Singapore Blue Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hair

The body and legs are covered in fine hairs. The vivid blue colour on the legs is not a pigment but an optical effect created by nanostructures in the hairs that scatter light. Females and juveniles show intense metallic blue legs with a brown or gold carapace and a patterned abdomen. Males are brown or golden-green. Before moulting the blue fades to brown.123

Personality what they are like

This tarantula is fast, defensive and quick to bite when startled. It does not have urticating hairs so biting is its first line of defence. It will often show a threat pose with raised front legs and may hiss. It is not a beginner-friendly species and should never be handled.1345

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Arboreal and semi-burrowing. Needs plenty of vertical climbing space and a deep substrate layer for burrowing. It will web up retreats if given suitable hides.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No grooming needed. Keep the enclosure clean and remove uneaten prey after one day. Provide a water dish and change water regularly to prevent bacterial growth.1

Home where they are happiest

A tall, well-ventilated enclosure with vertical climbing surfaces such as cork bark tubes and branches. At least 4-6 inches of substrate for burrowing. Humidity should be moderate to high with occasional misting, but good ventilation is essential to prevent mould. A small water dish should always be available. Temperature should be kept warm. This species is not venomous to humans but its bite is medically significant, causing severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea and headaches. It is legal to keep in most countries but requires an experienced keeper.346

Food basics what goes in the bowl

In captivity feed live insects such as crickets, locusts, worms and cockroaches. Juveniles: 2-3 small crickets once a week. Adults: up to 10 medium crickets every four weeks. Gut-load prey for extra nutrition. Remove uneaten prey after one day. Fasting may indicate an upcoming moult.14

Company who they like around

Solitary. Must be housed alone. Do not cohabitate. Not suitable for handling. Best admired from a distance.35

The story where it all began

The Singapore Blue tarantula was first described scientifically in 1924 by H. C. Abraham under the name Lampropelma violaceopedes (later corrected to violaceopes). In 2019 it was moved to the genus Omothymus. It has long been popular in the pet trade because of its brilliant blue colour and large size. It is native to the rainforests of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, where it lives in holes and deep recesses in tree trunks.172

Recognised by the official bits

iNaturalist

Listed as Omothymus violaceopes8