Cobalt blue tarantula
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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Cobalt blue tarantula | image = Haplopelma_lividum1.jpg | image_width = 200px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Arthropoda | classis = Arachnida | ordo = Araneae | familia = Theraphosidae | genus = Haplopelma | species = H. lividum | binomial = Haplopelma lividum | binomial_authority = Smith, 1996 }}
The cobalt blue tarantula (Haplopelma lividum) is a tarantula species that is native to Burma and Thailand. Like most Asian tarantulas, it is quite aggressive. As a result, it should only be kept as a pet by experienced and well-informed tarantula enthusiasts.
This species is also an avid burrower and generally very shy. They do not possess urticating hairs, so rely more on biting for defense.
Typical care for this species requires 6 to 8 inches of substrate and a preformed burrow near the glass if you ever want a chance to observe it. However once they are comfortable in their new home they will tend to spin a large amount of webbing and obscure vision. They are largely regarded as a "pet hole" wherein you toss a few crickets now and then, which are consumed without the tarantula leaving its burrow.
While popular for its brilliantly blue coloring, one must remember that these tarantulas must be treated as living art and never handled. They are extremely aggressive and possess a painful bite.
References
- Smith, A. M. (1996). A new species of Haplopelma (Araneae: Theraphosidae), with notes on two close relatives. Mygalomorph 1:21-32.
- Photos of Haplopelma lividum.