Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus (Ecuador Olive-grey Tree Spider) Tarantula

Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus, commonly known as the Ecuadorian Chevron Tarantula, is a large, fast, and impressively patterned arboreal species native to the tropical forests of Ecuador and Peru. It closely resembles P. cambridgei in body shape and behavior but can be distinguished by its darker overall tone, more pronounced abdominal chevrons, and subtle bronze-green iridescence on the carapace. In the wild, this species inhabits the mid-canopy layer of humid lowland and foothill rainforests, seeking out deep natural hollows, vine tangles, and bromeliad bases for shelter. P. ecclesiasticus constructs dense tubular webs within these spaces, where it remains concealed during the day and emerges at night to ambush flying and climbing insects. Its combination of speed, cryptic coloration, and adaptability makes it a rewarding species for keepers who can provide a stable, well-ventilated arboreal setup with consistent humidity and vertical structure.

• Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus ecclesiasticus

• Adult Leg Span: 6–7 inches

• Country of Origin: Ecuador, Peru

• Habitat: Tropical Foothill and Lowland Rainforest (300–900 m elevation); humid, shaded canopy zones with year-round rainfall, temperatures 75–84°F, and relative humidity 80–90%, often associated with vine thickets and hollow hardwoods

• Habits: Arboreal

• Growth Rate: Fast