The cobalt blue tarantula is a commonly traded species in the pet industry, despite its notable characteristics of agility, defensive behavior, and possession of potent venom.
Bites inflicted by this particular species can lead to pronounced muscular cramping and inflammation.
The cobalt blue tarantulas are found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, where they construct extensive subterranean tunnels and primarily venture out for foraging purposes.
The precise population size of green bottle blue tarantulas remains uncertain. The species in question are not included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listings.
In the United States, it is permissible to maintain them as domesticated animals, often referred to as “display pets,” as they are generally not advised to be handled.
How Do I Describe the Blue Tarantula?
The cobalt blue tarantula is characterized by its moderate size, with a leg span measuring approximately 13 cm (5 in).
The species is recognized for its iridescent blue legs and light grey prosoma and opisthosoma, with the latter potentially exhibiting darker grey chevrons.
The physical characteristics of males and females appear indistinguishable until the males undergo their ultimate moulting process.
Currently, the male demonstrates sexual dimorphism through the manifestation of a light tan or bronze pigmentation and elongated limbs.
Moreover, male individuals exhibit the development of a palpal bulb on their pedipalps, as well as tibial apophyses commonly referred to as mating hooks.
In due course, the female organism attains a greater size compared to its male counterpart and exhibits a significantly longer lifespan.
The cobalt blue tarantula is a species that exhibits fossorial behaviour, primarily residing within self-constructed deep burrows for the majority of its lifespan.
The tarantulas in question exhibit a vibrant colouration, with a carapace that displays a greenish hue and an abdomen that showcases an orangish shade.
The appendages of the organism contribute to its vibrant appearance, as it possesses a total of eight legs that exhibit a striking shade of blue.
The anatomical structures of these organisms include bristles resembling fur, particularly on their abdominal region.
Two of their ocular organs exhibit a greater size in comparison to the remaining ones and are prominently protruding from the superior region of their craniums.
The appearance of the spiderlings is also distinct. Upon birth, their physical appearances exhibit notable variations.
The colours green, blue, or orange are not inherent at birth. The individuals possess abdomens of a dark brown hue and legs that exhibit a pink colouration at birth.
The abdominal region of these organisms exhibits a pattern characterized by alternating red and black stripes.
The colouration of these organisms undergoes a series of transformations during their developmental stages, ultimately culminating in a resemblance to the mature green, blue, and orange variants.
In the adult stage, the individuals of this species can reach a length of approximately 2.75 inches, accompanied by a leg span that may extend up to 6 inches or beyond.
According to a study conducted by NASA, there exists a disparity in average adult hand sizes between men and women, with men having an average hand size of 7.6 inches and women having an average hand size of 6.8 inches.
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How Do I Describe the Behaviour of the Blue Tarantula?
Green bottle blue tarantulas exhibit skittish behaviour and are commonly observed engaging in rapid movements within their enclosures when kept in captivity.
These creatures possess remarkable agility and are adept at swiftly ascending trees.
The majority of their temporal allocation is dedicated to terrestrial activities, although they possess a semi-arboreal nature, enabling them to occasionally inhabit lower branches or shrubbery.
Certain species of tarantulas do not engage in the construction of webs as a means to capture prey.
However, it is worth noting that blue tarantulas, in contrast, exhibit web-spinning behaviour and frequently adorn their enclosures with multiple webs.
In their natural habitat, these organisms frequently construct subterranean tunnels that are lined with silk and feature a silk barrier functioning as a “door” to seal the entrance.
In order to accommodate their expanding bodies, it is necessary for them to undergo the process of moulting their exoskeleton.
Before undergoing moulting, individuals cease their food intake and exhibit signs of lethargy. After a duration of one month, one is able to observe a selection of the most vividly exhibited hues.
New World tarantulas employ a comparable mechanism to other tarantulas, whereby they are capable of expelling their urticating hairs from their dorsal region.
The presence of these coarse hairs can elicit discomfort and irritation in both the recipient and the assailant.
What Do Blue Tarantulas Feed On?
The object under discussion is a green bottle. Blue tarantulas are known to consume a variety of prey, including:
- Insects
- Small birds
- Worms
- Small mice
Anything that inadvertently becomes entangled in their intricate webs. When held in confinement, these animals can be nourished with a diet consisting of crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches.
