Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

🔤 Taxonomy

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is the currently accepted scientific name. In the hobby, the species is usually sold under the same scientific name rather than under a recently changed older combination.

English common names used in the hobby:

Green bottle blue tarantula
GBB tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

Gruene Blaue Schmuckvogelspinne
Green-Bottle-Blue-Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is a vividly colored New World tarantula known for its metallic blue legs, green carapace, and orange abdomen. It is one of the most visually striking species in the hobby and is also famous for heavy web production.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 12-15 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

It is best described as a dry-climate, heavy-webbing display tarantula with semi-arboreal habits. Juveniles and adults often create dense sheets and tunnels of silk that connect floor space, hides, and elevated anchor points.

This species is usually alert and fast. Although it is often recommended once a keeper understands basic tarantula care, it is not a handling species and should be managed calmly and with respect for its speed.

🌍 Distribution

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is native to the Paraguana Peninsula of Venezuela. In the wild it is associated with very dry thorn scrub, cactus-rich vegetation, webbed retreats and strong airflow.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

a low terrestrial enclosure with more floor space than height
enough substrate for digging or reshaping a retreat
dry to moderately dry surface conditions with a water dish available
strong ventilation and stable warm room temperatures
fall prevention, because heavy terrestrial tarantulas are easily injured

Range map

⚖️ Legal status

No current CITES listing or specific EU wildlife trade annex listing was found for Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens in the official sources checked for this article. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, breeding, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals from reputable sources remain the safest choice.

🤌 Husbandry

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens should be housed alone in a secure enclosure.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Good basic husbandry includes:

Very good ventilation
Dry substrate
Cork bark, branches, and web anchors
A water dish
Enough structure for both ground use and elevated silk construction

An adult is often kept in an enclosure around 30 x 20 x 20 cm or larger. The setup should not be dangerously tall, but it should provide more structure than many heavy-bodied terrestrial tarantulas need.

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal room day-night cycle is enough.

Strong lamps are unnecessary and can overheat or dry the enclosure too aggressively.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

Daytime: around 24-29°C
Night: a small drop is acceptable

Prolonged cold can reduce feeding and activity. Prolonged overheating can quickly create dangerous dehydration and stress.

If extra heat is required, warming the room is safer than adding intense direct heat to a small enclosure.

💧 Humidity and water

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens usually does best in mostly dry conditions with constant access to fresh water. The substrate should not be kept wet for long periods.

Practical points:

Keep most of the enclosure dry
Provide a clean water dish at all times
Avoid heavy routine spraying
Maintain strong airflow

For many keepers, moderate ambient humidity is enough if ventilation is good and water is always available.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

This species uses both floor space and elevated structure, especially for webbing. A useful setup often includes dry substrate, a hide, and several anchor points such as cork bark, branches, or artificial plants.

Useful enclosure elements include:

Cork bark hide
Branches or twigs for silk attachment
Dry substrate
Open front area for feeding observation
Secure lid and good ventilation

The enclosure often becomes heavily webbed over time. That webbing is normal and should not be removed excessively.

🪳 Feeding

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is insectivorous. Suitable staple prey includes:

Crickets
Roaches
Locusts where available
Mealworms or superworms only occasionally

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Prey should not be left in the enclosure when the spider is in premolt or actively molting.

🩺 Common problems

The most common problems are linked to excess moisture, poor ventilation, dehydration from neglected water access, bad molts, and injuries during rehousing.

Warning signs include:

Persistent refusal to eat with visible decline
Lethargy in a damp stale setup
Repeated wall climbing in unsuitable conditions
Wrinkled abdomen
Failed molt or limbs stuck in old exoskeleton

A tarantula on its back is often molting and should not be disturbed. If there is severe dehydration, visible injury, leaking hemolymph, or a failed molt, seek experienced exotic-veterinary help where available.

📌 Conclusion

Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is one of the classic brightly colored display tarantulas in the hobby. It thrives best with warmth, strong ventilation, mostly dry conditions, fresh water, and a structure-rich enclosure that allows heavy webbing.

📚 Sources and further reading

CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable