Melopoeus lividus

🔤 Taxonomy

Melopoeus lividus is the currently accepted scientific name. In older hobby material, the species was very widely encountered as Haplopelma lividum.

The latest rename that hobbyists most often encounter is:

• Haplopelma lividum -> Melopoeus lividus (current accepted placement)
• Cyriopagopus lividus -> Melopoeus lividus (World Spider Catalog, 2026)

English common names used in the hobby:

• Cobalt blue tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Kobaltblaue Vogelspinne

📌 Description

Melopoeus lividus is a famous Old World Asian tarantula known for deep cobalt-blue legs and a strongly defensive fossorial lifestyle. It is not a handling species and spends much of its time inside the burrow.

Adult size is usually about 5-6 cm body length and about 12-14 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

Its appeal is based on color, webbing, and burrow structure rather than on constant visibility.

☠️ Venom

Melopoeus lividus should be treated as a medically significant tarantula. A bite can cause intense local pain, swelling and, in some cases, wider symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, nausea, dizziness or prolonged discomfort.

Routine pet care does not use a species-specific antivenom for these bites. Avoid handling, work the enclosure so contact is unlikely, and seek medical advice after a serious bite, allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, spreading symptoms, or any bite involving a child or vulnerable person.

🌍 Distribution

Melopoeus lividus is native to mainland Southeast Asia, especially Myanmar and Thailand. In the wild it is associated with humid monsoon forest soils and deep self-made burrows.

The care setup should reflect those conditions with:

• a low terrestrial enclosure with deep, shape-holding substrate
• a secure hide and room to retreat below the surface
• moderate humidity with good ventilation, not stale wet substrate
• fresh water always available
• fall prevention and calm maintenance

⚖️ Legal status

As checked against current official CITES and EU wildlife-trade references on 2026-06-03, no current CITES listing or species-specific EU Annex listing was found for Melopoeus lividus. The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe.

Local rules on import, sale, transport, and proof of legal origin may still apply. Captive-bred animals are preferable.

🤌 Husbandry

This species should be kept alone in a secure fossorial setup. An adult is often kept in a terrestrial enclosure with substantial substrate depth rather than in a decorative arboreal setup.

Start slings in small, escape-proof containers where prey, molts, and hydration can be checked easily, then move them up in stages as they grow.

Useful basics include:

• Deep packed substrate
• A started burrow
• Good lid security
• Good ventilation
• Low disturbance

💡 Lighting

Tarantulas do not need specialist lighting; a regular room day-night rhythm is enough.

Bright lighting is usually unnecessary and may keep the spider hidden even more.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Suitable approximate temperatures are:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: around 20-24°C

Moderate consistent warmth works better than overheating.

💧 Humidity and water

This species is usually kept with some retained moisture in part of the substrate and constant access to water.

Useful principles:

• Lower layers slightly moist
• Upper layers not swampy
• Water dish present
• Steady airflow

Constant saturation is dangerous, but completely dry substrate is also not ideal.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

The enclosure should prioritize substrate depth and burrow security.

Useful elements include:

• Deep compact substrate
• Cork bark starter tunnel
• A water bowl
• Minimal stable decor

Height is much less important than a safe underground retreat.

🪳 Feeding

Melopoeus lividus is insectivorous.

Suitable foods include:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Other suitable feeder insects of safe size

Spiderlings usually eat every few days, juveniles once or twice a week, and adults roughly every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

Prey is often taken from the burrow entrance. Uneaten prey should not be left to disturb a molting spider.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include collapse of poor substrate, dehydration from neglected water access, overly wet stagnant setups, overheating, and escape risk during maintenance.

Warning signs include:

• Constant stress posture near the surface
• Wrinkled abdomen
• Weak movement
• Failed molt
• Visible collapse of the retreat area

This is a fast defensive species, so maintenance should stay controlled and minimal.

📌 Conclusion

Melopoeus lividus is a classic fossorial display tarantula for keepers who value color and burrow behavior more than visibility. Success depends on deep stable substrate, moderate humidity, fresh water, and careful low-disturbance maintenance.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices, checked 2026-06-03
• EU wildlife trade regulations overview, checked 2026-06-03
• World Spider Catalog: Melopoeus lividus