Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens Care Guide

The Green Bottle Blue (GBB) Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

If there’s one tarantula that perfectly embodies everything that makes these creatures amazing, it’s the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens). This is the ultimate showstopper, bold colors, heavy webbing, and a mix of terrestrial and arboreal tendencies that make it an absolute joy to watch. If you want a tarantula that’s always out on display, building intricate silk tunnels, and pouncing on prey with an enthusiastic feeding response, this is the one.

Unlike some species that spend their days buried underground or hiding behind cork bark, GBBs are out in the open, decorating their enclosures with some of the most elaborate webbing you’ll ever see. Their electric blue legs, metallic green carapace, and fiery orange abdomen look almost unreal, making them one of the most visually stunning tarantulas in the hobby. And the best part? They’re hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced keepers alike.

Sure, they can be a little skittish, and they’ve got some serious speed when they decide to bolt, but that’s all part of the fun. They’re not defensive, rarely kicking hairs or throwing threat postures unless seriously provoked. This makes them one of the best display tarantulas out there, always moving, always webbing, and always looking incredible. If I had to choose just one species to recommend to new keepers, the Green Bottle Blue would be it.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

• Common Name: Green Bottle Blue Tarantula, GBB

• Type: Terrestrial / Semi‑Arboreal

• Category: New World

• Endemic Location: Northern Venezuela (Paraguana region)

• Body Length: Approximately 2.75” (7 cm)

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 6.25” (16 cm)

• Urticating Hairs: Yes, Types III & IV

• Growth Rate: Medium

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 14 years

  • Males: Around 4 years

• Recommended Experience Level: Beginner

What Makes Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens So Special?

There’s a reason why the Green Bottle Blue is one of the most sought-after tarantulas in the hobby, it’s got it all. This species isn’t just about looking good (though let’s be honest, those metallic blues and fiery oranges are show-stopping). The GBB is an entertainer, constantly out in the open, creating intricate silk tunnels, and striking with precision at anything that dares to wander into its web fortress. Unlike reclusive species that hide for weeks on end, GBBs are always active, whether they’re reinforcing their webbed domain or hunting down prey with an impressive feeding response.

Another reason this species stands out is its versatility. It thrives in semi-arid conditions, making it one of the easiest tarantulas to maintain, no need for excessive humidity or constant misting. It also strikes a balance between terrestrial and semi-arboreal tendencies, enjoying both burrowing and climbing, which means keepers get to observe a wide range of natural behaviors. While it can be quick and skittish, it rarely shows defensive aggression, making it one of the best display tarantulas for both beginners and seasoned keepers alike. If you want a tarantula that’s as fascinating as it is beautiful, the Green Bottle Blue is, without a doubt, the ultimate choice.

The GBB is highly sought after for its stunning blue hues and intricate web tunnels. While it is generally docile, it can be skittish, often retreating into its burrow or webbing when disturbed. This species is hardy, has a strong feeding response, and readily adapts to captive conditions, making it an excellent display species.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is the sole species within its genus, making it a unique presence in the tarantula hobby. It was originally described in the early 1900s and remains one of the most recognizable species due to its vibrant coloration and distinct webbing behaviors. Ongoing research continues to explore the genetic factors behind its striking blue pigmentation and its behavioral adaptations.

Etymology

The genus name Chromatopelma is derived from the Greek words "chroma," meaning color, and "pelma," meaning sole or foot, likely referencing the strikingly colorful legs of this species. The species name cyaneopubescens is a combination of "cyaneo" (blue) and "pubescens" (covered in fine hair), which perfectly describes its blue, hairy appearance.

The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is native to the arid, scrubland regions of Paraguana, Northern Venezuela. Unlike typical rainforest-dwelling tarantulas, GBBs inhabit dry, rocky areas with sparse vegetation. They create silk-lined burrows in well-draining soil or under natural debris, reinforcing them with extensive webbing. These adaptations allow them to thrive in environments with fluctuating temperatures and minimal humidity, making them more resilient in captivity compared to other species.

In the wild, GBBs inhabit tropical regions of Northern Venezuela, where they live in well-draining, rocky soil and among scattered vegetation. In captivity, the goal is to recreate these conditions using a semi-arboreal enclosure, a horizontally oriented space that allows both burrowing and climbing on provided structures while minimizing the risk of injury from falls. The design should ensure that the enclosure is appropriately sized and secured.

Housing & Substrate – Semi-Arboreal Setup

Spiderlings

• Enclosure Size: Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the tarantula’s leg span.

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

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the tarantula’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This depth allows for effective burrowing and minimizes the risk of injury from falls.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and include vertical branches, cork bark pieces, or small fake plants as web anchors to facilitate natural web tunnel construction.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the tarantula’s leg span (ideally 4× for enhanced natural behavior, while still considering escape risks).

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide ample depth for burrowing while reducing fall distance.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and tasteful decorations such as vertical branches or cork bark pieces leaned diagonally. Ensure the enclosure is a horizontal rectangle (wider than it is deep) with secure ventilation and a tight, secure lid to prevent escapes.

Note: "Semi‑arboreal" is not an official behavioral classification but rather a descriptive term used in the hobby to design enclosures that allow a tarantula to display some climbing and web anchoring behavior without exposing it to dangerous falls. For semi‑arboreal species, the enclosure is typically a square or horizontal rectangle rather than a tall arboreal setup. This design minimizes fall distance and risk of injury. Never use an arboreal enclosure for a species that is not truly arboreal.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain ambient temperatures between 68°F and 76°F (20°C to 24°C).

