Avicularia variegata — Grizzly Pink Toe (Sling)

A Beautiful Arboreal Species with Striking Contrast and Gentle Elegance

The Grizzly Pink Toe Sling is a stunning arboreal tarantula that combines the classic charm of the Pink Toe group with unique colouration and attractive patterning. Avicularia variegata is prized for its contrasting dark body, lighter leg markings, and characteristic pink-tipped feet that make the genus so popular among hobbyists.

Active, elegant, and often visible within its webbed retreat, this species offers a rewarding experience for keepers who appreciate arboreal tarantulas. As it matures, the Grizzly Pink Toe develops increasingly beautiful colour contrasts, making it a standout addition to any collection.

Whether you're new to arboreal species or an experienced collector, the Grizzly Pink Toe is a species that never fails to impress.

Why You'll Want This Species

• Beautiful pink-tipped feet and contrasting colouration

• Active arboreal species with fascinating web-building behaviour

• Often visible compared to many terrestrial species

• Attractive adult appearance with unique markings

• Excellent introduction to arboreal tarantula keeping

• A rewarding species to raise from sling to adult

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Avicularia variegata

• Common Name: Grizzly Pink Toe

• Origin: Northern South America, including regions of Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil

• Adult Size: Approximately 12–15 cm leg span

• Temperament: Generally calm, though quick and easily startled

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 8–10 years

  • Males: 3–4 years

Appearance

The Grizzly Pink Toe is admired for its beautiful contrast and arboreal elegance:

• Dark brown to black body

• Characteristic pink or salmon-coloured toe tips

• Lighter bands and highlights on the legs

• Velvety appearance with subtle iridescence under natural light

Its striking combination of dark and light tones creates a beautiful "grizzled" appearance that inspired its common name.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small arboreal sling enclosure with height

• Substrate Depth: 2–4 cm

• Setup: Vertical cork bark, twigs, and web anchor points

• Tip: Excellent ventilation is essential for healthy growth

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 3–5 cm

• Setup: Cork bark tube, foliage, and water dish

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Medium arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup: Multiple climbing surfaces and web attachment points

Adult

• Enclosure: Tall arboreal setup with generous vertical space

• Substrate Depth: 5–10 cm

• Setup Essentials:

  • Cork bark tube or vertical retreat

  • Water dish

  • Artificial or natural foliage

  • Excellent cross ventilation

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 70–80%

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Ventilation: High airflow is critical

Feeding Guide

Diet:
Crickets, roaches, flies, and other appropriately sized feeder insects.

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

The Grizzly Pink Toe is generally an enthusiastic feeder and readily accepts prey.

Behaviour & Handling

• Arboreal and highly agile

• Creates extensive webbed retreats

• Often visible near its webbing entrance

• May jump when startled

• Handling is not recommended

This species is best enjoyed as an observation animal, where its natural climbing and web-building behaviours can be appreciated.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Mild (New World species)

• Visibility: Moderate to high

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Key Requirement: Excellent ventilation

As with other members of the genus Avicularia, proper airflow is essential for long-term health and success.

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Watch its beautiful colour contrast develop with each moult

• Observe its web-building behaviour from an early age

• Gain valuable experience with arboreal tarantula care

• Raise an elegant display specimen through every stage of growth

Ready to Add a Beautiful Arboreal Species to Your Collection?

The Grizzly Pink Toe Sling is perfect for keepers who appreciate beauty, activity, and fascinating natural behaviour.

Secure yours today and enjoy the rewarding experience of raising one of the most attractive members of the Pink Toe family.

Photo credit: R. Bertaniprocessed image: Peter Coxhead, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons