Cobalt blue tarantula
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| Haplopelma lividum Smith, 1996 |
The cobalt blue tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) is a tarantula species that is native to Myanmar and Thailand. Like most Asian tarantulas, it is quite aggressive. As a result, it should only be kept as a pet by experienced and well-informed tarantula enthusiasts.
This species is also an obligate burrower and generally very shy. They do not possess urticating hairs, so rely more on biting for defense.
Typical care for this species requires 6 to 8 inches of substrate and a preformed burrow near the glass if you ever want a chance to observe it. However once they are comfortable in their new home they will tend to spin a large amount of webbing and obscure vision. This species is largely regarded as a "pet hole" since once it has established a burrow it will generally stay underground and not be seen.
While popular for its brilliant blue coloring, one must remember that these tarantulas must be treated as living art and never handled. They are extremely aggressive and possess a painful bite.
[edit] References
- Smith, A. M. (1996). A new species of Haplopelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae), with notes on two close relatives. Mygalomorph 1:21-32.
- Photos of Haplopelma lividum.
