GREEN BOTTLE BLUE TARANTULA  

  • Native to the desert and scrublands of northern Venezuela.
  • One of the most beautiful and colorful species of Tarantula.
  • Terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground.
  • Adults range in size from 4” - 6” in leg span. With males being smaller than females.
  • Life span is estimated to be 2-4 years for males and up to 12 years for females.
  • Extremely hardy with a wide temperature and humidity range.

Diet

Small spiderlings (slings) will eat pinhead crickets. As they grow they can eat larger sized prey. Dubia, and other types of feeder roaches, are good feeder options as well. Small slings (1/4-1/2” or less) can be fed as often as two to three times per week. Larger slings (1/2” and above) can be fed once per week, while adults can be fed as few as every three to four weeks.

Depending on your feeding schedule, be sure to feed an appropriately sized meal and remove any uneaten insects the following day. A good general rule of thumb to deternine appropriate meal size is the insect should be about the same size as the tarantula’s abdomen. As with any pet, never feed any insects that have been found. Use only insects specifically bred as feeders. A healthy weight for a tarantula is same size abdomen (butt) as carapace (head).

Housing  

Slings can become very stressed if kept in too large of an enclosure and will often die if they are moved to a larger enclosure too soon. Slings should be housed in small condiment cups or deli cups until they nearly outgrow it. When they outgrow their enclosure they should be moved to a slightly larger one until they reach at least a few inches in leg span, then they can be moved into their final adult sized enclosure. Adults of this species can comfortably be housed in a 5-10 gallon. Enclosure size should be three times the tarantula’s body length.

The bedding should consist of a minimum of a thick layer (3” min) of either peat moss, coco-fiber &/or a soil-type substrate. Their humidity should range from 40% - 60%. Provide a shallow water dish for adults. Slings and smaller T’s should be misted every 2-3 days (as needed) to provide drinking water for your spider. The substrate should never be swampy and should be allowed to dry completely in between misting. Do not spray the tarantula directly, as it can agitate and stress them. Any tarantula should be given a very shallow water dish as soon as their enclosure will allow it. Juveniles and adult’s bedding should be kept dry. Offer plastic fake plants and other décor for them to anchor their webs to. This species is typically a heavy webber.

Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas have a wide temperature range and can tolerate temperatures in the range of 70-80 degrees during the day with a slight drop at night. Room temperature is usually perfect for them.

Handling & Care  

Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas are considered semi-docile, as they can be quick and nervous like most New World species. Like other terrestrial species, they will flick urticating hairs off of their abdomen when stressed. These hairs can have a varied effect on people ranging from no reaction to itching and burning lasting a few minutes to few days. If you notice your Tarantula lying on its back, it is molting. At this time, remove any uneaten insects and do not touch the tarantula. Molting is a very stressful time for a Tarantula, where they become very vulnerable. When they are ready to molt they will become lethargic, stop eating, become timid and may begin building a web. You may also notice their abdomen get very large, or lose hair in a small patch on their abdomen just before molting.

Venom

All Tarantulas are venomous. Green Bottle Blues have very mild venom, usually causing a reaction feeling similar to a bee sting. Everyone has a different reaction and some people may be allergic. Caution should always be exercised when handling any tarantula.