Psalmopoeus cambridgei — the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula — is one of the largest and most impressive members of the Psalmopoeus genus. Native to Trinidad and Tobago, this fast-growing arboreal species combines striking dark colouration with bold chevron patterning across the abdomen and a reputation as one of the more assertive New World spiders in the hobby. Like all Psalmopoeus, it carries no urticating hairs — making it faster to defend and more demanding of keeper respect than most New World species its size.
QUICK ANSWER — WHAT DOES PSALMOPOEUS CAMBRIDGEI NEED?
P. cambridgei requires a tall arboreal enclosure (minimum 18"H × 12"W × 12"D), temperatures of 76–84°F, humidity of 70–80% RH, cork bark or dense plant cover in the upper third, a shallow water dish, and prey every 10–14 days for adults. Intermediate keepers and above. No urticating hairs — tongs-only protocol required.
- Enclosure: Tall arboreal, front-opening essential, 18" minimum height
- Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C) daytime
- Humidity: 70–80% RH — higher than P. irminia
- Feeding: Every 10–14 days (adults); 4–5 days (slings)
- Experience level: Intermediate and above
- Urticating hairs: None — defends with speed and venom only
Species Overview & Natural Habitat
Psalmopoeus cambridgei is endemic to Trinidad and Tobago, where it inhabits the island's dense tropical rainforests. It lives arboreal in tree hollows, bark crevices, and thick vegetation, emerging at night to ambush prey. Trinidad's climate is consistently warm and humid year-round — reflected directly in this species' care requirements, which lean toward the higher end of the humidity spectrum for a New World tarantula.
At up to 6–7 inches diagonal leg span, P. cambridgei is notably larger than its genus companion P. irminia, and its bold dark grey-brown colouration with contrasting chevron abdominal markings gives it a powerful, distinctive appearance. It is fast, confident, and aware of its enclosure at all times — a species that commands attention and respect in equal measure.
Growth rate is fast. Consistent feeding at correct temperatures will see slings reach adult size in approximately 2–3 years, making it one of the more rewarding arboreal species for keepers who enjoy watching development.
Is Psalmopoeus cambridgei Right for You?
IMPORTANT — NO URTICATING HAIRS
P. cambridgei is classified as New World but shares the defensive profile of Old World species. It has no urticating hairs and will not flick as a warning — its first and only defences are speed and a willingness to bite. It is assertive and should be treated with Old World-level caution. Tongs-only maintenance is non-negotiable.
Good choice if you: have prior tarantula experience, want a large fast-growing display arboreal, are comfortable maintaining a defensive species with tong-only protocols.
Wrong choice if you: are a first-time keeper, assumed New World means handleable, or want a species you can interact with hands-on.
Available Now at Field Life Pets
Ready to add a P. cambridgei to your collection?
Captive-bred Trinidad Chevron slings and juveniles, established on feeders and ready to go. Ships to all lower 48 states — live arrival guaranteed. Limited stock.
View Psalmopoeus cambridgei — Shop Now →What Enclosure Does Psalmopoeus cambridgei Need?
P. cambridgei is a strict arboreal — height is the priority. It will anchor its retreat in the upper third of the enclosure and rarely descend. Front-opening is essential; this is a large, fast spider and reaching over the top creates unnecessary risk.
| Stage | Minimum enclosure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sling (under 1") | 6–8 oz deli cup | Cross-ventilated; cork flat or leaf litter |
| Juvenile (1–3") | 6"H × 4"W × 4"D | Cork flat or tube, upper portion |
| Sub-adult (3–5") | 12"H × 8"W × 8"D | Begin adult husbandry protocol |
| Adult (5"+) | 18"H × 12"W × 12"D | Front-opening essential |
How to Set Up a Psalmopoeus cambridgei Enclosure (Step by Step)
- Add 3–4 inches of substrate — coconut fibre, organic topsoil, or peat/coco mix. Slightly moisten the base layer to help maintain humidity.
- Position cork bark or artificial plants in the upper third. P. cambridgei will anchor a dense silk retreat here within 24–48 hours.
- Add mid-enclosure decor — cholla wood or secondary cork flat gives the spider resting options and reduces stress during maintenance.
- Place a shallow water dish in the lower third. Change weekly.
- Ensure cross-ventilation while retaining humidity — two opposing mesh panels. In very dry climates, reduce mesh size on one panel to slow moisture loss.
- Allow 24–48 hours before introduction. Keep lighting dim — this species settles faster in darker conditions.
