Description
In 1888 one “Dr. Ludwig” collected a blue spider in Paraguaná, Venezuela. In 1907 Embrik Strand described the preserved specimen and after a genus revision it became known as Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, the green bottle blue or GBB.
Unusual for Venezuela, C. cyaneopubescens is from a deserty area. However, raising GBB is easy. All instars are hardy, particularly so beyond the first few. Desert conditions need not (best not) be mimicked. In the wild this spider spends most of its time away from the heat of day.
Indeed, spiderlings do better over slightly dampened substrate (1 part water:10 parts dry substrate) with ventilation limited enough to allow some humidity to build.
Captive specimens prefer hides to digging. Adult coloration appears at 3” or so. Temperament is mid-range so best to avoid mishaps by keeping hands away.
Photos: 1-adult color (wawritto); 2,3-juveniles (ArachnoEden)
Care highlights:
- slightly dampened substrate for spiderlings
- slightly elevated humidity +/- water dish support
- room temperature (68-72F) up to 80F
- consider a hide, forest litter and plantings for enrichment
- juveniles through adults are more drought tolerant
This video shows C. cyaneopubescens in the wild (scroll to 16:30).
This webpage shows C. cyaneopubescens in a biotopic terrarium.
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