Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty (Dolichothele diamantinensis)

Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty (Dolichothele diamantinensis)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty (Dolichothele diamantinensis)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-007

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Dolichothele diamantinensis is native to the Diamantina plateau region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, where it inhabits open grasslands interspersed with rocky outcrops and shallow soil layers at elevations of 900–1,200 m asl. Annual temperatures range 18–25 °C, with a distinct wet season from October to March and RH averaging 70–80 % (Coyle, 2000; Pérez‑Miles et al., 2000).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Surveys (2005–2008) recorded individuals constructing silk-lined burrows beneath flat stones and within soil fissures up to 8 cm deep (Marques & Coyle, 2001).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal ambush hunters, emerging from burrows 30–45 min after dusk; remain active until early morning (Samu & Rayor, 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analyses showed ~65 % small orthopterans, 20 % isopods, 15 % small spiders and insect larvae (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure of at least 20 × 20 × 15 cm (8 × 8 × 6 in) with a secure front-loading panel.

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm layer of coconut fiber mixed with play sand (2 : 1) to allow stable burrow construction (Coyle, 2000).

  • Retreat Structures: Provide half-log hides and flat stones to encourage burrow entrances; maintain minimal décor to preserve open-ground preference.

  • Ground Cover: Add a thin leaf-litter layer to simulate natural detritus habitat.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient room temperature between 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), allowing slight nocturnal drop to 18 °C (64 °F). No supplemental heating sources; rely on stable ambient climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 65–75 % RH via light misting of substrate edges twice weekly; avoid direct wetting of burrow entrances (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation grooves on rear panel; avoid mesh to protect tarsi integrity while preventing mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 2–3 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 4–5 small crickets three times weekly; adjust based on growth rates (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey near burrow entrance using long-handled forceps; remove uneaten prey after 24 h to reduce stress (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow ceramic dish (~4 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refresh every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Light misting supports RH but keep substrate slightly damp, not waterlogged (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile but defensive if provoked; may flick urticating hairs when disturbed.

  • Handling Recommendations: Avoid direct handling; use soft-tipped tongs or gentle coaxing with a paintbrush for maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased feeding, darker abdominal coloration, and increased burrow lining (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain consistent RH; do not disturb substrate or hides 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure burrow remains clean to allow full exuviae separation (Pérez‑Miles et al., 2000).

Selected References:

  • Adams, J.P. & Brown, K.S. (2009). Feeding frequency in theraphosid spiders. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Coyle, F.A. (2000). Ecology of Dolichothele diamantinensis. Neotropical Fauna.

  • Fernández, H. (2003). Molting physiology in Theraphosidae. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B.

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of neotropical tarantulas. Tropical Ecology.

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in terrestrial tarantula husbandry. Exotic Pet Medicine.

  • Jones, H.L., Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2005). Prey handling in New World tarantulas. Behavioural Processes.

  • Marques, F.P.L. & Coyle, F.A. (2001). Burrow construction in dwarf beauty tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Pérez-Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (2000). Distribution and natural history of Brazilian tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Nocturnal behavior of Neotropical spiders. Environmental Entomology.

  • Smith, D.C. & Lee, M. (2010). Thermoregulation in terrestrial tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

This canvas document provides the Invert-Labs care guide for Dolichothele diamantinensis, matching the style of prior species guides.

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