture, and the ability to bite if badly stressed.

This species is best treated as an advanced-beginner or intermediate display tarantula rather than a handling animal. It is often visible near the entrance of its webbed retreat, especially once settled.

☠️ Venom

Psalmopoeus irminia should be treated as a medically significant tarantula. A bite can cause intense local pain, swelling and, in some cases, wider symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, nausea, dizziness or prolonged discomfort.

There is no species-specific antivenom used in routine pet-keeping practice. Do not handle this spider, do not force interactions, and plan enclosure work so that defensive contact is unlikely. Seek medical advice after any serious bite, allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, spreading symptoms, or bite involving a child or vulnerable person.

🌍 Distribution

Psalmopoeus irminia is native to Venezuela. In the wild it is associated with warm humid forest with bark retreats, hollow wood and heavy webbing above ground.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a secure vertical enclosure with cork bark or tree-bark retreats
• strong cross-ventilation with moderate humidity
• fresh water and occasional moisture without stale air
• minimal disturbance around the main retreat
• careful maintenance, because fast arboreal species can bolt quickly

⚖️ Legal status

No current CITES listing or specific EU wildlife trade annex listing was found for Psalmopoeus irminia in the official sources checked for this article. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, breeding, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals from reputable sources remain the safest choice.

🤌 Husbandry

Psalmopoeus irminia should be kept alone in a secure vertical enclosure.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• Tall arboreal layout
• Cork bark tube or upright hide
• Strong cross-ventilation
• Moderate humidity
• A water dish

An adult is often kept in an enclosure around 20 x 20 x 30 cm or larger. The enclosure should provide both vertical security and usable web anchors.

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

Strong direct lamps are unnecessary and can overheat or dry the enclosure too aggressively.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species usually does well at warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: a slight drop is acceptable

Stable warmth is useful, but overheating must be avoided. High stagnant heat is riskier than slightly cooler conditions with good airflow.

💧 Humidity and water

Psalmopoeus irminia usually does best with moderate humidity and constant access to fresh water. The enclosure should not be allowed to become swampy or stale.

Practical points:

• Keep part of the enclosure slightly more humid if needed
• Let surfaces dry between heavier moisture additions
• Maintain strong ventilation
• Provide fresh water at all times

The goal is balanced moisture, not wetness.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

This species needs vertical structure more than floor space. A practical setup often includes a cork bark tube, side and rear cover, branches, and web anchors that allow the spider to build a secure retreat.

Useful enclosure elements include:

• Cork bark tube
• Vertical branchwork
• Anchor points for silk
• A water bowl
• Good ventilation

Once settled, the enclosure may become heavily webbed. That webbing should not be removed unless there is a real hygiene problem.

🪳 Feeding

Psalmopoeus irminia is insectivorous. Suitable staple prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms only occasionally

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-10 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Because this species is fast, feeding and maintenance should be done carefully and without rushing.

🩺 Common problems

The most common problems are linked to stale humid air, dehydration through neglected water access, insecure enclosure design, failed molts, and escapes during rushed maintenance.

Warning signs include:

• Persistent lethargy
• Wrinkled abdomen
• Visible decline after poor ventilation
• Failed molt
• Defensive escalation in a stressful setup

If there is severe dehydration, visible injury, leaking hemolymph, or a difficult molt, seek experienced exotic-veterinary help where possible.

📌 Conclusion

Psalmopoeus irminia is a beautiful, fast, web-heavy arboreal tarantula that thrives when its enclosure combines height, ventilation, moderate humidity, and security. It is not difficult when treated with respect, but it is much less forgiving of rushed handling and poor airflow than a typical beginner terrestrial species.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable