Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell. 

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• As adults, Lasiocyano sazimai is a stunning metallic deep blue color
• Adult Brazilian Blue Tarantulas rarely grow to over 5 inches in diagonal leg span
• Until fairly recently, this species was known as Pterinopelma sazimai

Name: This species name, translated from Latin, means 'Sazima’s Hairy Blue tarantula': Lasio-(hairy)-cyano-(blue) sazimai (belonging to sazima).  This species was given its species epithet, sazimai, in honor of Dr. Ivan Sazima. He was a Brazilian scientist who collected the first examples of this species. Looking at this spider, it definitely earns the name, Sazima’s Hairy Blue Tarantula!

Recommended Enclosure Size and Set Up: Lasiocyano sazimai is a tropical, terrestrial species, meaning this animal will spend a lot of time underground and may need additional substrate to burrow. The surface area of the enclosure should be no less than 2 times the spider's diagonal leg span in one direction and 3 times the diagonal leg span in the other. 

The enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2 inches of substrate for slings and 4+ inches for adults. Arachnid BioBedding is our top pick for substrate, as it was developed specifically with the needs of tarantulas in mind! ABG Mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, as well.

We recommend against allowing your terrestrial spider more than 2 times their diagonal leg span as head space above their substrate, as a fall from any higher could result in serious injury.

They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. Live plants can be beneficial to air quality.

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature of 75° is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 55 and 70% . This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always at least lightly moistened. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to maintain this environment.

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up, but do not spray your spider directly. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. 

Size: At the time of sale, these spiders will be at least 1/2 an inch. As adults, they can reach up to 6 inches. We measure our tarantulas using diagonal leg span.

Age: Lifespan is uncertain for this species, as little reliable information is available. One source states that the female can live for up to 12 years. Males reach maturity in 2 years. Females may do so in 3.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 3 to 6 hydei fruit flies, once a week. As your spider grows, there are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: To identify a male or female before it has reached sexual maturity you will need to examine its cast skin which in females will have a folded area in the abdominal region which will eventually connect to her spermatheca when she is mature.

Due to their age, Brazilian blue tarantulas sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed animals.

Color/Pattern: Juveniles are typically a brownish-gray or black. Older juveniles will display a pale blue sheen, particularly on their legs after molting.

Adult female Lasiocyano sazimai are a handsome iridescent blue tarantula with reddish-orange hairs on its abdomen. Females are "stockier" than males.

Mature males are still an iridescent blue, but are typically not as flashy as the females, with a more muted or darker shade. They are more "leggy" than females with a slighter build. Males develop tibial hooks (like spurs on the front legs) and emboli (bulbous structures at the and of their pedipalps that somewhat resemble boxing gloves) upon their final molt, to assist with breeding.

Social Behavior: Lasiocyano sazimai is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

They spend a lot of their time hidden, as babies. As adults, they become more confident in exploring their habitat.

Breeding: Spiders for breeding purposes should remain supervised when together and should only be attempted well fed. Mature males can be put in the enclosure of a mature female for courtship/mating. Remove male promptly after insertion is observed, or immediately if female is less than receptive. This is best done around a month after the female molts, as a freshly molted female is less likely to molt out of a pairing.

Natural Range: Lasiocyano sazimai can be found in the wild in Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia, Brazil.

History in the Hobby: The Brazilian Blue tarantula is now endangered in its native range, in part thanks to overcollection for the pet trade. We're happy to be working with partners who share our captive-bred mission to help offer these beauties to our customers!

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards.com
• TarantulaForum.com
• TheTarantulaCollective.com

Still not sure if Lasiocyano sazimai from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!