Keeper guide

How Big Does Costa Rican Orange Mouth Get? — Psalmopoeus reduncus Size Guide

Adult Psalmopoeus reduncus, commonly known as the Costa Rican Orange Mouth, reach about 13–15 cm (5–6 in). That is an adult size guide, not the size every individual will reach.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Costa Rica
Lifestyle
Arboreal
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
About 13–15 cm (5–6 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Roughly 3–4 years
Female lifespan
Often 10–12 years
Temperament
Fast, defensive when cornered and not suitable for handling
Venom
Venomous; bites may be more painful than those of typical beginner terrestrials
Temperature
22–27°C
Moisture / humidity
Moderate moisture with strong ventilation and a water dish
CITES
Check current CITES rules before cross-border trade

Adult size

Costa Rican Orange Mouths are generally expected to reach about 13–15 cm (5–6 in) as adults. Individual Psalmopoeus reduncus may finish smaller or larger depending on sex and normal variation.

Do not use one advertised maximum as a promise for a Costa Rican Orange Mouth. Size figures in the hobby are best treated as useful ranges.

How size is measured

Tarantula size is commonly discussed as diagonal leg span. For Psalmopoeus reduncus, that gives a rough comparison with other species, but it is not necessary to stretch or position the spider for a measurement.

Estimate size from a normal resting position or during rehousing if needed. Avoid disturbing a Costa Rican Orange Mouth purely to obtain an exact number.

Slings and juveniles

Young Costa Rican Orange Mouths start far below adult size and grow through repeated moults. With a fast growth rate, Psalmopoeus reduncus may spend very different amounts of time at each juvenile stage.

Use the current size of Psalmopoeus reduncus when choosing feeders and housing. An adult-size figure does not mean a sling needs adult-size prey or an adult enclosure.

Male and female size

Males and females of Psalmopoeus reduncus can differ in build after maturity. Mature males often look leggier and slimmer, while adult females usually remain more robust.

Body shape alone is not a reliable way to sex a juvenile Costa Rican Orange Mouth. Use a suitable moult when possible.

Enclosure size follows the spider

Increase enclosure size for Psalmopoeus reduncus when the current setup no longer gives enough retreat space, substrate or practical access for water and feeding.

Moving a Costa Rican Orange Mouth too early into a very large setup can make basic care harder. Rehouse in sensible stages as the spider grows.

Tracking size over time

Keep moult dates and an occasional approximate size for Psalmopoeus reduncus if you want to track growth. That is more useful than trying to measure the spider repeatedly between moults.

A simple record will show how quickly a Costa Rican Orange Mouth is growing and when another enclosure upgrade is likely to be needed.