Brazilian Jewel Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair and exoskeleton

This small tarantula has a greenish cephalothorax and a black abdomen with two rows of six spots: the rear pair are reddish and the others are yellowish. The whole body shimmers with iridescent green, blue, red and gold, making it one of the most colourful tarantulas in the world.12

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is docile and reclusive. It rarely flicks urticating hairs and virtually never bites, preferring to hide inside its trapdoor retreat. It is not a spider for handling, but it is calm and easy to manage in the enclosure.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low activity. It spends most of its time hidden in its trapdoor waiting for prey. It does not need a large enclosure, but height is more important than width because it is arboreal.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming. The enclosure must be kept escape-proof with all gaps smaller than the spider's carapace. Spot clean waste and remove uneaten prey. Provide a water dish and maintain humidity.2

Home where they are happiest

An arboreal enclosure about 15 x 15 x 25 cm for an adult, with a curved piece of bark that offers a narrow crevice for the trapdoor. Day temperature 21-26°C, night 19-22°C. Humidity 75-85% with light moisture at the base and strong cross-ventilation. Keep the spider alone. Note: this species is protected in Brazil and may require permits for import or keeping in some countries.231

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Insectivorous. Spiderlings eat flightless fruit flies; juveniles take pinhead crickets and small roach nymphs; adults eat small crickets or dubia roaches every 7-14 days. Prey should be gut-loaded for nutrition.13

Company who they like around

Solitary. Must be housed alone to avoid cannibalism. It is a reclusive spider that does not need or want company. Note: this species is protected in Brazil and may require permits for import or keeping in some countries.21

The story where it all began

First described by Carl Ludwig Koch in 1841 as Mygale seladonia from specimens collected in Brazil. Over the years it was moved between several genera including Avicularia and Iridopelma, until Rogèrio Bertani restored it to Typhochlaena in 2012. It became popular in the exotic pet trade because of its brilliant colours and unique trapdoor behaviour, though its restricted range and protected status in Brazil raise conservation concerns.15