Bright blue legs and bright green and burnt orange colors are characteristic of the Tarantula Green Bottle Blue. The abdomen is covered with orange bristles that resemble fur, and the carapace is covered with green hairs or bristles. Some tarantulas have eyes so small they are almost invisible, but Green Bottle Blue has two large black eyes that give it a cartoonish appearance. Six other eyes remain, though not as large. Exotic pet owners often display Green Bottle Blues because of their vibrant colors.
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Tarantula Green Bottle Blue Scientific Name
The Tarantula Green Bottle Blue is scientifically known as Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. They are the only individual of their genus. In Latin, pelma means “fur” and chroma means “colored”. Its greenish-blue shade is called cyan. Sometimes, it is simply called the Venezuelan Green Bottle Blue, or its acronym GBB, depending on its location.
Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Fact
| Temperament | Docile but can get excited |
| Habitat | Terrestrial and semi-arboreal, hot humid climate |
| Predators | Snakes, lizards, birds, larger spiders |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifestyle | Nocturnal |
| Location | South America on the Paraguana Peninsula in Venezuela |
| Weight | 1-2 ounces |
| Skin Type | Bristled hairs |
| Lifespan | Males 3-4 years, Females 12-14 years |
| Color | Blue Green Orange |
Tarantula Green Bottle Blue Appearance
This vibrant tarantula has a green head and an orange abdomen (back). Eight vibrant blue legs add even more color. It has furry bristles all over its body and legs, especially its abdomen. Two eyes protrude clearly from the top of its head and are larger than the other eyes. And baby spiders look incredibly different. They look slightly different when they are born. They are not blue, orange, or green when they are born. They have pink legs and a dark brown belly when they are born. Their abdomen is striped with alternating black and red. They change color over the course of a day and begin to resemble the green, blue, and orange adult versions. When fully grown, they can reach a height of about 2.75 inches and a legspan of at least 6 inches. In comparison, the average size of an adult hand is 7.6 inches for males and 6.8 inches for females, according to a NASA study. Thus, they are hand-shaped spiders.
Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Behavior
Tarantula Green Bottle Blue are known to be timid in captivity and have been spotted running around their habitat. They are fast and agile, allowing them to climb trees quickly. Although they are considered semi-arboreal, they spend most of their time on the ground, although they may spend time in bushes or low branches. While some tarantulas do not weave nests to capture prey, GBBs are nest-building animals and often build several nests within their enclosures. They frequently dig burrows full of traps in the forest, hiding the entrance trap “doors”. To make room for their expanding bodies, they need to shed their exoskeleton. They become lethargic and stop eating before molting. Some of their most vibrant color displays occur after molting. They use a similar method to other tarantulas as New World tarantulas, allowing them to brush off the itchy hairs on their backs. Victims and predators may feel discomfort and irritation from these bristles.
Tarantula Green Bottle Blue Habitat
Native to South America, the Tarantula Green Bottle Blue is found on the Paraguana Peninsula in Venezuela. They are both terrestrial and semi-arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time on the forest floor, although they can climb and build nests on the lower branches of trees and shrubs. Their habitats are tunnels surrounded by plants, stumps, and fallen tree branches. They build several traps inside and outside their burrows to stay safe and catch insects and other small creatures for dinner. The spider’s funnel-shaped web also helps protect them from the weather. To mimic Venezuela’s tropical climate, owners keep their cages at a temperature of 75 to 85 degrees and a relative humidity of 90%.
Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Lifespan
Males and females of the Tarantula Green Bottle Blue (Chromatopelma cianeopubescens) have very different life spans. With a lifespan of up to 12-14 years, female tarantulas have unusually long lifespans, providing ample opportunities to establish territories and produce offspring. In contrast, males only live for 3-4 years, typically dying soon after reaching adulthood and completing their mating duties. This disparity illustrates how male and female tarantulas have different biological roles and ways of life.
Green Bottle Blue Tarantula Size
| Common Names | Greenbottle blue tarantula, GBB |
| Adult size | 15cm (6”) |
| Natural habitat | Desert Habitats |
| Housing | 45 x 45 x 45cm (18 x 18 x 18”) |
| Ideal Temperature | 21-25°C (70-78°F) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Eats Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas?
The main animals that prey on Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas are arboreal snakes, birds, and large spiders.
What Do Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas Eat?
Green bottle blue tarantulas eat insects, small birds, insects, and small mice. Whatever it is, they get caught in their traps. In captivity, they may be fed crickets, mealworms, or Dubia roaches. They may eat 5-7 large crickets every 2-3 weeks, or 2 Dubia roaches every 2-3 weeks. Before molting, they will refuse to eat at all, and may not eat for weeks.
What is the Conservation Status of Tarantula Green Bottle Blue?
The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is not listed as endangered by the IUCN.
Are green bottle blue tarantulas poisonous?
They are poisonous, but their venom is harmless to humans.
Are green bottle blue tarantulas arboreal?
They are semi-arboreal, spending some time on the ground and some time in the trees.
Do green bottle blue tarantulas make webs?
Yes, they build large funnel-shaped nests. Those in captivity build huge nests around their perimeter.
Where are green bottle blue tarantulas found?
Native to the Paraguana Peninsula in Venezuela.
Are green bottle blue tarantulas good for beginners?
Yes, they are easy to care for and beautiful-looking animals. If you are looking for a tarantula that you can catch from outside of an enclosure, this is not the right pet. Not something to handle.
How big do green bottle blue tarantulas get?
They are about 2 1/2 to 3 inches long, with a leg span of 6 to 7 inches for females and slightly shorter for males.
