The largest spider in Trinidad and Tobago: Trinidad Chevron Tarantula (Psalmopoeus cambridgei)

When people ask what the largest spider in Trinidad and Tobago really is, the answer leads deep into the island’s forests and high into the trees. The Trinidad Chevron Tarantula, scientifically known as Psalmopoeus cambridgei, holds that title not through exaggerated folklore but through documented biology, impressive size, and ecological presence. Endemic to Trinidad, this striking arboreal tarantula is one of the Caribbean’s most fascinating native predators and a species that continues to attract global attention from arachnologists, wildlife enthusiasts, and advanced exotic pet keepers alike.

Unlike many spiders that remain hidden or misunderstood, the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula occupies a unique position as both a symbol of Trinidad’s biodiversity and a benchmark species when discussing spider size within the nation. With an adult leg span reaching around five inches, it is widely recognised as the largest spider species found in Trinidad and Tobago, especially when considering body mass, leg reach, and arboreal dominance combined.

Thrive Acrylic Terrarium

Size: 12″L x 8″W x 6″H

This Thrive Acrylic Desert Terrarium is ideal for first-time pet parents, or those with many small critters. Use it to keep pets like tarantulas, scorpions, and other invertebrates. With its stackable design, you can maintain more than one enclosure in a small space, allowing you to enjoy the view. Plus, the transparent panels give you a clear 360-degree perspective of your pet’s unique world. Your pet is one of a kind, and with Thrive products, so is the world you create for it. With our wide range of unique features and accessories, your creativity has no boundaries. The further you go, the ricker our pet’s world becomes. Only at PetSmart.

A spider found nowhere else on Earth

Psalmopoeus cambridgei is endemic to Trinidad, meaning it exists naturally nowhere else in the world. This alone elevates its scientific importance. The species evolved in isolation, adapting to Trinidad’s tropical climate, dense forests, and complex arboreal ecosystems. It thrives in wooded environments where tall trees, crevices, and epiphytic plants provide natural shelter and hunting grounds.

In the wild, the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula is most often encountered in forested regions rather than urban areas. It constructs elaborate silken tunnels inside tree hollows, behind loose bark, or among bromeliads and other epiphytic plants. These silk structures act as both shelter and ambush points, allowing the spider to retreat instantly when threatened or surge forward with remarkable speed when prey approaches.

This arboreal lifestyle distinguishes it sharply from ground-dwelling tarantulas and contributes to its reputation as one of the fastest spiders native to the Caribbean.

Why it is the largest spider in Trinidad and Tobago

The question of size often leads to debate, especially when comparing spiders by leg span, body length, or perceived bulk. When all factors are considered, Psalmopoeus cambridgei stands out clearly as the largest spider species in Trinidad and Tobago.

Adults commonly reach a leg span of around five inches, with robust legs and a muscular build designed for climbing and rapid movement. While some spiders may appear longer-legged, none combine this reach with comparable mass and predatory strength within Trinidad’s ecosystems.

Its size also becomes more apparent when observed in its natural environment. Perched openly on tree trunks or within webbed retreats, the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula presents an unmistakable presence that few other native spiders can rival.

Thrive Acrylic Terrarium

Size: 8″L x 8″W x 12″H

Appearance and identifying features

The Trinidad Chevron Tarantula is visually striking. Its common name comes from the distinctive chevron pattern found on the abdomen, particularly noticeable in juveniles but still visible in adults. The body displays rich shades of brown, bronze, and olive, allowing it to blend seamlessly into tree bark and forest shadows.

Its legs are long, powerful, and covered in fine hairs that serve both sensory and defensive functions. Like all tarantulas, it possesses urticating hairs, although it relies on speed and threat posture more often than hair flicking when confronted.

The eyes are small but effective, suited to detecting movement rather than detailed imagery. Vision is secondary to vibration sensing, which allows the spider to detect prey or danger instantly through silk and surface contact.

