Chromatopelma cyaneopubscens | Green Bottle Blue | Care Guide
Common Name: Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
Scientific Name: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Lifespan: 12-15 years (females), 4-5 years (males)
Size: 4-6 inches (leg span)
The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is known for its striking coloration, featuring blue legs, a green carapace, and a bright orange abdomen. It is a hardy and fast-growing species that makes an excellent display tarantula due to its vibrant colors and active web-building behavior.
Housing
Enclosure Size:
As a semi-arboreal species, Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens requires a horizontal enclosure with moderate height. A 12x12x12 inch (30x30x30 cm) enclosure works well for adult specimens. We recommend our 8"x8"x12" or 12"x12"x12" enclosures for ideal care.
Substrate:
Use 1-3 inches of dry coco fiber, peat moss, or topsoil. This species prefers a dry environment, so make sure the substrate remains dry and mold-free. We recommend our Arachnidirt as the best substrate option.
Climbing Structures:
Provide plenty of decor like cork bark, branches, and fake plants. While they don't climb much, they do appreciate structures to anchor their webs. The Green Bottle Blue is a prolific webber and will often create elaborate tunnel systems.
Ventilation:
Good ventilation is key to prevent excessive humidity buildup, which this species dislikes. Enclosures with multiple ventilation points or cross-ventilation (like our enclosures with slit-style vents) are ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature:
Keep the enclosure between 75-85°F (24-29°C). While they are relatively hardy and can tolerate room temperature, avoid letting temperatures drop below 65°F (18°C).
Humidity:
Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas thrive in lower humidity environments, making them ideal for keepers who may struggle with keeping humidity high. Avoid misting the enclosure; a shallow water dish should provide enough humidity.
Water Dish:
A small shallow water dish should be provided at all times.
Diet
Food:
Feed them gut-loaded crickets, roaches, or small insects. Adults should be fed once every 7-10 days, while juveniles can be fed every 5-7 days.
Size of Prey:
Prey should be roughly the size of the tarantula's abdomen. Smaller prey items are recommended for juveniles.
Feeding Notes:
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or mold growth in the enclosure.
Temperament/Personality
Behavior:
Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas are generally skittish and fast-moving, but not overly defensive. They may flick urticating hairs when threatened, but they rarely bite. They are active, visible tarantulas that often create intricate webs around their enclosures.
Handling:
Handling should be kept to a minimum as they are quick and can be easily startled. If you must handle, be cautious as they may run or jump unexpectedly.
Molting
Signs of Molting:
Prior to molting, they will refuse food and become more sluggish. They may retreat to a webbed hide and remain inactive for a period.
After Molting:
Allow at least a week (or longer for larger specimens) for the exoskeleton to harden before offering food.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Spot Clean:
Regularly remove uneaten prey and waste to keep the enclosure clean. With proper ventilation, mold is less likely to be an issue, but monitor the substrate and decor for any signs of it.
Full Cleaning:
Change the substrate and clean the enclosure thoroughly every 6-12 months, or sooner if necessary.
General Notes
Webbing:
Green Bottle Blues are prolific webbers and will often cover the entire enclosure with webs. This is natural and part of their instinctive behavior, so allow them to create their elaborate webs undisturbed.
Lighting:
No special lighting is required. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight, as it can lead to overheating.
Activity:
They are primarily nocturnal but are frequently active during the day, making them a great display tarantula. You will often find them moving about their enclosure or webbing in different areas.
Where to find this tarantula?
Coming soon
What happens if I am bitten?
Like most New World tarantulas, Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens has mild venom. Bites are rare, and their venom is generally no more harmful than a bee sting. If bitten:
- Wash the Area: Clean the bite with soap and water.
- Apply a Cold Compress: To reduce any swelling or discomfort.
- Monitor for Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some individuals may experience mild allergic reactions. Seek medical help if severe symptoms occur.
- Pain Management: Most bites result in minimal discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken if needed.
Handling should be done cautiously to avoid startling this fast-moving tarantula.