Defining Characteristics:

• This species is by far the most beautiful starter species, great for beginners
• Generally docile in demeanor, but will bolt or flick hair if startled
• This species creates a subway system of silken lined tunnels
• 3 very distinct color patterns as they grow: spiderling, juvenile, and adult—all 3 are gorgeous!

Name: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens or the Green Bottle Blue tarantula has Greek and Latin roots meaning “colored”, “foot”, “cyan/greenish-blue”, and “fuzzy hair”, making its scientific name one of the most accurately descriptive of any tarantula species.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: C. cyaneopubescens is a terrestrial spider that will mostly stay above ground. Some consider this species to be “semi arboreal,” as in the wild they like to hang out in low-lying plants and live mostly in web tunnels of their own build.

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 2-3 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 two 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. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided. A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: This species thrives in a dry environment, so the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 15 and 40%. Spiderlings should be kept on lightly moist substrate, and adults with mostly dry substrate. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier or dehumidifier to achieve 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, but do not spray your spider directly. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments. A hygrometer is recommended to monitor humidity within the enclosure.

Size: At the time of sale, these C. cyaneopubescens are at least 1 inch (diagonal legspan). Adult females can reach 5-6 inches, with males being a bit smaller.

Age: C. cyaneopubescens sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 3 months old at time of sale. Females of this species can live up to 12-14 years of age, with males having a significantly shorter lifespan of about 4-6 years. These animals are about 6-10 months old.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating 4 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,Chromatopelma sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed. 

Check out our individually listed spiders to see if we have what you’re looking for!

Color/Pattern: As spiderlings, this species has an orange and black striped abdomen, a metallic yellow/orange starburst look on their carapace and black and orange legs. As they mature, this species becomes a metallic blue on the legs with a bright orange abdomen.       

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

This species keeps extensive subway systems of underground silken lined burrows, but is often bold enough to be out exploring above ground. They are also quick to throw copious amounts of urticating hairs about its enclosure. Take care when cleaning the enclosure so that you do not “hair” yourself!

Natural Range: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens are native to the Paraguaná Peninsula. They often live in webbed burrows in the desert areas of northern Venezuela.

History in the Hobby: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens has been a staple of the tarantula keeping hobby for decades.

Links of Interest:

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

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