Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Omothymus violaceapes

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Common name: Singapore Blue

Indigenous: Malaysia, Singapore

Habitat: Singapore’s climate is characterized by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The temperature range is 23 °C (73.4 °F) to 32 °C (89.6 °F). May is the hottest month of the year in Singapore.

Relative humidity has a range in the high 90s in the early morning to around 70% in the mid-afternoon, but does go below 60% at times. During prolonged heavy rain, relative humidity often reaches 100%.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 78°-82°F (25.5°-27.8°C) and the humidity at 60%-70%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept more on the dry side and monthly I wet the substrate, than allow it to dry out completely.

Enclosure: This is a arboreal tarantula. As spiderling or juvenile, I put a twig in  the vial so it may climb , but they normally spend most of the time webbed in at the base of the twigs. When they get between three and four inches (7.76cm-10.16cm), I housed them in their permanent enclosures. They should be given a hollow vertical branch or cork to climb into. Their enclosure should be vertical. I have observed that, if the terrarium is decorated with plants, live or artificial, it will encourage the tarantula to venture out of its hide periodically.

Substrate: Use one inch (2.54cm) of substrate in vial, deli cup for spiderlings, and two inches (5.06cm) 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 need several retreats to be content. Several ten inch (25.4cm) vertical barreled barks leaned against the cage should be sufficient.

Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (.635cm) baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now I give my Singapore Blue two (2) -one inch B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly. This species is a good eater, but normally waits until its dark before coming out to eat. For variety, I give my girl one (1) house gecko every six (6) months. It appears that from the strategy it uses to catch a lizard, in the wild, lizards are a normal part of their diet.

Water Requirements: I glued a small bottle cap to the bark that is leaning against the cage for water and I also mist.

Growth Rate: This is a fast growing tarantula. I bought her at one inch (2.54cm). The first year she attained a leg length of three inches (7.76cm).

Adult Size: I read that this tarantula can reach a leg length of seven  inches (17.78cm). My girl is a relaxed five inches (12.7cm).

Temperament: This is a very fast moving spider. It is not what I would consider a defensive tarantula, but will probably bite if provoked. It has never given me a threat pose, but can be flighty.

Comments: This is a large beautiful, secluded arboreal species that is rarely visible. If not given the proper hide, it will web up its enclosure on the floor and mix the webbing with substrate to hide, but this process take a while and it will hover up in a corner of the cage, which probably is stressful for the spider. But if it is given the proper hide, it will eventually web a hammock and settle in to become more visible.

As an introduction to this Genus, I suggest you get a large Avicularia specie. The  species in the Avicularia Genus will give you an experience with a large fast moving arboreal without the potent toxin.

This Asian species is a beautiful purple under proper light. It is reported that the toxin from this tarantula is stronger than most tarantulas. Because of its speed, and toxin, this species is not recommended as a beginner tarantula.