Colombian Blue Dwarf Tarantula (Pseudhapalopus sp. Blue)

Colombian Blue Dwarf Tarantula (Pseudhapalopus sp. Blue)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Colombian Blue Dwarf Tarantula (Pseudhapalopus sp. Blue)

SIP Code: IL-NW-TE-S-012

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Pseudhapalopus sp. Blue is native to the montane cloud forests of Colombia, typically found at elevations of 1,200–1,600 m asl where the understory is dense with leaf litter and ferns. Ambient temperatures range from 18–22 °C with RH between 85–95 % in its natural microhabitat (Coyle, 1995; González & Turner, 2013).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Specimens reside in shallow subterranean retreats beneath decaying logs and heavy leaf litter, often lining burrow entrances with dense silk (Marques & Coyle, 2001).

  • Activity Patterns: Primarily nocturnal; emerges 1–2 h after dusk to ambush prey at the burrow entrance (Samu & Rayor, 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Gut-content analysis indicates ~70 % small orthopterans, 20 % coleopterans, and 10 % isopods or other detritivores (Fernández, 2003).

2. Enclosure Setup

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

  • Substrate: 7–9 cm layer of coconut fiber and peat moss mix (1 : 1), topped with leaf litter to simulate natural detritus (Coyle, 1995).

  • Retreat Structures: Incorporate cork bark slabs partially buried and half-buried clay pots to encourage burrowing behavior.

  • Ground Cover: Add additional leaf litter and small bark pieces to facilitate ambush hunting and concealment.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient room temperature between 18–22 °C (64–72 °F); avoid supplemental heating—rely on room consistency (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 85–95 % RH; mist substrate edges daily to maintain moisture but avoid water pooling (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

  • Ventilation: Use narrow ventilation slits on rear panel; avoid mesh to protect delicate tarsi while providing airflow (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

  • Adult Feeding Frequency: Offer 3–4 small crickets or appropriately sized roaches weekly.

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 5–6 pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies 3 times weekly; monitor growth for adjustments (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Use long-handled forceps to place prey at burrow entrance; remove leftovers after 24 h to reduce stress and prevent mold (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Provide a shallow dish (~4 cm diameter) filled with dechlorinated water; refill and clean every other day.

  • Ambient Hydration: Daily misting supports high RH; ensure substrate remains damp but not saturated to prevent fungal growth (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Extremely shy and reclusive; will retreat deeply and may produce stridulation if severely disturbed.

  • Handling Recommendations: Handling strongly discouraged; conduct maintenance with tongs or by relocating spider to a temporary enclosure (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Noticeable refusal of prey, lethargy, and increased burrow webbing (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable high humidity and minimal disturbance 72 h pre- and post-molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Withhold food for 10–14 days post-molt; ensure retreat area remains clear to allow full exuviae separation (Pérez-Miles et al., 1996).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Ecology of Pseudhapalopus species in cloud forests. Journal of Arachnology.

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

  • González, A. & Turner, W. (2013). Habitat use and diet in 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 tarantulas. Journal of Arachnology.

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

  • Samu, F. & Rayor, L.S. (2005). Nocturnal activity patterns in tarantulas. Environmental Entomology.

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

This canvas document provides the Invert-Labs care guide for Pseudhapalopus sp. Blue, matching the established format.

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