Amazonius germani – Orange tree spider

Adult females of Amazonius germani usually reach a leg span of about 12–15 cm, with the slim body and long legs typical of arboreal Psalmopoeinae. The setae are short and velvety in rust-brown, copper and orange tones. The colour is clearly brighter after a moult and darkens before the next one, which explains the trade name “orange tree spider”.

Males are slimmer and carry palpal bulbs after their final moult. Juveniles are darker and less uniform in colour. Like other Psalmopoeinae, the species has no urticating hairs on the abdomen.

For many years this species was sold as Tapinauchenius gigas, and after 2018 as Pseudoclamoris gigas. In their 2022 revision of Psalmopoeinae, Cifuentes and Bertani showed these were misidentifications, described the new genus Amazonius and the new species Amazonius germani. The holotype is a female from Almeirim in Pará, Brazil; a male paratype comes from French Guiana.

The World Spider Catalog gives the range as French Guiana and Brazil. Brazilian material includes the states of Pará, Amazonas and Rondônia, in the lowland Amazon forest. Listings may still use the old names, so ask about the breeding origin when buying.

This is an arboreal species, so height matters more than floor space. An enclosure of about 25 × 25 × 35–40 cm works well for an adult female. The key element is vertical: a piece of cork bark leaning against or glued to the back wall, a cork tube or dense plants. The spider will build its retreat in the gap behind the cork or near the lid.

Front-opening doors make maintenance easier without disturbing a retreat that is often high up. A secure fit matters: Amazonius germani moves very fast and will use any gap around the lid. On the floor, 5–8 cm of substrate holds moisture and cushions any fall.

A temperature of 23–27°C and moderate humidity are enough. The lower layer of substrate can be slightly moist, and an occasional light misting of the cork or a wall gives the spider droplets to drink. A water dish is a good addition, although arboreal species often prefer drinking from surfaces.

The most common mistake with arboreal tarantulas is combining high humidity with no airflow. A steamy, stuffy enclosure encourages mould and moulting problems. Vents low at the front and high at the back (or in the lid) keep air moving.

Juveniles eat small crickets or roaches every 4–6 days, adult females every 7–14 days. Amazonius germani usually catches prey near its retreat, often high in the enclosure, so offer insects that climb readily or feed with tongs. Remove uneaten insects and leftovers from the retreat.

The species grows fairly fast. Males usually mature within 1.5–2 years, females later. Based on keepers’ experience, females can live more than 10 years, while mature males live much shorter.

Amazonius germani is very fast and skittish. When the enclosure is opened it is more likely to run than to threaten, but it can bolt outside in a split second. Psalmopoeinae have no urticating hairs, so their defences are speed and biting. Bites from tarantulas in this group are often described as noticeably more unpleasant than typical bites from South American tarantulas.

Do maintenance calmly, with tongs, in a closed room and with a catch cup ready. Rehousing is best done inside a larger clear container or bag in which the enclosure is opened. This species is not suitable for handling.