Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Cyriopagopus lividus

Common name: Cobalt Blue

Indigenous: Myanmar, Thailand

Habitat: Thailand experiences a typical monsoon climate. Winds blow from the northeast during the winter months of October to March or April (known as the “dry season”), while rain-bearing monsoon winds blow from the southwest during the summer months of April or May to September (the “wet season”). The Thai portion of the Malay Peninsula typically receives a large amount of rainfall, averaging 2,600 mm (100 in) per year. Temperatures are somewhat higher inland than they are along the coast, except at points of high elevation. In the south and center of the country, temperatures vary little from month to month, while in the northern hills temperatures are cooler during the wet season. In Bangkok, highs average 35°C (95°F) in April (usually the hottest month) but fall to 21°C (70°F) in December.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 78°-84°F(25.5°-27.8°C). The humidity is kept between 70%-80%. I do this by moisten one-half the substrate bi-weekly.

Enclosure: This is an obligate burrower, therefore my adult I give eight inches  (20.32cm) of substrate to burrow.

Substrate: I use three inches (7.62cm) of substrate in a vial, deli cup for spiderlings, and eight inches (20.32cm) in a terrarium for sub-adult to adult. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: This species doesn't need a hide, it will make its own burrow. When I change the substrate, I start a two inch (5.08cm) hole for burrowing in the corner of the enclosure.

Food Consumption: I first fed fruit flies, than when she reached 1/2"(1.27cm) I introduced baby crickets. Now I give my Cobalt Blue one (1) - one inch B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly.  This species is a good eater.

Water Requirements: I keep a water dish in the tank. I have never seen mine drink. I keep the substrate in the terrarium moist.

Growth Rate: The growth rate of this species is fast. I purchased this tarantula as a spiderling of 1/2" (1.27cm) in size. After the first year she had grown to three inch (7.62cm). With constant feeding and with temperatures in the low 80's, it will reach a size of four inches (4") within two years.

Adult Size: I read that they get five inches (5") leg length. My girl is a solid five inches (5").

Temperament: Because of their defensive nature, they aren't the best species to handle. If approached they will usually go into a defensive posture.

Comments: This is a pet hole. This is a beautiful blue tarantula, but you will seldom see this species. I don't allow my obligate burrowers to gorge themselves; by doing so they stay at the mouth of their burrow waiting for prey. This allows me to see a natural behavior of stalking and get a glimpse of my tarantula. She is also a webber.  This species is more for the advanced keeper.

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