GBB Caresheet

[selina20]

Greenbottle Blue Tarantula
(Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
by Jon Fouskaris

ADULT FEMALE
Specimen provided by Darwin Sinram.
Photo taken by Jon Fouskaris.

The Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is one of the most beautiful tarantula species in the world. With metallic blue legs, a blue-green carapace, and a vibrantly orange abdomen, few other species can compete in the category of coloration. The genus name Chromatopelma actually derives from the Greek word "chroma", meaning "color". It is still a mystery why this species possesses such remarkable coloration, although bright markings do act as a warning for would-be predators in other venues of the animal kingdom. The Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is a resilient and easy-to-keep species in captivity. They can tolerate a wider temperature range and lower humidity levels than most South American species. There is still some confusion amongst tarantula keepers though as to whether this species should be kept in an arboreal or terrestrial set-up; with some hobbyists even calling them "semi-arboreal" due to the extensive webbing that they apply both vertically and horizontally. The range of the Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is believed to be limited to dry areas in northern Venezuela. In the spring of 2002, arachnologist Rick C. West traveled to Venezuela's Paraguaná Peninsula in search of these puzzling creatures. He found large webs of this species constructed near vegetation on sandy soil. Therefore, the reason Greenbottle Blue Tarantulas create such broad webs may be to secure a grip on their unstable and open habitat of shrubs and sand dunes. Needless to say; they are not arboreal. The Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is an intriguing, stunning, and wonderful species for any invertebrate enthusiast!

RangeDesert and scrubland habitat of northern Venezuela.TypeTerrestrial.DietSpiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.Full Grown Size4 to 4.5 inches.GrowthMedium speed.Temperature70 to 85° F.Humidity65 to 75%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.TemperamentSemi-docile and nervous.HousingSpiderlings can live in a clear plastic deli-container with air holes. Adults can live in a 5 to 10-gallon tank. Floor space is more important than height.Substrate2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil. Sand may be mixed into the substrate.DecorLogs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web.Other NamesVenezuelan Greenbottle Blue Tarantula, and Orange Bottlebrush Tarantula.