If you are one of those rare individuals who are fond of arachnids, you might be interested in reading about the cobalt blue tarantula which is quite a hit among the weird pet owners' circuit.
Hmmm..a spider as a pet. Well, a spider as a pet?…What? A spider as a pet??!! It may sound arachnophobic, shifting from uneasy indifference to expressing incredulity and finally graduating to unadulterated alarm. Now, with due apology to all who adore these eight-legged predators, let’s commence with our discussion of the cobalt blue tarantula spider.
Cobalt Blue Tarantula Facts
The name of this tarantula is derived from its iridescent limbs which exude a cobalt blue hue. This spider is native to Myanmar and over the border into Thailand. This species belongs to the old world tarantula genus Cyriopagopus and the scientific name of this particular cobalt blue colored species is Cyriopagopus lividus.
Here are some pretty interesting tarantula facts about this gorgeous arachnid (The word gorgeous for this spider may sound weird but if you take a look at it, you’ll find that it does look attractive despite those creepy-crawlies eight hairy legs!)
♠ Looks can be deceptive. Don’t judge it by the serene blue coloring as the cobalt blue tarantula is one of the most aggressive and fast tarantula species. You see, some things are better admired from a distance.
♠ Cobalt blue colored tarantulas mostly like to burrow, though they have been known to be able to spin gigantic webs but do not do so.
♠ Their natural habitat being the Tropical Southeast Asian rainforests of countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar, they prefer warm, humid climate.
♠ These tarantulas, like most arachnids, are carnivorous and their diet comprises large and small insects. Also, tarantulas being kept as pets or in captivity are said to be partial towards crickets.
♠ A full-grown cobalt tarantula can reach a size of five inches with an average leg span of about four to five inches.
♠ When kept in captivity, the ideal temperature that must be maintained must range between 80°F-90°F.
♠ Sexual dimorphism exists between male and female tarantulas with males being smaller and less attractive than females.
♠ Besides being aggressive and fast, cobalt blue tarantulas are known to have a high-strung temperament and a tendency to get nervous at trifles. This may lead to unexpected spider bites at inopportune moments if proper care is not taken.
♠ The venom of the cobalt colored tarantula is toxic to its prey and is not dangerous to humans. Its bite can lead to severe muscle cramp and inflammation.
As you must have discerned from the aforementioned points, no matter how attractive these spideys look, caring for a cobalt hued tarantula is no child’s play. Ensure proper captivity environment i.e. ideally a deep tank with peat moss or potting soil bedding and about 7-10 inches substrate to allow burrowing.
Maintain the right temperature and humidity level. The owner must be very careful when handling these aggressive, agile and nervous pets as any sudden movements or vibrations may end up in an unsavory bite.
While in captivity, cobalt blue tarantulas are usually fed twice a week with crickets or other gut-loaded feeder insects. Read more on tarantulas as pets to get details on how to keep one in captivity. Cobalt blue colored tarantulas are not meant for the inexperienced, and caution is the only rule of the game when you’re dealing with this blue beauty.