Greenbottle Blue Tarantula Care Sheet

Greenbottle Blue Tarantula
(Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)
by Jon Fouskaris

Greenbottle Blue Tarantula
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!

Range	Desert and scrubland habitat of northern Venezuela.
Type	Terrestrial.
Diet	Spiderlings eat pinhead crickets, and other small insects. Adults eat crickets, and other large insects.
Full Grown Size	4 to 4.5 inches.
Growth	Medium speed.
Temperature	70 to 85° F.
Humidity	65 to 75%. All tarantulas that have at least a 3" legspan may drink from a shallow, wide water dish.
Temperament	Semi-docile and nervous.
Housing	Spiderlings 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.
Substrate	2 to 3 inches of peat moss, or potting soil. Sand may be mixed into the substrate.
Decor	Logs, driftwood, cork bark, etc. make good hiding places and provide a base for the web.
Other Names	Venezuelan Greenbottle Blue Tarantula, and Orange Bottlebrush Tarantula.

*Please note that ALL tarantulas have a certain amount of venom. Although most people are not affected by this species, some people may be allergic to the venom, or just more sensitive, making it a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons that people should not handle this tarantula. Also, New World species of tarantulas like this one can flick urticating hairs off of their abdomens, which can also cause a reaction, depending on the person. Affects of this tarantulas' natural defenses may vary between people. All tarantulas should be considered dangerous, so be careful, because you don't want to find out if you are allergic or more sensitive the HARD WAY!

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