Trinidad Chevron (Psalmopoeus Cambridgei)

The Trinidad Chevron (Psalmopoeus cambridgei) is the OG arboreal beast from the Caribbean. This one’s a classic staple in intermediate to advanced collections — big, bold, and all about that jungle stealth. She doesn’t need flashy colors to impress… she’s all grace, size, and attitude.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Trinidad Chevron

Scientific Name: Psalmopoeus cambridgei

Origin: Trinidad (tropical rainforest regions)

Size: Big girl — up to 7 inches (18 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: ~10–12 years
• Males: ~3–4 years

Temperament:

• Defensive if provoked, but not aggressive
• Very fast — will bolt or threat pose if surprised

Coloration:

• Olive green body, subtle chevron pattern on the abdomen
• Legs fade into a burnt orange/brown with some iridescence
• Kind of like jungle camo with a hint of sass

Housing

Enclosure Type: Arboreal — tall and spacious, minimum 12–16" high for adults

Substrate: 2–3 inches of moist coco fiber or bioactive mix

Humidity: 70–80%

Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)

Ventilation: Critical — cross-ventilation helps prevent mold

Decor:

• Large cork bark slab or upright log hide
• Web anchors (fake plants, moss, branches)
• Water dish (on the floor or mounted)

Pro Tip: Give her a vertical hide and she’ll make a silk-lined tube palace behind it.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms, superworms

Feeding Frequency:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Feeding response: ⚡️Fast and ferocious — Psalmopoeus species hit like missiles

Why She Rocks

One of the largest arboreal tarantulas in the hobby

Fast grower — you'll get to see her mature quickly

Easy to keep (if you’re used to fast spiders)

Subtle but beautiful earthy coloration — perfect “rainforest look”

Known for impressive web structures and reclusive intelligence

What to Watch

Speed: She can teleport when startled — take care when rehousing

Not a handler: While not aggressive, she won’t hesitate to defend herself

Humidity/airflow balance is key — too dry = bad molts, too wet = mold

May seal herself in her hide for weeks during premolt or breeding season