Greenbottle Blue Tarantula, GBB
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Theraphosidae, Order Araneae
Physical Description
A stocky, medium-sized tarantula with a distinctly hirsute (hairy) texture. It has a metallic blue-green cephalothorax and a large, bulbous abdomen covered in bright orange or reddish urticating hairs.
Size Estimate
This specimen appears to be a juvenile to sub-adult with a leg span of approximately 3-4 inches; adults typically reach a leg span of 4.5-6 inches.
Coloration & Markings
Striking tri-color pattern: metallic blue legs, a turquoise or teal cephalothorax, and a vibrant orange abdomen. Spiderlings look different, featuring a 'tiger-stripe' pattern on a pinkish-orange abdomen with dark legs.
Web Type
Extensive funnel-web/curtain web. Unlike most tarantulas, they are 'heavy webbers' that create complex silk tunnels and sheets across the ground and low vegetation.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes clustered on a small raised tubercle (the ocular tubercle) on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of Mygalomorphs.
Leg Characteristics
Sturdy, moderately long legs covered in vibrant blue setae (hairs). They possess well-developed tarsal claws and scopulae (dense hair pads) for gripping surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Mildly venomous (typical of most New World tarantulas). Venom is used to liquefy prey and and is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Low danger. Bites are comparable to a bee sting. The primary medical concern is the urticating hairs, which can cause severe itching, skin rashes, or eye irritation.
Safety Recommendations
Handle with care or avoid handling to prevent urticating hair irritation. If keeping as a pet, use long tongs for feeding and maintenance. Use tape to remove urticating hairs from skin.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Endemic to the Paraguan! Peninsula in Falc%n state, Venezuela. They thrive in xeric (dry) scrublands and acacia forests.
Behavior & Temperament
Opportunistic, semi-arboreal, and very active. While generally skittish rather than aggressive, they are known for their speed and tendency to flick urticating hairs if threatened.
Diet & Prey
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, and occasionally small vertebrates. They sense prey through vibrations on their extensive webbing.
Seasonal Activity
In captivity, they are active year-round. In the wild, activity peaks during the rainy season when prey is more abundant.
Description
The Greenbottle Blue is one of the most stunning arachnids in the world. Known for its brilliant blue legs and orange abdomen, it is a favorite among hobbyists for its beauty and the dramatic silken fortresses it constructs.
Key Features
Unique color combination of blue legs, green/blue carapace, and orange abdomen; heavy webbing behavior; distinct juvenile 'tiger' markings.
Similar Species
Cyriocosmus species (for juveniles) or Caribena laeta, but the specific combination of blue and orange in C. cyaneopubescens is unique.
Life Cycle
Females can live 12-15 years, while males live 3-4 years. After mating, females produce an egg sac containing 100-200 spiderlings that go through several molts to reach maturity.
Ecological Importance
Act as significant apex predators within their micro-ecosystem, controlling populations of various insects and contributing to the biodiversity of the Paraguan! Peninsula.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but potentially threatened by habitat destruction and over-collection for the pet trade.
Interesting Facts
Despite their bright colors, they are perfectly camouflaged in the shadows of the thorny Venezuelan scrubland. They are one of the few tarantulas that stay out in the open on their webs during the day.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens to capture the metallic sheen of the carapace. Best photographed under natural light or high-CRI LEDs to ensure the blue and orange colors don't appear washed out.
Identified: 2026-07-06T20:20:34.703423