The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens) is one of the most visually striking species of tarantulas. With its vibrant blue and green coloration, this species is a popular pet among arachnid enthusiasts.
Understanding the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
Before diving into feeding tips, it’s important to first understand the natural habitat and characteristics of the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula. Native to the arid regions of Venezuela and Brazil, this species thrives in dry, warm environments with plenty of hiding spots and access to water.
It is an arboreal tarantula, meaning it spends most of its life in trees, but it can also be found on the ground in search of food. With a lifespan of up to 10 years for females and 3-5 years for males, proper care is essential for ensuring a long and healthy life.
Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas are known for their aggressive colors, with turquoise blue on the legs, bright greenish-yellow on the abdomen, and orange on the carapace. These stunning colors are not just for decoration, they play a role in signaling the tarantula’s territory and warning potential predators.
The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula’s Natural Diet
In the wild, Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas are opportunistic predators. They hunt various insects and small animals, primarily feeding on crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles.
They are also known to consume other smaller arachnids. Their diet mainly consists of protein-rich prey that provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
Being an ambush predator, the Greenbottle Blue waits for its prey to come close before pouncing on it, using its venom to immobilize and eventually consume it. This behavior is important to replicate in captivity to ensure the spider’s physical and mental health.
What to Feed a Green Bottle Blue Tarantula in Captivity
When kept as pets, Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas require a balanced diet that mimics their natural food sources. It’s important to provide them with live prey, as this encourages hunting behavior and keeps the tarantula mentally stimulated. The best options for feeding your tarantula are:
Crickets: Crickets are one of the most common food sources for tarantulas and are highly nutritious. They can be found in pet stores and are easy to breed at home. Crickets are rich in protein, making them ideal for feeding your Green Bottle Blue Tarantula.
Mealworms: Mealworms are another excellent food option for tarantulas. They are high in fat and protein, making them a good choice for feeding your tarantula occasionally. They should not be the main food source as they can be too fatty if overfed.
Superworms: Superworms are larger than mealworms and are suitable for adult tarantulas. They provide an excellent source of protein but should be offered in moderation.
Roaches: Dubia roaches are a popular choice among tarantula owners because they are easy to care for, highly nutritious, and provide a varied diet for your tarantula. They are high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy food source.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are another natural food for Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas. They are rich in protein and also offer some variety in terms of texture, which can keep your tarantula engaged and interested in feeding.
Other Insects: Occasionally, you can also feed your tarantula other insects like moths or flies. These insects can offer different textures and flavors, enriching your tarantula’s diet and keeping it engaged.
How Often to Feed a Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
The feeding schedule for a Green Bottle Blue Tarantula depends on its age and size. A general guideline is as follows:
Juveniles (under 2 years old): These tarantulas are in their growth phase and need to be fed more frequently. You should feed them 2-3 times a week. Juveniles are smaller, so they may need smaller prey items such as small crickets or mealworms.
Adults: Adult Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas have a slower metabolism and need less food. Feeding them once every 5-7 days is usually sufficient. You can offer larger prey such as adult crickets, roaches, or grasshoppers.
It’s important to monitor your tarantula’s size and adjust feeding accordingly. If your tarantula is not finishing its food, it may be a sign that you are overfeeding. Always ensure that the prey size is appropriate for the tarantula’s size.
Hydration: Water and Moisture Needs
Along with a proper diet, hydration is a key part of your Green Bottle Blue Tarantula’s care. These tarantulas come from regions where water is sparse, so they can survive without frequent water sources. Providing a shallow water dish in the enclosure is essential to prevent dehydration.
A small, shallow water dish should be placed in the tarantula’s enclosure. Make sure to clean and refill the dish regularly. It is also important to lightly mist the enclosure once a week to maintain humidity, but be careful not to overdo it. Green Bottle Blue Tarantulas prefer drier conditions, and excessive moisture can lead to mold growth or stress for your pet.
Feeding Tips for a Healthy Green Bottle Blue Tarantula
Here are some practical feeding tips that will help you care for your Green Bottle Blue Tarantula:
Live Prey: Always feed your tarantula live prey, as this mimics its natural hunting behavior. Dead prey is not as stimulating and could affect your tarantula’s health and psychological well-being.
Variety: Provide a variety of insects to your tarantula to ensure it gets all the necessary nutrients. This prevents dietary imbalances and boredom.
Gut-Loading Prey: Before feeding crickets or roaches to your tarantula, gut-load them with nutritious foods like vegetables or grains. This ensures that the prey is rich in nutrients, which will then be passed on to your tarantula.
Tongs or Tweezers: Use tongs or tweezers to feed your tarantula, especially when offering larger prey items. This prevents you from accidentally getting bitten or disturbing the spider while feeding. It also allows you to place the food in a position where the tarantula can easily find it.
Observe Feeding Behavior: It’s important to observe your tarantula’s feeding habits. Some Greenbottle Blues are more aggressive in their hunting, while others may need a little encouragement to start feeding. Watch for signs of a healthy feeding response, such as the tarantula pouncing on its prey and consuming it.
Do Not Overfeed: Avoid overfeeding your tarantula. A well-fed tarantula may not eat every time food is offered. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and digestive issues. It’s essential to allow the spider to fast occasionally, which can be beneficial for its health.
Remove Leftover Food: If the tarantula does not eat its prey within 24-48 hours, remove it from the enclosure. Leftover food can lead to bacterial growth and mold, which can be harmful to your tarantula.
