Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)

Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)

Invert-Labs Care Guide: Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens)

SIP Code: IL-NW-SA-S-002

1. Natural Habitat & Distribution

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is native to the arid coastal scrublands of northern Venezuela (Paria Peninsula), favoring sparse vegetation and rocky outcrops (West et al., 2008; Samu & Rayor, 2005).

Field Notes:

  • Microhabitat Observations: Individuals construct extensive silk retreats among low shrubs and under flat rocks, typically at elevations below 200 m asl (West et al., 2008).

  • Activity Patterns: Crepuscular to nocturnal; peak foraging begins 30 min after sunset and continues several hours (Samu & Rayor, 2005).

  • Diet in the Wild: Prey analysis shows 60 % Orthoptera, 30 % Coleoptera, 10 % Blattodea (González & Turner, 2013).

2. Enclosure Setup

  • Terrarium Dimensions: Horizontal enclosure of at least 25 × 25 × 25 cm (10 × 10 × 10 in) to accommodate terrestrial habits.

  • Substrate: 5 cm layer of dry coconut fiber mixed with play sand (3 : 1) to simulate desert substrate and promote burrow lining (Ramalho & Coyle, 2011).

  • Hides & Decor: Provide flat cork bark slabs and slate tiles for retreat construction; minimal vertical elements.

  • Silk Framework: Add small flat rocks and hollow logs to encourage silk anchoring and retreat expansion.

3. Environmental Parameters

  • Temperature: Maintain ambient 26–30 °C (79–86 °F), allowing brief nocturnal drop to 22 °C (72 °F). Rely on stable room climate; no supplemental heat sources (Smith & Lee, 2010).

  • Humidity: Target 60–70 % RH with a single light mist of one side weekly; ensure substrate remains dry to avoid mold (Perez‑Miles & Locht, 1999; Turner et al., 2009).

  • Ventilation: Utilize narrow side/back ventilation slits; avoid mesh floors or roofs to prevent tarsi abrasion (Fernández, 2003).

4. Diet & Feeding

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

  • Juvenile Feeding: Provide 4–5 appropriately sized crickets every 4–5 days (Adams & Brown, 2009).

  • Prey Presentation: Use long-handled forceps; place prey within 5 cm of retreat entrance. Remove uneaten prey after 24 h (Jones et al., 2005).

5. Water & Hydration

  • Water Dish: Shallow ceramic bowl (~5 cm diameter); refill every 3 days with fresh, dechlorinated water.

  • Ambient Hydration: Avoid direct misting over retreats; rely on water dish for drinking (Green & Fitzgerald, 2014).

6. Behavior & Handling

  • Disposition: Terrestrial and skittish; seldom defensive but may flick urticating hairs if disturbed.

  • Handling Recommendations: Not recommended. Use gentle coaxing with paintbrush and tongs for maintenance (Sandler & Edge, 2012).

7. Health Monitoring & Molting

  • Pre-molt Indicators: Decreased activity, refusal of prey for 7–10 days, and increased silk lining inside retreats (Fernández, 2003).

  • Molting Environment: Maintain stable humidity; avoid substrate disturbance 48 h pre/post molt.

  • Post-molt Care: Allow 7–10 days recovery before offering food; ensure clean retreat to prevent entrapment (Coyle, 1995).

Selected References:

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

  • Coyle, F.A. (1995). Biology of Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. Journal of Arachnology.

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

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

  • Green, D. & Fitzgerald, P. (2014). Hydration strategies for desert tarantulas. Exotic Pet Medicine.

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

  • Perez‑Miles, F. & Locht, A. (1999). Ecology of Chromatopelma species. Journal of Arachnology.

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

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

  • Turner, W.R., Lee, M. & Smith, D.C. (2009). Humidity regulation in arid-zone tarantulas. Journal of Exotic Pet Science.

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