Cobalt Blue
Tarantula
Haplopelma lividum (Araneae: Theraphosidae)
Cobalt Blue Tarantulas are aggressive spiders originating from Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam (Fouskaris 2001). They live in tropical forests and make deep burrows. Under normal lighting these spiders look blackish, but a flash brings out the bright blue coloring. Asian tarantulas lack the urticating hairs of North and South American species, but they have reputations for aggressive behavior.
Captive Requirements
| Housing: | 10 to 20 L cage for large adults |
| Communal: | No |
| Diet: | Crickets, cockroaches |
| Substrate: | At least 10 cm of soil or peat moss |
| Decor: | Cork bark, flower pot, or wood hideout, water dish |
| Temperature: | 26.7° C (80° F) |
| Humidity: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Defensive and secluded |
| Considerations: | Not for beginners |
***Star***
I got Star in July 2003. I had heard that cobalts were defensive, but was I ever impressed with Star's threat display. If she gets mad enough (which doesn't take much) she turns over upside down with her fangs bared and stays like that for about 30 minutes (more or less; I didn't time it but it seemed like a long time). She freaks out with the slightest provocation and I don't dare attempt to handle her. However, now that she is burrowed and never comes out, she's doing fine!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| July 30, 2003 | ||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| July 30, 2003: Getting very angry | Jan. 19, 2004: Defense pose | |||
Copyright © 2003-2006 By Emily Tenczar
LINKS: