Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
The Green Bottle Blue tarantula, also known as the GBB, goes by the scientific name Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens (good luck pronouncing that one). The C. Cyaneopubescens is regarded as “the jewel in the crown” by tarantula hobbyists due to its striking colouration and impressive feeding response. Like the Caribena Versicolor, the GBB keeps it interesting by changing colour in the various stages of its life.
Origins and Natural Habitat
The C. Cyaneopubescens hails from the Paraguana region of Northern Venezuela. This region has an arid/desert climate with a temperature ranging from 73 deg F to 96 deg F – with virtually no rainfall throughout the year. The average humidity of the Paraguana region is 70 – 80%. The area is extremely windy and experiences lots of cloud cover.
The C. Cyaneopubescens is a new world semi-arboreal tarantula. The GBB species can be found living both on land and in the trees. Its webbings and nests can be found in trees, and human-built structures elevated from the ground, it can also be found in burrows under rocks and logs. The C. Cyaneopubescens are medium-sized tarantulas and are considered medium rate growers. The female can live up to 14 years (reaching 5 or 6 inches in size) while the male can live for up to 4 years (reaching 3 or 4 inches in size).
Colouration
C. Cyaneopubescens is regarded as one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby due to the striking colour it possesses throughout different stages of its life. This handsome specimen changes colour with age and never loses its beauty. Colourations are as follows:
Spiderling (sling): predominantly blonde in colour with brown stripes on the underside of its abdomen.
Juvenile: blonde colouration still present with legs beginning to darken and take on a darker blue hue.
Mature adults: vibrant blue legs, light brown/bronze abdomen, dark green carapace.
Does the Green Bottle Blue make a suitable pet though?
For the general public looking to get a pet for their kids/family… definitely not. But since you’re reading this, I’m assuming you already have an interest in keeping tarantulas. The C. Cyaneopubescens is not all that difficult to keep and is sure to impress any tarantula hobbyist.
As with any pet, there are some guidelines and recommendations to consider when keeping one of these beauties.
Cross ventilation is key to a healthy C. Cyaneopubescens. We can’t stress this enough, so provide plenty.
Docile in nature. When disturbed, will quickly flee and is known to kick urticating hair at potential attackers as a form of defence.
Due to its skittish nature, handling should be avoided or at least kept to a minimum.
This spider possesses a mildly venomous bite – a bite is likened to a bee sting.
Although docile, it must be mentioned that every specimen has its own temperament and can kick hair or bite at any time if provoked or sensing danger.
Enclosure
As with any pet tarantula, the C. Cyaneopubescens should be kept alone in captivity. Since the C. Cyaneopubescens is semi-arboreal, it will naturally nest in both burrows and also in the upper sections of its enclosure. The GBB requires a tall enclosure with plenty of substrate for burrowing, and some height with anchor points for webbing. Enclosure height should be three times the overall length of the spider. It should include substrate, branches, cork bark, leaves, plants (real or fake) and any other crevices for use as hiding spots and anchors for webbing.
The spider will construct intricate web tunnels in the enclosure, so care should be taken to preserve these when performing maintenance and feeding duties.
Holes for cross ventilation must be present on each side of the enclosure. The substrate should be arid – damp conditions can cause this species to perish. A water dish with a large surface area will keep the spider hydrated and maintain the humidity. Aim for room temperature. In general, lower humidity is better than high humidity to prevent mould and mites developing. Temperature and humidity aren’t hard and fast rules here, just remember to keep levels from the extreme.
Feeding time
Crickets, roaches and mealworm are recommended. Pre-kill prey for spiderlings and place them on their web. Juveniles and adults can handle live food and will gladly hunt them down. Feed a couple of insects a week to keep your tarantula healthy. It’s essential to remove any remains of uneaten food from the enclosure within 24 hours to prevent mould and mites from developing.
Breeding Time
Breeding the C. Cyaneopubescens is similar to breeding any other tarantula. The male should be introduced to the female enclosure, and at a distance. Allow the pair to grow accustomed to each other and begin to perform their ritual. The couple will perform a drumming pattern to declare their interest and will approach each other to start. The process is a lengthy one and must be supervised throughout. Pay close attention to when the act is completed as the female may attack and kill the much smaller male afterwards. When finished, the male will run away to escape the female and protect itself from attack. The time from successful mating to hatching can be as little as 4 months. It’s essential to keep a close eye on the female during this period. Ensure she is well fed and try not to disrupt her enclosure too much as she will be protective of the egg sac during this period.
In Conclusion – the Key Points
The Green Bottle Blue (Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens) is a stunning species. Cross ventilation and dry substrate are essential for successful keeping. They can be a little skittish and require plenty of hiding spaces in their enclosure. Recommended for anyone with previous experience of tarantulas. Although suitable for a beginner, it’s not recommended as a first tarantula. There are hardier species out there that will tolerate complete newbie errors. If you are already a keeper of tarantulas, add this show stopper to your collection today. You won’t be disappointed.