Temperature & Humidity Requirements for Psalmopoeus cambridgei
P. cambridgei originates from Trinidad's rainforest — consistently warm and significantly more humid than environments suited to P. irminia. This is the most important distinction between the two species for keepers transitioning between them.
| Parameter | Ideal | Acceptable | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime temperature | 76–84°F (24–29°C) | 72–86°F | Below 68°F / above 88°F |
| Night temperature | 70–76°F (21–24°C) | 68–78°F | Sustained below 65°F |
| Ambient humidity | 70–80% RH | 65–85% RH | Consistently below 60% |
| Substrate (base) | Lightly moist | Slightly damp | Bone dry or waterlogged |
| Misting frequency | One corner every 5–7 days | Every 4–10 days | Daily misting (mite risk) |
How to Feed Psalmopoeus cambridgei
P. cambridgei is a bold, reliable feeder. Adults will often emerge rapidly after prey is introduced, making feeding sessions visually impressive but requiring attentive tong placement. Prey refusal outside pre-molt is usually a husbandry signal — check temperature and humidity first.
| Stage | Prey item | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Sling | Fruit flies, pinhead crickets (pre-killed) | Every 4–5 days |
| Juvenile | Small crickets, small dubia roaches | Every 5–7 days |
| Sub-adult | Medium crickets, medium dubia | Every 7–10 days |
| Adult | Adult dubia roaches, adult crickets | Every 10–14 days |
| Pre-molt / Post-molt | None — remove all prey | Resume 14+ days post-molt |
CRITICAL — NEVER LEAVE LIVE PREY UNATTENDED
No urticating hairs means no passive defence against prey harassment during pre-molt or post-molt vulnerability. Remove all uneaten prey within 24 hours without exception. Wait 14+ days after molt completion before resuming feeding.
Sling and Juvenile Psalmopoeus cambridgei Care
Slings are arboreal and fast from day one. Use a cross-ventilated deli cup with a cork flat or artificial leaf leaned against the wall. Pre-kill all prey for slings. Maintain slightly higher moisture than for adult enclosures — slings are more susceptible to dehydration. This species grows quickly; plan to rehouse every few molts through the juvenile stage.
Molting — What to Expect
Pre-molt signs: prey refusal lasting 2–4+ weeks, abdomen darkening, increased webbing around retreat, retreat sealed, reduced surface activity.
During molt: Molts on its back inside or near its retreat. Do not disturb under any circumstances. 30 minutes to several hours depending on size.
Post-molt: Wait 14+ days before feeding. Fangs must fully darken before prey is introduced. The exuvia can be sexed — spermatheca between anterior book lungs confirms female.
Handling & Venom — The Honest Guide
Psalmopoeus cambridgei should not be handled. It is one of the larger, faster, and more assertive members of the genus — and one of the most commonly mishandled because keepers assume New World status implies safety. It does not. No urticating hairs, medically significant venom, and a quick defensive response make this a display-only species. Tongs only. Locate the spider before every enclosure opening.
Common Health Problems
| Issue | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Shrunken, wrinkled abdomen | Refill water dish; mist substrate corner |
| Dysecdysis | Incomplete shed, limbs stuck | Raise humidity; mist enclosure walls lightly |
| Prey injury | Wounds on abdomen or legs | Remove prey; enforce 24hr removal rule |
| Chronic stress | Constant movement, glass surfing | Add more cover; reposition retreat anchor higher |
| Substrate mites | Tiny specks in substrate | Full enclosure clean; check misting frequency |
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalmopoeus cambridgei
How big does Psalmopoeus cambridgei get?
Adult females reach 6–7 inches DLS — making this one of the larger Psalmopoeus species. Males are smaller at 4–5 inches and mature in 2–3 years from sling.
What is the difference between P. cambridgei and P. irminia?
P. cambridgei is larger, darker in colouration, and requires higher humidity (70–80% vs 65–80%). Both lack urticating hairs. P. irminia has vivid orange markings; P. cambridgei has a bolder chevron abdominal pattern. Both require tong-only husbandry.
Is Psalmopoeus cambridgei a good beginner tarantula?
No. Despite New World classification, it has no urticating hairs and will bite with minimal warning. Some prior tarantula experience is strongly recommended before acquiring one.
Can Psalmopoeus cambridgei be handled?
It should not be. No urticating hairs means no passive warning system — this species bites as a first defence rather than flicking hair. It is a display species.
How fast does Psalmopoeus cambridgei grow?
Fast. Adult size from sling in approximately 2–3 years with consistent feeding at correct temperatures. Juveniles grow particularly rapidly between 2–4 inches.
Is Psalmopoeus cambridgei legal in the US?
Legal in most US states with no CITES restrictions. Always verify local state and county regulations before acquiring any exotic tarantula.
Field Life Pets · Captive Bred · Ships Lower 48
You've done the research. Now meet your spider.
Every P. cambridgei we sell is captive bred, established on feeders, and ready for an experienced home. Fast grower, bold display species, ships to all lower 48 states. Live arrival guaranteed.
Get Your Psalmopoeus cambridgei →Written by FLPD · Updated May 2026. For informational use only. Verify local legality before acquiring any exotic tarantula.