Rank Species | Order Araneae Family Theraphosidae Higher classification Haplopelma | |
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Similar Haplopelma, Tarantula, Greenbottle blue tarantula, Poecilotheria, Poecilotheria metallica | ||
The cobalt blue tarantula, scientific name Haplopelma lividum, is a tarantula species (family Theraphosidae) that is native to Myanmar and over the border into Thailand.
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Description
The cobalt blue tarantula is a medium size tarantula with a leg span of approximately 13 cm (5 in). The cobalt blue tarantula is noted for its iridescent blue legs and light gray prosoma and opisthosoma, the latter of which may contain darker gray chevrons. Males and females look the same until the ultimate (final) molt of the males. At this point the male will exhibit sexual dimorphism in the form of a light tan or bronze coloration and legginess. Additionally males will gain a palpal bulb on the pedipalps and tibial apophyses (mating hooks). The female will eventually become larger than the male and live years longer. The cobalt blue tarantula is a fossorial species and spends nearly all of its time in deep burrows of its own construction.
Habitat
The cobalt blue tarantula inhabits the tropical rain forests of southeast Asia. Here they construct deep burrows, and generally only leave them to find food.
Pets
The cobalt blue tarantula is a mainstay in the pet trade, despite being a fast and defensive tarantula with potent venom. Studies suggest that bites from this species can result in severe muscle cramps and inflammation. Typically they are kept in a deep tank with 25 to 30 cm (10-12 inches) of substrate such as peat moss or coco-husk that is kept humid.
