Tarantulas are nerveless pets all on their own . But a flashy , aristocratical tarantula ? Color us intrigued . Originally from Asia , the cobalt blue European wolf spider has gained popularity as an alien pet , but owning one issue forth with its own set of challenges .
Background
The Co gamey Lycosa tarentula ( Haplopelma lividum ) is aboriginal to the rain forest of Southeast Asia , specifically Myanmar , Thailand , Cambodia , and Vietnam . They thrive in the warm , humid environment provided by these forests , where they can be obtain burrowed in the timberland floor or obliterate beneath logs and leafage litter .
The cobalt juicy tarantula is an old world mintage , meaning it originate from the Eastern Hemisphere , and it lack the urticating hair - barbed , pointy hairs some tarantula species can shoot at predators - that many new world European wolf spider possess as a defence mechanism mechanism .
Appearance and Size
The cobalt blue is a average - sized species , with female person typically reaching a leg dyad of up to 5 inch and male being slightly little . The most outstanding feature of this species is its vibrant dreary coloration , which break it its common name . This iridescent blue hue is more say in females , while males run to have a duller , more greenish - blue or grey-headed color .
Male and female cobalt vapors are identical until they reach maturity , so you may want to contain off buying one if you ’re looking for a striking female .
Lifespan
distaff atomic number 27 blue tarantulas can live between 20 to 25 years in immurement . Males be given to have a short lifespan , living from 5 to 10 year . In their native environment , this species can go up to 30 year .
Temperament and Behavior
Co blue tarantulas are known for their recluse and aggressive nature . They are primarily fossorial , meaning they spend most of their time underground in tunnel , where they expect for prey to pass by . You wo n’t discover them out and about wandering around their enclosing . In fact , you wo n’t see them unless they ’re eat or creating a new burrow .
Handling Your Cobalt Blue Tarantula
This species is highly defensive and prone to sting when disturbed , making them unsuitable for care . You do not want to get bitten by a atomic number 27 blue devil . This could leave in localized pain , swelling , and muscle cramps in human beings .
Because the Co blue is an Old World specie , their maliciousness is much more potent than New World tarantula .
Care Requirements
Adults require close to 8 inch of substrate , but if you could make it deeper , they do relish more to jab through . In the state of nature , they have been found as much as 3 feet below the surface .
Enclosure Size and Setup
Provide a secure , escape - proof envelopment with adequate ventilating system . A 5- to 10 - gallon terrarium with a lockable lid is urge . Provide a deep layer of wet - retaining substrate , such as coconut coir or a commixture of peat moss and vermiculite , to allow for burrowing . The substratum should be at least 4 to 6 inches abstruse .
This species is well - have sex for its ability to escape . It ’s important to thoroughly inspect the inclosure prior to work one home plate .
Conditions and Requirements
The following are this specie ' attention requisite :
A heat lusterlessness or ceramic rut emitter can be used to maintain the required temperature , while regular , daily misting can help maintain appropriate humidity levels .
Safety First
Cobalt blues can burn , and their bite is painful ( though typically not life - threatening ) , so be certain you understand how these tarantulas behave . Their inclosure want to be unattackable at all time . Observe them during feeding - you ’ll want to do this , anyway , because it ’s quite cool - and make certain they ca n’t break away .
Also , you need to address the armored combat vehicle substratum and clean it up regularly , rather every two week , but at least once a month . Two to three metre a year , you necessitate to do a deep cleanup and alter out your tarantula ’s substrate . The easy way of life to do this is to lightly coax your tarantula out of its envelopment into a safe impermanent holding tank while you swap in bracing substrate and tidy up their habitat .
Diet and Feeding
This is one of the few times your Co blue sky will make out out of their tunnel . Feed your cobalt blue tarantula an appropriate dieting of live insects , such as cricket , roaches , or mealworms . Feed juveniles double a calendar week and adult once a workweek or every two weeks . Once your European wolf spider has finish eating , remove any uneaten insects .
Health Concerns
Although they ’re generally healthy , like other animals , the cobalt dingy tarantula is prostrate to the following wellness problems :
If you surmise your cobalt blasphemous European wolf spider is experiencing a health problem , confer with a veterinary surgeon experienced with alien deary for guidance and treatment .
Finding a Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt blue can sometimes be found at favourite stores , but getting one from a stock breeder may be necessary . It can be helpful to grease one’s palms an grownup cobalt blue , because you ’ll be able to see their last colour at that full stop .
Availability
This mintage can be reasonably unmanageable to recover , so be prepared to wait . Do n’t leap out at one just because you regain it , either . You desire to ensure you ’re get down a healthy , well - cared for cobalt blueing .
Cost
look to pay between $ 50 to $ 100 for your Co juicy Lycosa tarentula . You may pay more from a breeder or at a reptilian expo , but rest assured , it ’s worth it for better health .
FAQs About the Cobalt Blue Tarantula
The most normally ask questions about the cobalt profane Lycosa tarentula include :
Is the Cobalt Blue Tarantula Right for You?
Due to their defensive nature , potent spitefulness , and specific care requirements , cobalt grim European wolf spider are best become for experient keepers who are comfortable do fast-growing species . Their striking apperance is making them more pop all the sentence , so if you experience confident in your abilities , view a cobalt blue air for your new pet .
