Electric Blue Earth Tiger

Chilobrachys natanicharum Care Guide

Electric Blue Earth Tiger

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Chilobrachys natanicharum, commonly known as the Electric Blue Earth Tiger, is a visually stunning Old World fossorial tarantula recently described in 2022. Originally entering the hobby as Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue, this species gained official recognition when its specific epithet was auctioned for charity, with the winning name honoring Natakorn Changrew and Nichada Changrew. The proceeds from this naming auction were used to support the education of Lahu children in Thailand and assist impoverished cancer patients, making this species' discovery particularly meaningful.

This tarantula displays brilliant blue iridescence, a rare phenomenon in the arachnid world. Unlike pigments, this blue coloration is the result of structural coloration—specialized nanostructures in the exoskeleton that reflect light. Blue tarantulas are an exclusive club, with this coloration evolving independently at least eight times in different species.

One of the most intriguing aspects of C. natanicharum is its unusual burrowing behavior. Unlike most Chilobrachys species, which are obligate burrowers, this tarantula has been found in tree hollows in mangrove forests as well as burrows in the ground. This suggests that while it exhibits fossorial tendencies, it may also be comfortable utilizing arboreal hides, making it an adaptive species in captivity.

Unfortunately, C. natanicharum is facing threats due to habitat destruction and poaching. As a result, all tarantulas in Thailand are now listed as controlled wildlife, requiring a license from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation for legal import or export. To preserve this species, captive breeding and conservation efforts are crucial.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Chilobrachys natanicharum

• Common Names: Electric Blue Earth Tiger

• Type: Fossorial (with potential arboreal tendencies)

• Category: Old World

• Native Range: Thailand

• Size: Up to 6” (15 cm) DLS

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females ~12–15 years; Males ~3–4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Advanced

• Urticating Hairs: No

• Venom Potency: Strong (potentially medically significant)

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Chilobrachys natanicharum was officially described in 2022, though it had been in the hobby for years under the name Chilobrachys sp. Electric Blue. The species was named after Nichada Properties Co., Ltd, Thailand, whose executives won the naming auction, contributing funds to charity in the process.

This species is found in mangrove forests and evergreen rainforests across Thailand, living in both tree hollows and underground burrows. This dual adaptability sets it apart from other Chilobrachys species, which are typically strict burrowers. Its natural range extends from sea level to highland areas, suggesting a tolerance for varying environmental conditions.

Due to increasing habitat destruction and illegal collection, C. natanicharum and all other Thai tarantulas are now classified as controlled wildlife, requiring permits for legal trade. Conservation efforts and captive breeding are vital to ensuring the future of this species in the hobby.

Behavior & Temperament

C. natanicharum is a highly defensive, fast-moving species that will not hesitate to bite if disturbed. Like other Old World tarantulas, it lacks urticating hairs and instead relies on its potent venom and incredible speed to escape threats. This species is an extensive webber, often covering its burrow or retreat with thick layers of silk.

Given its unique semi-arboreal tendencies, keepers may provide both fossorial and arboreal-style enclosures and allow the tarantula to choose its preferred retreat. Regardless of setup, this species demands deep substrate and secure hides.

Due to its aggressive feeding response and rapid movements, rehousing and enclosure maintenance should be approached with caution. This species is best suited for experienced keepers.

Housing & Substrate – Fossorial Setup

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Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: OG Sling Crib, 3” Tarantula Cube, 4” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate slightly damp but not swampy. Provide a tiny water dish if space allows or drip water onto webbing weekly.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Crib 360-4” Fossorial, 5” Hex Crib, 6” Tarantula Cube, 8” Cube

• Substrate: Fill ½ to ¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to support deep burrowing.

• Humidity: Let part of the substrate dry out while keeping one corner slightly damp by overflowing the water dish occasionally.

• Additional Features: Cork bark or dried leaves as web anchors.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: 8” Hex Crib, Crib 360-8” Fossorial, 12” Tarantula Cube, 18” Tarantula Cube

• Substrate: Fill at least ½–¾ of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Additional Features: A deep burrow setup is essential. I like to add some branches or plants so they can web up around their burrow entrance as well.

Tarantula Cribs offers the best enclosures—use code TTC10 for 10% off.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 70–78°F (21–26°C)

• Humidity: 50–60%

• Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to prevent stale conditions.

• Water Dish: Keep one filled and overflow occasionally to maintain a moisture gradient.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency:
  Feed twice a week.

• Prey:
  Offer small prey such as flightless fruit flies, confused flour beetles, or pre-killed tiny crickets/roach nymphs. Remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours. increase the size of the prey as the spider grows. Prekill any prey that is over 2/3 the size of the sling. For more detailed information on feeding spiderlings, watch this video: How To Feed Spiderlings & Scorplings (Baby Tarantulas & Scorpions)

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 24–48 hours after a molt before feeding. Ensure that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is not soft or shiny.

Juveniles

• Frequency:
  Feed every 7–10 days.

• Prey:
  Provide 2–3 small to medium crickets or a medium Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the widest part of the carapace, feed more prey more often.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, feed less prey, less often.
    This strategy helps prevent obesity, which can lead to molting complications or increase the risk of an abdomen rupture from even a small fall.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 3–7 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Adults

• Frequency:
  Feed every 2–3 weeks (or as needed).

• Prey:
  Offer 4–5 large crickets or one large Dubia roach.

• Feeding Guidelines:

  • If the abdomen is thinner than the carapace’s widest part, increase feeding frequency.

  • If the abdomen is wider than the carapace, reduce feeding frequency.
    This is crucial to avoid obesity, which can interfere with proper molting or cause dangerous issues such as an abdomen rupture.

• Post-Molt:
  Wait 5–10 days after a molt before feeding, ensuring that the tarantula’s fangs are solid black and its exoskeleton is fully hardened.

Breeding Chilobrachys natanicharum in Captivity

(general outline, specifics under revision)

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Males: Reach maturity in 2–3 years.

• Females: Reach reproductive maturity in 4–5 years.

• Pairing: Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure at night, ensuring multiple escape routes for him.

Mating Process

• Males initiate courtship with palp drumming and leg tapping.

• If receptive, the female will allow insertion before retreating.

• Males should be removed immediately after mating to prevent potential predation.

Egg Sac Production

• Females produce an egg sac 4–6 months post-mating.

• Egg sacs contain 80–200 eggs.

• Maintain 75-80°F (24-27°C) with high humidity (75-80%).

Raising Spiderlings

• First instar spiderlings emerge 6-8 weeks post-sac.

• Feed pinhead crickets or fruit flies every 3-4 days.

• Provide high humidity with proper airflow.

Challenges & Considerations

• C. natanicharum’s speed and defensiveness make pairing tricky.

• High humidity balance is critical to avoid dehydration or mold growth.

• Ethical breeding is crucial to reducing wild collection and sustaining this species in the hobby.

Final Thoughts

Chilobrachys natanicharum is one of the most unique tarantulas in the hobby, combining striking blue iridescence, extensive webbing behavior, and adaptability to both fossorial and arboreal retreats. While its care requirements are straightforward for experienced keepers, its defensive temperament and potent venom make it unsuitable for beginners. This species is best appreciated as a display tarantula, allowing its elaborate burrows and webbing to be observed without frequent interaction.

Due to its protected status and habitat threats, supporting captive breeding efforts is essential to reduce the need for wild collection and preserve populations in the hobby. If you’re looking for a visually stunning, high-energy fossorial species, C. natanicharum is a fantastic addition to a well-maintained collection.

Additional Recommendations

For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs (TTC10 for 10% off), and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For legal captive-bred tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (TTC10 for 10% off).