It is possible for individuals of the species under consideration to consume a quantity of 5-7 sizable crickets within a time frame of 2-3 weeks, or alternatively, 2 dubia roaches within the same time interval.
Prior to moulting, individuals may exhibit a complete refusal to consume food and can endure extended periods of fasting lasting for several weeks.
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What Feeds On the Blue Tarantula?
The primary consumers of Green bottle blue tarantulas include:
- Arboreal snakes
- Birds
- Larger spiders
The primary natural predators of green bottle blue tarantulas encompass larger arachnids, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as avian species.
Venezuela exhibits a significant diversity of fauna inhabiting its hot and humid forests as well as its desert regions.
The green bottle blue spider employs defensive strategies to safeguard itself against predators, including seeking refuge in burrows during daylight hours and constructing expansive webs as a deterrent mechanism.
When faced with a threat, these organisms have two primary defensive responses: the projection of urticating hairs towards the predator or a rapid escape.
The individuals possess various alternatives, including burrowing, seeking refuge behind a web, or rapidly ascending a proximate tree.
The distinct pigmentation of these organisms effectively enhances their ability to blend into their environment, particularly when juxtaposed with the surrounding plant life.
In dire circumstances, these creatures possess the capability to employ their fangs for self-preservation, and they possess venomous properties.
Nevertheless, their primary utilization of fangs and venom is to immobilize prey prior to consumption.
How Do I Describe Reproduction In the Blue Tarantula?
The process of reproduction in tarantulas involves a complex and strategic interaction, wherein the primary objective for males is to successfully transmit their genetic material while minimizing the risk of predation.
In a captive setting, female green bottle flies exhibit discerning behaviour and demonstrate a reluctance to engage in mating activities with indiscriminate males introduced into their enclosure.
It is widely posited that female individuals in natural environments exhibit discerning behaviour in their mate selection process.
The distinctive pigmentation of their physical appearance might potentially influence the selection of a mate.
When a male green bottle blue spider encounters a sexually receptive female, it engages in the behaviour of spinning a sperm web and subsequently transferring its sperm to the female.
Subsequently, individuals possess the knowledge to promptly disengage from the vicinity in order to evade consumption.
Following the mating process, male organisms undergo the termination of their life cycle, resulting in their demise within a relatively brief period ranging from weeks to months.
The green bottle blue tarantula, a female arachnid, typically deposits approximately 100 eggs during the reproductive process.
The spiders encase the eggs within their silk webs to form an egg sac. Approximately ten weeks later, the spiderlings emerge from their eggs.
The coloration of the subject in question does not align with the hues of green, blue, and orange, but rather exhibits a dark brown shade, accompanied by pink appendages and red/black patterns.
The spiderlings exhibit a brief period of cohabitation with the mother spider, lasting only a few days, during which they possess an innate understanding that the mother will consume them.
Where Does the Blue Tarantula Live?
The green bottle blue tarantulas originate from the Paraguana Peninsula in Venezuela, which is located in South America. The species in question exhibits a terrestrial lifestyle, with a partial arboreal adaptation.
This entails a predominant presence on the forest floor, while also engaging in climbing activities and constructing webs on lower branches of trees and shrubs.
The dwellings of these organisms consist of subterranean tunnels located in close proximity to fallen tree branches, stumps, and vegetation.
These organisms construct numerous intricate structures within and outside their burrows, serving the dual purpose of safeguarding themselves and ensnaring insects and other diminutive creatures as a food source.
The conical webs additionally serve to provide protection for the spiders against environmental factors.
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Conclusion
These animals are characterized by their low-maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal, making them a delightful sight to observe.
If one seeks a tarantula that can be safely handled outside of its enclosure, it is important to note that such specimens are not suitable for pets. These entities should not be manipulated or interacted with.
The length of their bodies ranges from approximately 2 ½ to 3 inches, while the females exhibit a leg span of 6 to 7 inches, slightly larger than that of the males.
The cobalt blue tarantula is classified as a fossorial species, exhibiting a predominantly subterranean lifestyle by actively occupying and remaining within self-constructed deep burrows for the majority of its time.
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