• Humidity: Aim for moderate humidity. Ensure that the substrate remains moist in the lower layers to support effective burrowing while allowing the top layers to dry between waterings to prevent mold growth.

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

The Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is celebrated for its brilliant blue coloration and extensive webbing. While it generally appears docile and spends a significant amount of time on display, it can be very skittish, quickly retreating into its burrow or web tunnels if disturbed. This species exhibits a vigorous feeding response, though it will refuse food during premolt. Given its rapid movements and semi‑arboreal tendencies, handling is discouraged. Always maintain a secure enclosure to prevent escape.

Breeding Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens in Captivity

Breeding Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens (Greenbottle Blue Tarantula) is generally less complicated than some other species, as they tend to be receptive and produce large egg sacs. However, due to their high demand and slow-growing nature, captive breeding is essential to ensure that wild populations remain protected and hobbyists have access to healthy, captive-bred specimens.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males mature within 2–3 years, developing tibial hooks and enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take longer, typically 4–6 years, before they are fully mature and receptive.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before pairing to minimize defensive reactions. Slightly increasing humidity before pairing may also help encourage receptivity.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will drum on the webbing or substrate to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female will drum back or remain still, allowing the male to lift her with his tibial hooks and insert his emboli.

• Once mating is complete, the male should be removed immediately, as females may become defensive afterward.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female will produce an egg sac 4–6 weeks after mating, which is faster than many species.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels of 50–60%, as C. cyaneopubescens prefers a drier environment than most species.

• The egg sac typically contains 100–200 eggs, though some can hold up to 300 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

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

• If left with the mother, 1st instar spiderlings will emerge in 6–8 weeks, molting into 2nd instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• C. cyaneopubescens spiderlings are hardy and fast-growing, making them relatively easy to raise.

• Provide ventilated enclosures with plenty of webbing anchors and light, dry substrate with a slightly dampened corner.

• Feed them pinhead crickets, flightless fruit flies, or small roaches every 3–4 days.

Challenges & Considerations

• Female temperament varies: While C. cyaneopubescens is generally less defensive than other species, individuals vary in how they respond to males.

• Male lifespan: Males typically do not live beyond a year after maturing, so breeding attempts should be made as soon as possible.

• Humidity sensitivity: While most tarantulas require high humidity for egg sac development, C. cyaneopubescens does well with slightly lower humidity, reducing the risk of mold or fungus in the egg sac.

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is one of the most sought-after tarantulas in the hobby, and their natural habitat is limited. By prioritizing captive breeding, we ensure that this incredible species remains available without the need for wild collection. Every successful breeding project strengthens the hobby and helps protect C. cyaneopubescens in its native environment for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real - the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is simply the best pet tarantula you can own. Period. It’s the perfect mix of beauty, behavior, and personality, wrapped up in an explosion of neon blues, fiery oranges, and metallic greens. If tarantulas had a “best in show” award, the GBB would take home the trophy every time.

Unlike those shy, burrow-hugging species that seem to play an endless game of hide-and-seek, the GBB wants to be seen. It’s an artist, spinning elaborate silk tunnels that transform any enclosure into a masterpiece of webbing. It’s a hunter, delivering some of the most exciting feeding responses in the hobby. And it’s a survivor, thriving in conditions that make other tarantulas fussy.

For beginners, it’s easy to care for - no need for excessive humidity, no complex environmental demands, just straightforward husbandry with rewarding results. For experienced keepers, it’s a dream species, always active, always webbing, and always on display. The GBB is everything you could ask for in a pet tarantula and more. So if you’re looking for the ultimate tarantula - one that will keep you entertained, impressed, and constantly in awe - the Green Bottle Blue is it.

Want to see this incredible species in action? Check out my Nature Documentary and Care Guide Video on the Green Bottle Blue, where I take a deep dive into its natural habitat, behavior, and everything you need to know to keep one thriving in captivity.

Let’s be real - the Green Bottle Blue Tarantula is simply the best pet tarantula you can own. Period. It’s the perfect mix of beauty, behavior, and personality, wrapped up in an explosion of neon blues, fiery oranges, and metallic greens. If tarantulas had a “best in show” award, the GBB would take home the trophy every time.

Unlike those shy, burrow-hugging species that seem to play an endless game of hide-and-seek, the GBB wants to be seen. It’s an artist, spinning elaborate silk tunnels that transform any enclosure into a masterpiece of webbing. It’s a hunter, delivering some of the most exciting feeding responses in the hobby. And it’s a survivor, thriving in conditions that make other tarantulas fussy.

For beginners, it’s easy to care for - no need for excessive humidity, no complex environmental demands, just straightforward husbandry with rewarding results. For experienced keepers, it’s a dream species, always active, always webbing, and always on display. The GBB is everything you could ask for in a pet tarantula and more. So if you’re looking for the ultimate tarantula - one that will keep you entertained, impressed, and constantly in awe - the Green Bottle Blue is it.

Additional Recommendations:
For enclosures, consider Tarantula Cribs with the affiliate code TTC10 for a 10% discount, and use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate. For tarantula supplies, check out Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off). Also, visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website for a curated list of recommended dealers and discount codes.