🕷️ Brazilian Blue Dwarf Tarantula Care Guide
Introduction
The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is one of the most stunning and unique tarantulas in the hobby. Often referred to as the “jewel of the tarantula world,” this small arboreal species is prized for its metallic blue legs, emerald-green carapace, and vibrant red abdominal markings.
Native to Brazil, this species displays fascinating behavior and intricate webbing. While its beauty is unmatched, the T. seladonia is best suited for experienced enthusiasts due to its fragility, small size, and specific care needs.
🌎 Natural Habitat
In the wild, Typhochlaena seladonia inhabits the Atlantic forests of eastern Brazil, living in tree bark crevices where it constructs trapdoor-like retreats. It’s one of the few arboreal tarantulas known to build true trapdoors, making it a fascinating species for observation.
To replicate its natural environment in captivity, focus on vertical space, hiding spots, and moderate humidity with strong ventilation.
🏡 Enclosure Setup
As a miniature arboreal species, the Brazilian Blue Dwarf requires a tall, well-ventilated enclosure. Adults thrive in enclosures around 20 × 20 × 30 cm (8 × 8 × 12 in).
Setup tips:
- Substrate: 2–3 cm of moist coco fibre or topsoil to help maintain humidity.
- Structure: Provide pieces of cork bark or vertical slabs for climbing and webbing.
- Hide: Create small bark crevices or ledges to mimic natural retreats.
- Water: Include a small water dish; mist lightly every few days.
- Ventilation: Good cross-flow ventilation is vital to prevent stagnant air.
Avoid excessive moisture — this species prefers humid air but dry surfaces. It will often seal itself into its trapdoor burrow when secure.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Maintain a temperature of 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and a relative humidity of around 70–80 %. Mist gently to maintain ambient humidity, but never allow the enclosure to become wet or waterlogged.
Consistent airflow helps balance humidity and prevents mold growth.
🍴 Feeding
Despite its tiny size, T. seladonia has a healthy appetite. Offer suitably small prey such as:
- Flightless fruit flies (for slings)
- Small crickets
- Pinhead roaches
Feed slings twice per week, juveniles once or twice a week, and adults roughly every 10 days. Always remove uneaten prey promptly — this species dislikes disturbance in its web retreat.
⚖️ Growth & Molting
The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Tarantula grows slowly and typically reaches maturity after 3–4 years. Before molting, it will remain hidden behind a sealed trapdoor — do not disturb during this time.
After molting, wait at least one week before offering food again to allow the new exoskeleton to harden.
⚠️ Temperament & Handling
This is a shy and secretive species. It rarely shows aggression but can be startled easily due to its speed and small size. Handling is not recommended — it is delicate and best observed through its natural webbing and trapdoor behaviors.
Its reclusive nature makes it a fascinating display species for those who enjoy observing natural behavior rather than frequent interaction.
🧬 Lifespan & Size
- Adult Size: Around 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) leg span
- Lifespan: Females can live 10–12 years, while males typically live 3–4 years
Though small, this tarantula’s vibrant colors and unusual lifestyle make it a standout among even the most experienced collections.
🌿 Breeding Notes
Breeding Typhochlaena seladonia is rare and challenging due to its reclusive behavior and trapdoor nesting habits. Successful breeding typically requires experienced keepers who can closely replicate natural humidity and temperature cycles. Females may produce small sacs of 30–50 spiderlings.
✅ Key Care Summary
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Typhochlaena seladonia |
| Common Name | Brazilian Blue Dwarf Tarantula |
| Origin | Brazil (Atlantic Forest) |
| Category | New World, Arboreal |
| Adult Size | 2–3 inches |
| Temperature | 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) |
| Humidity | 70–80 % |
| Temperament | Shy / Reclusive |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Handling | Not Recommended |
🔗 Related Care Guides
- Gabon Blue Dwarf Baboon Tarantula Care
- Guatemalan Tiger Rump Tarantula Care
- Trinidad Dwarf Tiger Tarantula Care
- Beginner Arboreal Tarantulas
🕸️ Final Thoughts
The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Tarantula is a breathtaking species, unmatched in its beauty and fascinating to observe. Its miniature size, iridescent colors, and trapdoor behavior make it one of the crown jewels of the tarantula hobby.
With the right environment — stable humidity, excellent ventilation, and minimal disturbance — this delicate arboreal tarantula will thrive and become a true centerpiece of any enthusiast’s collection.
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