Trinidad Olive Tarantula Care
Species: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus
Common Name: Trinidad Olive Tarantula
The Trinidad Olive Tarantula (Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus) is a beautifully subtle species native to the lush tropical forests of Trinidad and parts of northern South America. Unlike its more vividly colored relatives, this species showcases earthy olive-green and bronze tones, making it a striking yet understated member of the Psalmopoeus genus.
Fast, secretive, and highly adaptable, P. ecclesiasticus is a semi-arboreal species that thrives in enclosures offering both climbing and hiding opportunities. Though defensive when cornered, it’s a fascinating and hardy tarantula that rewards proper care with confidence and longevity.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus
- Common Name: Trinidad Olive Tarantula
- Origin: Trinidad and northern South America
- Adult Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 inches) leg span
- Lifespan: Females 10–12 years; Males 3–4 years
- Temperament: Defensive, fast, reclusive
- Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced
Housing & Enclosure
P. ecclesiasticus is a semi-arboreal tarantula that naturally inhabits tree hollows, rotting logs, and forest debris. It appreciates vertical climbing structures but also uses lower areas for retreat-building.
Recommended enclosure sizes:
- Juveniles: 20×20×25 cm
- Adults: 30×30×45 cm (12×12×18 inches)
Provide a tall enclosure with secure doors or lids and ample cross ventilation. Include cork bark tubes, upright slabs, or thick branches for climbing, and plenty of foliage or artificial plants for webbing and cover.
Expect this species to create dense silk retreats that may obscure parts of the enclosure — this is entirely natural and beneficial.
Substrate & Decoration
Use a substrate mix that holds moderate humidity but drains well — coco coir, peat moss, or a blend with topsoil works perfectly. Depth of around 8–10 cm is ideal.
Add moss, leaf litter, and vertical cork bark, mimicking its natural environment. A naturalistic setup helps this shy species feel secure and visible more often.
Decorative climbing features and cover are key to reducing stress and encouraging confident behavior.
Temperature & Humidity
- Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
- Humidity: 70–80%
Lightly mist one side of the enclosure every few days, allowing the other side to remain dry. This gradient lets the tarantula regulate its comfort zone.
Ventilation must be strong — Psalmopoeus species are sensitive to stagnant, overly damp air. Always provide a small water dish at the base of the enclosure.
Feeding & Water
The Trinidad Olive is an active and capable hunter that feeds readily on live prey. Offer a varied diet of crickets, roaches, and mealworms.
Feeding schedule:
- Slings: Every 4–5 days
- Juveniles: Every 7 days
- Adults: Every 10–12 days
Feeding should be done at night for best response — this species tends to hunt after dark. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.
Mist lightly between feedings to provide water droplets and maintain humidity.
Handling & Temperament
P. ecclesiasticus is defensive, secretive, and fast, but not particularly aggressive. It relies on speed and retreat rather than confrontation.
Handling is not recommended due to its speed and potential for defensive behavior. For enclosure maintenance or rehousing, use catch cups, long tongs, and calm movements.
Though reclusive, it can often be observed at the entrance to its web tunnel — especially during feeding time.
Molting
Molting usually occurs inside the tarantula’s web retreat, where it will seal itself in for days or weeks.
Pre-molt signs include:
- Dull coloration
- Reduced appetite or fasting
- Sealing itself inside the web
Do not disturb during this time. After molting, wait at least a week before offering food to ensure proper hardening of the new exoskeleton.
Common Health Issues
- Dehydration: Provide clean water and maintain steady humidity.
- Mold: Ensure adequate airflow and avoid over-misting.
- Stress: Caused by frequent disturbances or overly sparse setups.
- Injury: Prevent long falls by limiting open vertical drops.
This species is hardy and resilient when kept in proper environmental conditions.
Breeding (Overview)
Breeding P. ecclesiasticus can be rewarding but requires experience due to the species’ speed and secrecy.
- Introduce the male at night and supervise carefully.
- Females are typically receptive but can be defensive post-mating.
- The female may produce an egg sac within 8–12 weeks, containing up to 100–150 spiderlings.
Spiderlings grow quickly and display the same curious, shy tendencies as adults.
Quick Care Checklist
- Type: Semi-arboreal
- Enclosure: 30×30×45 cm with vertical and horizontal structures
- Substrate: Slightly moist coco coir or soil (8–10 cm)
- Temperature: 25–28°C
- Humidity: 70–80%
- Feeding: Crickets or roaches every 7–12 days
- Handling: Avoid — fast and defensive
Final Thoughts
The Trinidad Olive Tarantula is a quietly beautiful member of the Psalmopoeus family, offering subtle elegance and fascinating behavior for those who appreciate a more reserved display species.
Its combination of olive coloration, web-building activity, and strong presence make it a great choice for enthusiasts looking to explore beyond the more common P. cambridgei and P. irminia.
Given space, structure, and respect, Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus will thrive and display its natural beauty — a hidden gem among arboreal tarantulas.
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All information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
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