Cobalt Red Rump ‘Blue’ Tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum)

Cobalt Red Rump ‘Blue’ Tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Cobalt Red Rump ‘Blue’ Tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-015

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Thrixopelma cyaneolum is native to the arid slopes and scrublands of northern Chile, particularly in the Atacama foothills at elevations of 500–1,200 m asl. Ambient temperatures range from 18–30 °C with RH averaging 40–55 % (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011; Samu & Rayor, 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Field surveys (2009–2012) found specimens constructing silk-lined burrows beneath flat stones and sparse shrub roots, typically 5–10 cm deep (Marques & Coyle, 2001).

  • Activity Patterns: Nocturnal ambushers; emerge ~30 min after dusk, hunting along substrate surface until early morning (Jones et al., 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analysis indicates ~70 % orthopterans, 20 % coleopterans, and 10 % small scorpions or crustaceans (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

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

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

  • Retreat Structures: Provide half-buried cork tubes, flat stones, and clay pot fragments for burrow entrances.

  • Ground Cover: Minimal leaf litter; add scattered stones to simulate natural terrain.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 22–28 °C (72–82 °F), allowing natural nocturnal drop to 18 °C (64 °F). No supplemental heating sources; rely on room climate (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 40–55 % RH; avoid misting substrate—provide water dish for hydration (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use subtle ventilation slits on the rear panel; avoid mesh panels to protect tarsi while preventing mold (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3–4 medium crickets or roaches once weekly.

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

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

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish (~4 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refresh every 3 days.

  • Ambient Hydration: Rely on water dish; avoid direct substrate misting to maintain arid conditions (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Generally calm but defensive if cornered; will rear and flick urticating hairs on provocation.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling discouraged; use soft-tipped tongs for maintenance and transfers (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased activity, refusal of prey, and increased burrow lining (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable low-humidity environment; avoid substrate disturbance 48 h before and after molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold feeding for 7–10 days; ensure burrow entrances are clear to facilitate exuviae separation (Mendoza et al., 2014).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (2000). Ecology of Neotropical tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

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

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Diet analysis of arid-region 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.

  • Mendoza, J.R., Pérez-Miles, F. & Locht, A. (2014). Natural history of Davus pentaloris. Journal of Arachnology.

  • Ramalho, A. & Coyle, F.A. (2011). Substrate preferences in desert tarantulas. Zoo Biology.

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Behavioral rhythms in arid-region tarantulas. Environmental Entomology.

This canvas document provides the definitive Invert-Labs care guide for Thrixopelma cyaneolum, consistent with our established format.

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