Defining Characteristics:

• A fairly uncommon species from the Philippines, some aspects of this spider are debated such as their approximate size
• When freshly molted, this spider has a blue sheen to its abdomen and legs
• Members of this species can make noise via stridulation with their chelicerae

Name: Orphnaecus sp. 'Quezon Blue' or the Quezon Blue Earth Tiger has a genus name derived from the Greek word orphnaios which means "dark". The “Quezon Blue” portion of its name is provided by its bluish sheen and the area in which it is found in the wild.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: This is a burrowing species, so the enclosure should be tall enough to accommodate 2-3 inches of substrate for slings and 5+ inches for adults. ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way!

For floor space, 3-4 times the spider’s diagonal leg span for both length and width is appropriate—just make sure that the space above the substrate does not exceed twice the spider’s diagonal leg span to prevent injury from a fall.

Temperature (°F): A good comfortable range for them is 75-80 degrees, temperatures consistently 65 degrees or below or above 90 degrees should be avoided for the longevity of the spider. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: 75-80%, which can be achieved by keeping the substrate fairly uniformly lightly dampened. The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed 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: Young O. sp. 'Quezon Blue' sold by Josh’s Frogs are approximately 1/2 inch diagonal leg span. This species' max size is a hot topic of debate, with some claiming them to be close to dwarf size and others claiming they can reach sizes of up to 6 inches. This species will most likely reach sizes of 4-5 inch diagonal leg span.

Age: At least 2 months at time of sale. The maximum lifespan is not altogether well known, but they are a fast growing species. There have been reports of males in other species of this genus reaching maturation in 2-3 years. With this in mind, if they follow the growth patterns of their cousins, females should live around 10-12 years.

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: Due to age, O. sp. 'Quezon Blue' sold by Josh's Frogs are sold as unsexed. As they approach maturity, specimens may be sexed using a molt, due to the small nature of this spider molt sexing may require a magnifying glass. Females will have spermatheca and a uterus externus between the top set of book lungs that will catch and "flap" if a pin is run down the inside of the abdomen. Males will have a much more plain slit that does not budge with attempts to manipulate it.

Coloration/Patterning: Babies are a fairly uniform yellowed tan, adults have a medium brown carapace, their abdomen is a darker brown usually starting a little bit lighter where it meets the carapace and the legs are a lovely black. The legs and abdomen of adult specimens do have a blue sheen when freshly molted.

Social Behavior: Orphnaecus sp. 'Quezon Blue' are not social creatures, any attempts to cohabitate will likely result in cannibalism.

Natural Range: Quezon, in the Luzon region of the Philippines

History in the Hobby: This reclusive species has been in the hobby for decades, but has never been very common.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: a community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if a Quezon Blue Earth Tiger from Josh's Frogs is the right pet bug for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!