Colorfully Intriguing

The Haplopelma lividum or Cobalt Blue Tarantula

- Nyza Faustine Ho

In the invertebrate pet trade, the cobalt blue tarantula—which takes its name from the bright blue color of its legs—is sought after for its striking coloration. Only the females retain this beautiful coloration until adulthood, since the males of this species turn brown on their final molt. This species originated from the rainforests of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

FAST BUT SKITTISH

The Haplopelma lividum loves to create burrows in substrate. They can create complex channels of burrows that look like a maze if viewed from below. These burrows are lined by webs so that these do not collapse.

Caring for a Haplopelma lividum is just like having a pet hole because it seldom leaves its burrow. They are very fast and are able to hunt at striking speeds. Rehousing can sometimes be a challenge in caring for this tarantula, since rehousing is always necessary especially while the tarantulas are growing. The cobalt blue tarantula can travel short distances in literally the blink of an eye! They are a generally skittish tarantula species, and prefer to hide in the safety of their burrows rather than to bite, but when cornered or prevented from entering their burrows, they will also attempt to bite to ward off predators.

HOME IS WHERE THE BURROW IS…