Bolivian Birdeater

Looks how to spot one

Hair (setae)

The body is covered in fine hairs. Mature males have a very dark blue-black carapace and a black abdomen with some reddish hairs near the tip. Their legs are a bright metallic blue covered in grayish hairs. Females are entirely black.1

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is semi-aggressive and best left as a display animal. It will first try to flee when disturbed, but if provoked it will kick urticating hairs and may aim them accurately at the intruder. It is not a species to handle.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low. It is a solitary, burrowing species that spends most of its time in its hide. It will emerge to hunt prey.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. The keeper must maintain humidity and provide deep substrate. The enclosure should be secure as this is a large, strong tarantula. Males are short-lived after their final moult, so breeding attempts should be made soon after.2

Home where they are happiest

Provide an enclosure at least twice the tarantula's leg span in each dimension. Use at least 10 cm of deep, moist substrate (a mix of peat moss and coco fibre) so it can burrow. Half-bury a piece of cork bark as a starter burrow. Maintain a temperature of 21-27 degrees Celsius and higher humidity than many tarantula species. Keep the substrate damp but not saturated, and provide a shallow water dish. Ensure good ventilation while preventing the enclosure from drying out.254

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Large live insects such as crickets and roaches. Feed in proportion to its size; it is a fast grower and a good eater.25

Company who they like around

Solitary. This tarantula must be housed alone. It is not a pet for handling and should be kept as a display animal.2

The story where it all began

This species was first described by the British zoologist Reginald Innes Pocock in 1903. It is found in the rainforests of Bolivia and Peru. It is considered one of the larger tarantulas and has become a popular, though intermediate-level, species in the pet trade due to the stunning iridescent blue legs of the mature males.12