Lasiocyano sazimai Care Guide

The Brazilian Blue Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Lasiocyano sazimai, formerly known as Pterinopelma sazimai, is a striking New World terrestrial tarantula with iridescent blue coloration. Endemic to Brazil, particularly the Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Chapada Diamantina regions, this species thrives in rocky, dry environments. While stunning, this tarantula is best suited for intermediate keepers due to its skittish nature, moderate speed, and occasional defensive behavior. If you’re looking for a visually impressive species that displays bold colors with a manageable temperament, L. sazimai is an excellent choice.

Taxonomy & Name Change

In 2023, taxonomic revisions led to Pterinopelma sazimai being reassigned to a newly established genus, Lasiocyano, based on molecular and morphological studies. The name Lasiocyano is derived from the Greek words "lasio-" (meaning hairy) and "cyano-" (meaning blue), referring to the species' distinctive blue iridescence and dense setae. The revision was part of an effort to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within the Theraphosidae family, as prior classifications placed Pterinopelma species under a broader category that was not fully supported by genetic evidence.

Quick Species Snapshot

Scientific Name: Lasiocyano sazimai
Common Name: Brazilian Blue Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial, Opportunistic Burrower
Native Range: Brazil – Bahia, Minas Gerais, and Chapada Diamantina region
Size: 5.5-6” diagonal leg span (14-16 cm)
Growth Rate: Medium
Life Expectancy: Not enough long-term data, but estimated 12-15 years for females, 4-5 years for males
Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate
Urticating Hairs: Yes
Venom Potency: Mild (not medically significant)

What Makes Lasiocyano sazimai Special?

This species stands out for its vibrant iridescent blue hues, which are most visible under bright lighting or after a fresh molt. The contrast between the metallic blues, deep blacks, and reddish-brown setae makes L. sazimai one of the most visually impressive tarantulas in the hobby. Unlike some other New World species, it lacks extreme defensiveness but can still be skittish and quick when startled.

A Species at Risk

Lasiocyano sazimai is considered endangered in its native habitat due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and illegal collection for the pet trade. If you plan to acquire one, always purchase from reputable breeders who provide captive-bred specimens rather than contributing to the illegal removal of wild populations.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Lasiocyano sazimai, formerly known as Pterinopelma sazimai, is a New World terrestrial tarantula that has become highly sought after in the hobby due to its stunning metallic blue coloration and relatively docile temperament. Originally described by Bertani, Nagahama, and Fukushima in 2011, this species was recently reclassified into the Lasiocyano genus, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revisions within Brazilian tarantulas.

The genus name Lasiocyano combines Latin and Greek elements, with “Lasio” meaning “hairy” and “Cyano” referring to its blue coloration, a defining characteristic of this species. The species name sazimai honors Dr. Ivan Sazima, a Brazilian zoologist known for his contributions to the study of South American wildlife.

Natural Range & Habitat

Lasiocyano sazimai is endemic to Brazil, specifically found in the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes, which are characterized by seasonally dry forests, rocky outcrops, and open savannas. Unlike many tropical species, L. sazimai thrives in semi-arid conditions, where it adapts to fluctuating temperatures and moderate humidity levels.

This species is an opportunistic burrower, using rock crevices, fallen logs, or existing burrows as shelter rather than digging extensive tunnels. Its ability to tolerate drier conditions makes it relatively hardy in captivity, though proper ventilation and occasional misting are still beneficial.

Behavior & Temperament

Despite its Old World appearance due to its vivid blue coloration, Lasiocyano sazimai is a New World tarantula and possesses urticating hairs as its primary defense. It is generally considered calm but skittish, preferring to retreat rather than stand its ground when disturbed. However, individual temperaments may vary, with some displaying mild defensive behaviors.

This species is known for its strong feeding response, often lunging at prey with impressive speed. While it may occasionally burrow or create webbed retreats, it is commonly seen out in the open, making it an excellent display tarantula.

Housing & Substrate – Terrestrial 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). We recommend enclosures by Tarantula Cribs for their safety and quality.

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

• Humidity: Maintain slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or dripping water down the side weekly.

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: I recommend using Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, filling the enclosure about halfway to allow for burrowing while maintaining room for movement.

• Humidity: Keep part of the substrate slightly damp while allowing the rest to dry out between waterings to prevent mold.

• Additional Features: Provide a cork bark hide, a shallow water dish, and a few anchor points for webbing.

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 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior).

• Substrate: Line the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude, filling it about halfway to provide burrowing opportunities while reducing fall risks.

• Additional Features: A secure hide, water dish, and tasteful decorations should be included. Enclosures should be more horizontal than vertical to prevent injury from falls.

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Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Maintain between 70-78°F (21-25°C).

• Humidity: Moderate; allow the lower layers of substrate to remain slightly damp while keeping the top dry. A full water dish should always be available.

• Ventilation: Good airflow is important to prevent mold and maintain proper humidity balance.

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 Lasiocyano sazimai in Captivity

Breeding Lasiocyano sazimai (Brazilian Blue Tarantula) is achievable with proper preparation and attention to environmental conditions. This species is known for its striking blue coloration and moderate size, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

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

• Female Maturity: Females reach reproductive maturity around 3–4 years, generally exhibiting a larger and more robust build compared to males.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to reduce the risk of cannibalism. Some breeders have observed higher success rates when slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing.

Mating Process

• Introduce the male into the female’s enclosure during the evening or nighttime when tarantulas are more active.

• The male will typically perform a courtship display, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond with similar behaviors or remain still, allowing the male to approach and attempt copulation.

• After successful mating, promptly remove the male to prevent potential aggression from the female.

Egg Sac Production

• If fertilized, the female may produce an egg sac 4–6 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with humidity levels between 65–75%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain 600 to 1,000 eggs, making this species highly productive when breeding is successful.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders opt to remove the egg sac from the female after 30–40 days for artificial incubation.

• If left with the mother, spiderlings (slings) will typically emerge within 6–8 weeks and undergo their first molt to the second instar stage within 3–4 weeks thereafter.

Raising Spiderlings

• L. sazimai spiderlings are known for their moderate growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient substrate to accommodate their burrowing behavior and include structures for web attachment.

• Feed them appropriately sized prey, such as pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies, every 2–3 days to support healthy development.

Challenges & Considerations

• Skittish Behavior: L. sazimai can be nervous and prone to rapid movements when startled.

• Environmental Sensitivity: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation.

• Male Longevity: Males typically have a short lifespan post-maturity, so breeding attempts should be made as soon as possible.

Lasiocyano sazimai is one of the most visually striking tarantulas in the hobby, and its limited natural range makes captive breeding especially important. By focusing on breeding in captivity, we ensure that this stunning species remains available without impacting wild populations. Every successful breeding project helps strengthen the hobby and supports the long-term sustainability of L. sazimai for future generations.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about Lasiocyano sazimai. That deep blue iridescence, the way their colors shift in the light—it’s no surprise they’re one of the most sought-after blue tarantulas in the hobby. They’ve got just the right balance of boldness and secrecy, sometimes hanging out in the open and other times retreating into their burrow like little escape artists. Their medium growth rate makes them fun to raise, and once they hit adulthood, they’re absolutely stunning. If you’re up for the challenge of an opportunistic burrower with some attitude, this species is a rewarding addition to any collection.

Additional Recommendations (a small commission helps support The Tarantula Collective):

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

• For substrate and bioactive supplies, use Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• For tarantula purchases, visit Spider Shoppe (use code TTC10 for 10% off).

• For more dealer discounts, visit the Dealer & Discounts section on my website.