Singapore Blue Tarantula

Omothymus violaceopes Care Guide

The Singapore Blue Tarantula

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Omothymus violaceopes, commonly known as the Singapore Blue Tarantula, is a striking Old World arboreal species native to Singapore and Malaysia. This species is renowned for its incredible size, reaching up to 11 inches (28 cm) in diagonal leg span, and its striking coloration. Females display deep metallic blue legs with a light-colored carapace and a patterned abdomen, while males mature into a golden-green hue, exhibiting clear sexual dimorphism.

Despite its beauty, this is not a beginner-friendly species. O. violaceopes is incredibly fast, highly defensive when provoked, and possesses medically significant venom that can cause severe pain, muscle cramping, nausea, and headaches. Additionally, this species has specific humidity and temperature requirements, making proper husbandry essential. It is best suited for experienced keepers who are comfortable managing fast-moving Old World species with higher moisture needs.

Taxonomy & Research Update

Previously classified under the Lampropelma genus as Lampropelma violaceopes, this species was reclassified under the Omothymus genus based on morphological and genetic research. This revision aligns it with other large, Southeast Asian arboreal tarantulas, differentiating it from Lampropelma species that are more commonly fossorial or semi-arboreal.

The genus Omothymus includes large-bodied arboreal tarantulas from tropical rainforests, requiring high humidity and adequate vertical space. Ongoing research into Southeast Asian tarantulas continues to refine our understanding of their phylogenetic relationships.

Quick Species Snapshot

Scientific Name: Omothymus violaceopes (formerly Lampropelma violaceopes)
Common Name: Singapore Blue Tarantula
Type: Arboreal
Category: Old World
Native Range: Malaysia and Singapore
Size: Up to 11” diagonal leg span (28 cm)
Growth Rate: Fast
Life Expectancy:

• Females: Up to 14 years

• Males: Around 5 years

Recommended Experience Level: Advanced
Urticating Hairs: No
Venom Potency: High (medically significant, painful bites)

Taxonomy & Research Update

Omothymus violaceopes, commonly known as the Singapore Blue Tarantula, is a stunning and highly sought-after arboreal species native to Southeast Asia. Originally described by Abraham in 1924, this species was previously classified under the Lampropelma genus before being reclassified to Omothymus due to taxonomic revisions based on morphological differences and genetic studies.

Unlike many other arboreal species, O. violaceopes is known for its massive size, with some individuals reaching an impressive leg span of up to 10 inches (25 cm), making it one of the largest arboreal tarantulas in the world. This species’ vibrant blue and purple iridescent coloration, combined with its long, slender legs, has made it a prized specimen for experienced keepers.

What Makes Omothymus violaceopes So Special?

Few arboreal tarantulas can match the sheer elegance of O. violaceopes. This species exhibits a striking metallic blue sheen across its body and legs, with some individuals displaying deep violet or purplish hues under the right lighting. Unlike Poecilotheria species, which have more intricate patterns, O. violaceopes has a smooth, sleek appearance that emphasizes its vivid coloration.

Beyond its appearance, this species is known for its size and speed. It is one of the largest arboreal tarantulas, with exceptionally long legs that allow it to move at lightning speed when disturbed. While not typically defensive, O. violaceopes can be highly skittish and prone to bolting when provoked, making it a challenging species to work with. Its feeding response is also incredibly strong, often striking at prey with impressive speed and aggression.

Natural Habitat & Enclosure Considerations

In the wild, Omothymus violaceopes inhabits the dense, humid rainforests of Singapore, Malaysia, and surrounding regions. It is a deep burrowing arboreal species, meaning it takes advantage of both tree hollows and underground retreats for shelter. This semi-burrowing nature is unique among arboreal tarantulas and should be considered when setting up an enclosure.

For optimal care, this species requires a tall, well-ventilated enclosure with plenty of vertical climbing surfaces such as cork bark tubes, branches, and artificial foliage. A deep substrate layer (at least 4-6 inches) should also be provided to allow for burrowing, as juveniles, in particular, may dig into the substrate before transitioning to a more arboreal lifestyle as adults.

