Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty

Dolichothele diamantinensis Care Guide

The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Today we’re exploring Dolichothele diamantinensis, commonly known as the Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty. This striking tarantula is renowned for its vibrant blue hues reminiscent of the Green Bottle Blue, yet it remains much smaller in size. Endemic to the rocky savannas of southeastern Brazil, this fast-growing species reaches maturity in about 18 months. While its rapid growth and unique coloration make it a fascinating addition to any collection, its skittish and fast nature—especially as spiderlings—means that handling is generally impractical. Ideal for intermediate keepers, this species thrives under lower humidity conditions as long as a water dish is kept full.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Dolichothele diamantinensis

• Common Name: Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty

• Type: Terrestrial

• Native Range: Brazil

• Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 3” (7.5 cm)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females 12-15 years; Males about 3 years

• Experience Level: Intermediate

What Makes Dolichothele diamantinensis So Special?

The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty is celebrated for its dazzling blue coloration that remains vibrant even as it matures. Despite its diminutive size, its fast growth rate and active behavior make it an exciting species to care for. Although these tarantulas can be skittish and quick—often darting into their burrows when disturbed—they reward careful observation with impressive displays of color and activity. Notably, this species lacks urticating hairs, which is a welcome trait for keepers who prefer to minimize irritation from handling New World species.

A Species at Risk

While not currently classified as endangered, this species faces challenges due to habitat alterations in its native range. Responsible keeping and sourcing from reputable, captive-bred breeders are recommended to support conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable hobby.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Dolichothele diamantinensis, commonly known as the Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty, is a stunning New World tarantula belonging to the Theraphosinae subfamily. First described in 2009 by Bertani, Santos & Righi, this species is highly sought after in the hobby due to its iridescent blue legs, metallic greenish carapace, and contrasting golden abdominal markings. Despite its small size, D. diamantinensis exhibits vibrant coloration similar to larger species like Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, making it a highly desirable display tarantula.

The genus name Dolichothele comes from the Greek words "dolichos" (δολιχός), meaning "long" or "elongated," and "thele" (θήλη), meaning "nipple" or "projection," possibly referring to anatomical features of the species. The species name diamantinensis is derived from Diamantina, Brazil, the region where this tarantula was first discovered.

Natural Range & Habitat

Dolichothele diamantinensis is endemic to Diamantina, a region in eastern Brazil, where it inhabits dry forests and scrublands. Unlike deep-burrowing tarantulas, this species is an opportunistic burrower and heavy webber, often taking shelter under logs, bark, and within crevices rather than constructing deep tunnels.

This species thrives in a semi-arid environment with moderate humidity, similar to other Brazilian species like C. cyaneopubescens. While it can tolerate slightly drier conditions than rainforest-dwelling tarantulas, maintaining some moisture in the substrate is essential for optimal health, particularly during molting.

Behavior & Temperament

Despite its small size, D. diamantinensis is an extremely fast and skittish species, making it unsuitable for handling. While it is not particularly defensive, it relies on speed as its primary escape mechanism. If startled, it will retreat into its webbing or bolt unpredictably, making rehousing a challenge for inexperienced keepers.

Like many New World tarantulas, D. diamantinensis possesses urticating hairs, though it rarely uses them in defense. Instead, it prefers to rely on its strong feeding response and web-lined retreats to stay safe.

In captivity, this species is known for its extensive webbing, creating intricate tunnel-like structures across its enclosure. It is an active hunter with a strong feeding response, making it a highly engaging species to observe.

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 1/2 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 1/2 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 74°F (20-23°C).

• Humidity: While spiderlings benefit from a slightly damp substrate, juveniles and adults thrive with a generally drier substrate—ensuring a full water dish is provided for hydration.

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 Dolichothele diamantinensis in Captivity

Breeding Dolichothele diamantinensis (Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty) is an exciting but delicate process, as this species is fast, skittish, and produces large egg sacs. Their rapid growth rate and high reproductive output make them an excellent candidate for captive breeding, helping ensure that wild populations remain undisturbed while maintaining healthy stock in the hobby.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males mature quickly, usually within 2–3 years, developing enlarged pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females take slightly longer, typically 3–4 years, before they are fully mature and receptive.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to reduce defensive reactions. Some breeders recommend increasing humidity slightly before pairing to mimic seasonal triggers.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male at night, when both tarantulas are naturally 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 approach 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 begin producing an egg sac 4–6 weeks after mating, which is faster than many other species.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels of 65–75 percent, ensuring proper ventilation to prevent mold.

• The egg sac typically contains 100–300 eggs, with high survival rates.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

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

• If left with the mother, first instar spiderlings will emerge in 6–8 weeks, molting into second instar within 3–4 weeks.

Raising Spiderlings

• D. diamantinensis spiderlings are fast-growing and web extensively, requiring ample anchor points for their silk structures.

• Provide ventilated enclosures with slightly moist substrate to prevent dehydration.

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

Challenges & Considerations

• Fast and skittish nature: Both males and females can be quick and unpredictable, making pairing and handling tricky.

• Heavy webbing: Females web extensively, which can make monitoring for egg sacs difficult.

• Humidity balance: While higher humidity is beneficial, proper airflow is needed to prevent mold growth inside the webbing.

• Short male lifespan: Males typically do not live beyond a year after maturing, so breeding should be attempted as soon as possible.

With their stunning iridescent blue coloration and web-building tendencies, Dolichothele diamantinensis is a favorite among dwarf species keepers. By focusing on captive breeding efforts, we help ensure that this incredible species remains available in the hobby without the need for wild collection. Every successful breeding project strengthens the long-term sustainability of this species and contributes to ethical, responsible tarantula keeping.

Final Thoughts

The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty (Dolichothele diamantinensis) is a vibrant, fast-moving, and highly active species that is best suited for keepers looking for a small, web-heavy tarantula with striking coloration. While its speed and reclusive nature make it challenging to work with, its elaborate webbing, strong feeding response, and striking blue legs make it a highly rewarding display tarantula.

For keepers who enjoy observing intricate webbing behaviors and fast-paced feeding responses, D. diamantinensis is an excellent choice, provided that its humidity, ventilation, and enclosure security are carefully maintained. With proper care, this species will thrive in captivity, offering a beautiful yet challenging addition to any New World tarantula collection.

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 purchasing tarantulas online, 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.