Electric Blue Tarantula Care

Species: Chilobrachys sp. “Electric Blue”
Common Name: Electric Blue Tarantula

The Electric Blue Tarantula (Chilobrachys sp. “Electric Blue”) is one of the most striking and sought-after species in the Old World fossorial category. Originating from southern Thailand, this stunning spider displays an incredible iridescent cobalt-blue coloration on its legs and carapace — an effect that shimmers under natural or LED light, giving rise to its “electric” name.

While visually spectacular, this is not a beginner’s tarantula. Like other members of the Chilobrachys genus, it is extremely fast, defensive, and a prolific webber. But for keepers with experience handling Old World fossorials, it offers a truly mesmerizing addition to any collection.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific Name: Chilobrachys sp. “Electric Blue”
  • Common Name: Electric Blue Tarantula
  • Origin: Southern Thailand
  • Adult Size: 13–15 cm (5–6 inches) leg span
  • Lifespan: Females 10–12 years; Males 3–4 years
  • Temperament: Fast, defensive, secretive, heavy webber
  • Experience Level: Advanced

Housing & Enclosure

The Electric Blue Tarantula is a fossorial species, meaning it spends most of its time below ground in elaborate silk-lined tunnels. To ensure it feels secure and thrives, depth and stability are key.

Recommended enclosure sizes:

  • Juveniles: 20×20×20 cm
  • Adults: 30×30×30 cm (12×12×12 inches) minimum

Setup guidelines:

  • Provide 15–20 cm (6–8 inches) of compact, moist substrate
  • Offer a cork bark hide angled into the substrate to encourage burrowing
  • Ensure adequate cross ventilation — stagnant air can be fatal
  • Secure the lid tightly — C. sp. “Electric Blue” is lightning-fast

Once settled, it will begin constructing dense webs across the surface and deep tunnels beneath, often covering every inch of visible substrate in silk.

Substrate & Decoration

Recommended substrate:

  • Coco coir, peat moss, or topsoil, compacted firmly to hold burrows

Add:

  • Cork bark slab or tube for an anchor point
  • Leaf litter and moss to maintain humidity and realism
  • Optional low artificial foliage for aesthetic appeal

The spider will rearrange its space, often turning the entire enclosure into a silken fortress. This is perfectly natural and a good sign of health.

Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
  • Humidity: 75–85%

Maintain humidity by misting one side of the enclosure every few days. Avoid over-saturation — the substrate should be slightly moist but never waterlogged.

Provide a shallow water dish, even if it becomes webbed over. Adequate airflow is critical to prevent mold.

Feeding & Water

C. sp. “Electric Blue” is a voracious predator, quick to ambush prey that strays near its burrow entrance.

Feeding schedule:

  • Slings: Every 4–5 days
  • Juveniles: Every 7 days
  • Adults: Every 10–12 days

Feed appropriately sized crickets, roaches, or locusts. Drop prey near the webbed entrance to trigger a feeding response — this species rarely chases. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Ensure access to fresh water and consistent humidity.

Handling & Temperament

Handling is not recommended. Like most Old World tarantulas, C. sp. “Electric Blue” lacks urticating hairs and will instead rely on speed and potent venom to defend itself.

Expect:

  • Lightning-fast reflexes
  • Defensive postures if provoked
  • Reluctance to stay exposed for long periods

For enclosure maintenance:

  • Use long tools and catch cups
  • Move slowly and avoid vibrations
  • Never attempt to handle this species directly

Molting

This tarantula usually molts inside its burrow, hidden from view.

Pre-molt signs:

  • Refusal of food
  • Increased webbing around the burrow entrance
  • Sealed burrow

Do not disturb during this period. After molting, wait at least 7–10 days before feeding again to avoid injury to the soft exoskeleton.

Common Health Issues

  • Low humidity: Can lead to dehydration or molting problems
  • Poor ventilation: Encourages mold and fungal growth
  • Overfeeding or leftover prey: Causes stress or injury during molting

Given stable conditions and minimal disturbance, C. sp. “Electric Blue” is a hardy and long-lived species.

Breeding (Overview)

Breeding this species has become increasingly common in captivity but requires care.

  • Pair only well-fed, mature individuals
  • Supervise the introduction closely — females may attack males
  • After successful pairing, the female typically produces a sac within 8–10 weeks, containing 100–200 spiderlings
  • Spiderlings grow quickly under warm, humid conditions

Quick Care Checklist

  • Type: Fossorial
  • Enclosure: Deep (30×30×30 cm)
  • Substrate: Firm, moist coco coir (15–20 cm)
  • Temperature: 25–28°C
  • Humidity: 75–85%
  • Feeding: Crickets/roaches every 7–12 days
  • Handling: Not recommended — fast and defensive

Final Thoughts

The Electric Blue Tarantula (Chilobrachys sp. “Electric Blue”) is one of the most visually captivating species in the entire hobby. Its intense metallic-blue coloration, coupled with the industrious webbing and explosive feeding behavior characteristic of the genus, make it a true showstopper for advanced keepers.

While not a display species in the traditional sense — it often prefers the shadows of its silk-lined tunnels — the flashes of electric blue you catch during feedings or nighttime activity are absolutely breathtaking.

For those confident in managing fast, defensive tarantulas, C. sp. “Electric Blue” represents the ultimate Chilobrachys experience — stunning, secretive, and endlessly fascinating.

© The Tarantula Vault
All information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
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