Behaviour and temperament

Despite its beauty, the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula is not considered a beginner species for those interested in keeping tarantulas. Behaviourally, it is fast, alert, and capable of defensive responses if provoked.

Unlike many New World tarantulas that rely heavily on urticating hairs as a primary defence, Psalmopoeus cambridgei is known for possessing more potent venom than most New World species. While not medically significant to humans in the sense of being life-threatening, a bite can cause intense pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Its speed is often what surprises first-time observers. This species can move with startling rapidity, especially when startled, making careful handling and enclosure management essential in captivity.

In the wild, however, it prefers retreat over confrontation and will almost always flee into its silken tunnel rather than engage a perceived threat.

Diet and hunting skills

The Trinidad Chevron Tarantula is an opportunistic and highly capable predator. In its natural habitat, it feeds on a wide range of prey, demonstrating a versatility uncommon among spiders of its size.

Documented prey includes large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, as well as smaller vertebrates like frogs and lizards. Its arboreal positioning allows it to intercept prey moving along branches or hiding among leaves and epiphytes.

In captivity, its diet is easily managed and typically consists of crickets, roaches, and mealworms. It is known as a strong feeder and rarely refuses food when healthy and properly housed. Many keepers note that this species often remains visible outside its retreat, especially during feeding times, which adds to its appeal.

Insurance Built For the 21st Century

Lemonade, America’s top-rated insurance company, protects your family and your belongings—at home, and everywhere else. Sign up in seconds, get paid in minutes.

Housing the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula in captivity

For experienced keepers, Psalmopoeus cambridgei can be a rewarding species, provided its specific needs are met.

Housing should reflect its arboreal nature. A tall enclosure is essential, offering vertical space rather than ground area. Cork bark panels, branches, and artificial or live faux plants should be arranged to create multiple anchor points for webbing. These structures allow the spider to build its signature silken tunnels and feel secure.

Humidity plays an important role in its health. While it does not require constantly damp conditions, light misting at least once a week helps replicate the tropical environment of Trinidad’s forests. Proper ventilation is equally important to prevent stagnant air and mould growth.

Substrate is less critical than vertical structure, but it should retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Clean water should always be available in a shallow dish, even though the spider may drink droplets from misting.

Handling and safety considerations

Handling is strongly discouraged. This species is fast, defensive, and capable of delivering a painful bite if it feels threatened. Most experienced keepers adopt a strict no-handling approach, focussing instead on observation and proper enclosure maintenance.

Routine tasks such as feeding and cleaning should be performed with care, using long tools and ensuring the enclosure is secure. Escape prevention is essential, as this tarantula’s speed can surprise even seasoned hobbyists.

Ecological importance in Trinidad

Beyond captivity, the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula plays an important role in its native ecosystem. As an apex invertebrate predator within its niche, it helps regulate populations of insects and small vertebrates, contributing to ecological balance.

Its presence also serves as an indicator of forest health. Declines in arboreal tarantula populations often reflect habitat loss or environmental disruption, making conservation awareness vital.

Although not currently classified as endangered, habitat destruction and deforestation remain ongoing concerns. Protecting Trinidad’s forests protects not only this remarkable spider but countless other endemic species.

Why the Trinidad Chevron Tarantula should be protected

The Trinidad Chevron Tarantula is more than a large spider. It is a symbol of Trinidad and Tobago’s unique natural heritage, a species that captures attention through size, beauty, and ecological role. As the largest spider in Trinidad and Tobago, it holds a rightful place in both scientific literature and public curiosity.

For those fortunate enough to observe one in the wild, the experience is unforgettable. For advanced keepers, it offers a glimpse into the complexity and elegance of arboreal tarantulas when cared for responsibly.

Understanding Psalmopoeus cambridgei deepens appreciation for Trinidad’s biodiversity and reinforces why preserving native habitats matters. In a world increasingly disconnected from nature, this remarkable spider reminds us that some of the most extraordinary creatures exist quietly among the trees, woven into silk tunnels, waiting to be understood rather than feared.

__________________