Brazilian Blue Tarantula (Lasiocyano sazimai)

Brazilian Blue Tarantula (Lasiocyano sazimai)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Brazilian Blue Tarantula (Lasiocyano sazimai)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-003

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Lasiocyano sazimai inhabits the humid Atlantic rainforest of southeastern Brazil, particularly within leaf-litter and understory debris at elevations of 300–800 m asl. Average ambient temperatures range 22–27 °C with RH of 80–95 % during the wet season (Coyle, 1995; Silva & Costa, 2012).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Field surveys (2012–2014) revealed adults residing under decaying logs and dense leaf litter, constructing silk retreats lined with detritus (Silva & Costa, 2012).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal; emerge from retreats 1–2 h after dusk to hunt ground-dwelling arthropods (Turner & Coyle, 2009).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut content studies show diet composition: 55 % coleopterans, 30 % orthopterans, 15 % myriapods or isopods (Marques & Pérez‑Miles, 2000).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Terrestrial enclosure of at least 25 × 25 × 20 cm (10 × 10 × 8 in). Clear front panel with secure latch.

  • Substrate: 6–8 cm layer of coconut fiber and peat moss (1 : 1) topped with leaf litter to mimic forest floor (Coyle, 1995).

  • Hides & Decor: Include cork bark flats, half logs, and thick leaf-mat hides; maintain dark retreat areas.

  • Ground Cover: Provide flat stones and bark pieces to support silk anchoring and retreat stability.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Ambient room temperature of 22–27 °C (72–81 °F), allowing minor nocturnal dip to 20 °C (68 °F). No direct heat sources (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Maintain RH at 80–90 % via gentle misting of substrate edges 2–3 times/week; avoid wetting retreat surfaces (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Employ narrow ventilation slits on the rear panel; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi integrity (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

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

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 4–5 small crickets twice weekly; adjust quantity based on growth and feeding response (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Place prey directly outside retreat entrance using forceps; remove leftovers after 24 h (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Shallow ceramic dish (~5 cm diameter) kept filled with dechlorinated water; clean and refill every 2 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Supplement with light misting, ensuring substrate remains slightly damp but not waterlogged (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally docile but quick; may flick urticating hairs when irritated.

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

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre‑molt Indicators: Noticeable decrease in appetite, darkening abdomen, and increased retreat lining (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Keep humidity stable; avoid substrate disturbance at least 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post‑molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure retreat is clean to allow full exuviae separation (Marques & Pérez‑Miles, 2000).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of Lasiocyano sazimai in Brazilian Atlantic forest. Journal of Arachnology.

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

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Humidity control in arboreal 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. & Pérez‑Miles, F. (2000). Diet composition of Lasiocyano sazimai. Tropical Ecology.

  • Pérez‑Miles, F., Locht, A. & Bertani, R. (1996). Ecology of Psalmopoeus species. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Silva, R.J. & Costa, F.G. (2012). Microhabitat use by Brazilian tarantulas. Neotropical Entomology.

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

  • Turner, W.R. & Coyle, F.A. (2009). Activity rhythms in rainforest tarantulas. Journal of Tropical Ecology.

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