Greenbottle Blue Tarantula (often abbreviated as GBB)
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Theraphosidae (Tarantulas), Order Araneae. Characterized by hairy bodies and downward-pointing fangs (Mygalomorphae).
Physical Description
A robust, medium-sized tarantula featuring a distinct three-color scheme. It has a metallic blue-green carapace, a bright orange abdomen covered in sensitive hairs (setae), and deep metallic blue legs. Its body is densely covered in fine hairs.
Size Estimate
Adults typically reach a diagonal leg span of 4.5 to 6 inches (11–15 cm). This specimen appears to be a sub-adult or adult based on the vibrancy of the adult coloration.
Coloration & Markings
Striking tricolor pattern: the cephalothorax is teal/blue-green, the abdomen is vivid orange/burnt sienna, and the legs are a cobalt or navy blue. Spiderlings look drastically different, with pink legs and a black-and-gold tiger-striped abdomen.
Web Type
Extensive funnel-like silk retreats. Unlike many tarantulas that stay in burrows, this species is a heavy webber, coating its entire habitat in thick, white laboratory-like silk sheets.
Eye Arrangement
Small ocular tubercle located at the front-center of the carapace containing eight eyes clustered closely together, typical of the Theraphosidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, thick legs covered in sensory hairs. The blue coloration is most intense on the femora. They possess scopulae (dense adhesive hair pads) on the feet for climbing surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Mildly venomous. The venom is not considered medically significant to healthy humans, roughly comparable to a bee sting in terms of localized pain and swelling.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. The primary defense is urticating hairs, which cause skin and eye irritation. Bites are rare and usually result in transient pain. Seek medical attention only if an allergic reaction occurs.
Safety Recommendations
If kept as a pet, use long tongs for maintenance to avoid startling the spider. If encountered in the wild, observe from a distance. Do not handle, as the urticating hairs can cause intense itching.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Endemic to the Paraguaná Peninsula in Falcón state, Venezuela. They thrive in xeric (desert) shrublands and dry deciduous forests.
Behavior & Temperament
Known for being skittish and fast rather than aggressive. They are 'display spiders' that spend much of their time out on their webbing. If threatened, they prefer to retreat or flick urticating hairs from their abdomen.
Diet & Prey
Generalist insectivores. In the wild, they eat crickets, roaches, beetles, and occasionally small vertebrates. They are ambush predators that sense vibrations through their heavy webbing.
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in their tropical desert climate, but mating activity often peaks following periods of humidity or rain.
Description
The Greenbottle Blue is one of the most visually stunning arachnids in the world. Often described as a 'jewel of the desert,' it is highly prized by hobbyists for its vibrant colors, active web-building, and relative hardiness in dry conditions.
Key Features
Teal carapace, orange abdomen, blue legs, and a tendency to create massive, intricate silk tunnels and mats.
Similar Species
Few spiders share this specific tricolor palette. It may be confused with other blue tarantulas like Pterinochilus sazimai, but the orange abdomen of the GBB is a diagnostic separator.
Life Cycle
Females can live 12–14 years; males live significantly shorter lives (3–4 years). Females produce egg sacs containing 50-100 spiderlings. They grow relatively quickly compared to other tarantula species.
Ecological Importance
As an apex invertebrate predator in its restricted range, it controls populations of insects and helps maintain the balance of the Paraguaná xeric scrub ecosystem.
Conservation Status
Not currently listed by the IUCN, but its limited geographic range makes it vulnerable to habitat destruction and illegal over-collection for the pet trade.
Interesting Facts
Despite their bright colors, they are perfectly camouflaged in their native environment of dry scrub and colorful desert flora. They are one of the few tarantulas that significantly change color as they mature.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens to capture the metallic sheen of the carapace. Best photographed in indirect natural light to prevent the 'blowout' of the reflective blue scales.
Identified: 2026-03-15T18:33:03.364883