Bolivian Blueberry Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair/urticating setae

This tarantula has a grey or silver carapace with a slightly woolly look. The femurs are a striking dark blue or navy colour, and there are beige to orange stripes on the patellae. The front part of the body is light brown, darkening towards the legs. Some individuals show green or blue femoral colouration, and the shade can change after moulting.312

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is generally peaceful and not aggressive. When disturbed, it usually retreats into its burrow or hide rather than attacking. It is not a fast mover and rarely flicks hairs, though it may do so occasionally. It is quite hardy and can be kept at normal room temperatures, making it suitable for beginners, though it can be a fussy eater.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This species is not very active and spends most of its time hidden or sitting still. It does not need a large enclosure, but it does appreciate a deep substrate for burrowing. It may web the surface of the substrate and often sits out in the open, especially after moulting.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Keep the enclosure dry with a water bowl. Mist lightly if needed, but avoid high humidity. Clean out uneaten prey after a day. Handle only when necessary and with care, as they can be skittish. Moulting is a normal process; do not disturb during this time.42

Home where they are happiest

A terrarium of about 30 x 30 x 30 cm is sufficient for an adult. Provide 10-15 cm of substrate such as coconut husk, peat moss or potting soil, with one half kept slightly moist. Keep temperatures around 23-26°C during the day and 20-23°C at night. Humidity should be 60-80%. A shallow water dish and a hide are recommended.14

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a staple diet of live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, butterworms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. Prey should be no larger than the tarantula's abdomen. Adults typically eat twice a week. Remove uneaten prey after one day.4

Company who they like around

This is a solitary species. Keep one per enclosure. It is not aggressive and will usually retreat, but it may flick urticating hairs if threatened. It is not venomous to humans in a dangerous way, but handling should be minimal. There is no legal restriction mentioned in the sources, but always check local laws.12

The story where it all began

This species was first described by Schmidt in 1991 from Ecuador. It has been moved between genera several times, from Euathlus to Maraca, then to Bumba, and finally to Cyclosternum. In 2020 it was declared a nomen dubium, meaning the original type specimen is lost or unclear. Many spiders sold under this name in the pet trade are actually misidentified, and true specimens are rare. The name 'Bolivian Blueberry' is a common name used in the hobby, but it is not an official common name.532

Recognised by the official bits

World Spider Catalog

Species transferred to Cyclosternum, declared nomen dubium in 20205