Amazon Sapphire Tarantula

Ybyrapora diversipes Care Guide

Amazon Sapphire Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Ybyrapora diversipes, commonly known as the Amazon Sapphire Tarantula, is a stunning arboreal species native to Brazil. Known for its striking iridescent blues and purples, with vibrant red and orange highlights as juveniles, this tarantula undergoes dramatic color changes as it matures. Its combination of beautiful coloration, web-building behavior, and moderate size makes it a fascinating addition to any collection. However, due to its fast movements and slightly defensive tendencies, it is best suited for intermediate keepers.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Ybyrapora diversipes

• Common Names: Amazon Sapphire Tarantula, Brazilian Blue Tree Spider

• Type: Arboreal

• Category: New World

• Native Range: Brazil (Amazon rainforest regions)

• Size: Body length up to 2.5 inches (6 cm); diagonal leg span up to 5 inches (13 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Type II

• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

• Life Expectancy: Females up to 12 years; males 3–4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate

Etymology & Taxonomic Revisions

The genus Ybyrapora was separated from Avicularia in recent taxonomic revisions to better categorize certain South American arboreal species. The name Ybyrapora comes from the Tupi language, meaning "tree dweller," a fitting description for this arboreal tarantula. Previously, this species was classified as Avicularia diversipes before studies led to its reclassification in the Ybyrapora genus. These revisions were based on morphological and molecular data that distinguished it from true Avicularia species.

Housing & Substrate – Arboreal Setup

In the wild, A. avicularia inhabits tropical rainforests, residing in silk tubes built between leaves and branches. To replicate this environment in captivity:

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Mini, Coffin Crib Mini, Treehouse Extra Small, Sling Crib

• Substrate: Fill the bottom 1/3 of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide a vertical piece of cork bark (half-round preferred) secured with substrate, along with fake or live plants for additional cover.

• Water: A shallow water dish should be provided.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Small, Small Treehouse, Coffin Crib Medium, Crib 360 - 8 inch Arboreal

• Substrate: Same as spiderlings—1/3 filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, fake/live plants, and a secure hiding spot.

• Water: A small water dish should always be available.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch-XL2.0, Large Treehouse - Clear Back, Treehouse Switch - Large, Large Coffin Crib

• Substrate: 1/3 of the enclosure filled with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Decor: Provide multiple vertical cork hides, branches, and artificial foliage to encourage webbing.

• Water: A larger water dish at the bottom and an additional smaller dish higher in the enclosure can help ensure hydration.

Note: Use this affiliate link or enter the TTC10 code at checkout to save 10% on Tarantula Cribs enclosures.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain between 70–80°F (21–27°C).

• Humidity: 60-70%, achieved through a combination of a large water dish and occasional misting. Ensure excellent cross-ventilation to prevent stagnant air, which can be detrimental to this species. Obsessing about hitting a specific humidity level can be detrimental. Just ensure the substrate is slightly damp, there is a large and shallow water bowl, and good cross ventilation and you should be fine.

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.

Behavior & Temperament

Ybyrapora diversipes is a fast and skittish species with semi-defensive tendencies. While not known for being aggressive, they may bolt if startled and are prone to jumping. Like other New World species, they possess Type II urticating hairs, but they are rarely deployed. Instead, they rely on speed and agility for defense. Handling is not recommended due to their quick, unpredictable movements.

Breeding Ybyrapora diversipes in Captivity

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Males mature in 2–3 years, while females take 4–5 years to reach reproductive age.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: Females should be well-fed before introduction. Increase humidity slightly before pairing.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure at night.

• Males will approach cautiously, drumming to signal the female.

• If receptive, the female allows mating; if not, she may attack, so careful monitoring is needed.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female produces an egg sac in 3–4 months.

• Maintain temperatures between 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity 75–80%.

• Each sac contains around 50–150 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders pull the sac after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• Spiderlings hatch at 6–8 weeks, reaching second instar 3–4 weeks later.

Raising Spiderlings

• Keep in ventilated enclosures with climbing surfaces.

• Feed small prey every 3–4 days.

• Maintain humidity but ensure good airflow to prevent mold issues.

Challenges & Considerations

• Ybyrapora diversipes spiderlings are fragile and require precise humidity control.

• Stagnant air is dangerous—cross-ventilation is a must.

• Males have short lifespans post-maturity, so breeding should occur soon after their final molt.

By supporting captive breeding efforts, we can help reduce the demand for wild-caught specimens while ensuring a steady supply of healthy, well-acclimated tarantulas for the hobby. Proper captive breeding also helps maintain genetic diversity and improves the long-term sustainability of this species in captivity.

Additional Recommendations

• For enclosures, check out Tarantula Cribs (use code TTC10 for 10% off).

• Use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for the best substrate.

• For tarantulas, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off).