Humidity should be kept at moderate to high levels, with occasional misting to maintain moisture, but proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and stagnant conditions. A small water dish should always be available for hydration. Given the size and speed of this species, keepers should always exercise caution when performing enclosure maintenance.

A Species at Risk

While Omothymus violaceopes is not currently classified as an endangered species, its populations in the wild are declining due to habitat loss. The rapid deforestation of Southeast Asian rainforests for agriculture, logging, and urban expansion has significantly reduced the available habitat for this species, putting increasing pressure on wild populations.

Additionally, O. violaceopes has been subjected to overcollection for the pet trade, with wild-caught specimens still appearing in the market despite efforts to encourage captive breeding. The combination of habitat destruction and collection from the wild could lead to a more precarious conservation status in the future if protective measures are not implemented.

Ethical captive breeding efforts play a crucial role in reducing the demand for wild-caught individuals. Keepers who acquire Omothymus violaceopes should ensure they are purchasing captive-bred specimens from reputable sources to help protect the species in the wild. By supporting conservation efforts and responsible breeding, tarantula enthusiasts can contribute to the long-term sustainability of this extraordinary species.

For those experienced keepers looking for a stunning, fast-growing, and visually breathtaking arboreal tarantula, Omothymus violaceopes is an exceptional choice—but one that requires careful handling and respect for its natural behaviors.

Housing & Substrate

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Spiderlings

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

• Substrate: 2-4” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. They like to burrow when young, so you should let them.

• Decor: Vertical cork bark, foliage, sphagnum moss

• Water: Small dish or occasional misting

Juveniles

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

• Substrate: 2-4” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. Give them as much as you can fit while still having vertical space.

• Decor: Cork bark, secure hiding spots, artificial plants

• Water: Small water dish provided

Adults

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

• Substrate: 4-5” Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. Still give them substrate because they will burrow in the day and then climb around at night.

• Decor: Cork bark tubes, vertical branches, foliage

• Water: Larger water dish

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 Omothymus violaceopes in Captivity

Breeding Omothymus violaceopes (Singapore Blue Tarantula) in captivity presents unique challenges due to their specific environmental needs and temperament. However, with meticulous preparation and understanding of their natural behaviors, successful propagation is achievable.

Sexual Maturity & Pairing

• Male Maturity: Males typically reach maturity within 2–3 years, exhibiting longer legs and bulbous pedipalps for sperm transfer.

• Female Maturity: Females generally mature around 3–4 years, attaining a robust size indicative of reproductive readiness.

• Pre-Pairing Preparation: We should ensure the female is well-fed before introducing the male to minimize the risk of cannibalism. Slightly increasing humidity prior to pairing may encourage receptiveness.

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 courtship behaviors, such as tapping or drumming, to signal his presence.

• If receptive, the female may respond similarly 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 approximately 4–8 weeks after mating.

• Maintain temperatures around 75–85°F (24–29°C) with humidity levels between 70–80%, ensuring adequate ventilation to prevent mold growth.

• An egg sac can contain a substantial number of eggs, with reports indicating clutches ranging from 50 to 200 eggs.

Egg Sac Handling (Optional)

• Some breeders choose 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

• O. violaceopes spiderlings exhibit a fast growth rate and require stable humidity with proper ventilation.

• Provide enclosures with sufficient substrate to accommodate their burrowing behavior and include vertical structures for climbing and 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

• Temperament and Speed: O. violaceopes are known for their defensive nature and rapid movements. Caution is advised during maintenance to prevent escapes or bites.

• Humidity and Ventilation: Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial, as spiderlings are particularly susceptible to desiccation. Ensure enclosures are well-ventilated to prevent mold growth.

• Photosensitivity: This species tends to be highly sensitive to light and may remain hidden during daylight hours, becoming more active at night.

Final Thoughts

There’s no mistaking Omothymus violaceopes, that deep, metallic blue is absolutely striking, and their size only adds to their appeal. These tarantulas are fast, feisty, and full of personality, making them a fascinating choice for experienced keepers. If you’re looking for an impressive arboreal species with vibrant coloration and bold behavior, O. violaceopes is one that never fails to impress.

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