Blue Foot Baboon
Idiothele mira
The Idiothele mira, universally known as 'Blue Foot Baboon'. Unique, unmistakable African tarantula (3.9 inches legspan). Its distinctive trait is stunning: on a sand/gold colored body and legs, the four front tarsi ('the feet') show off a dazzling and unreal metallic Light Blue/Sapphire Blue color, which the spider exhibits by raising its legs. In addition to the color, it is famous for being the only tarantula in the world, together with I. nigrofulva, to build a perfectly camouflaged dirt and web 'trapdoor'. Very fast, venomous and ingeniously lethal, it is a behavioral jewel for experts.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
60 - 70 %
Température diurne
24 - 28 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 22 °C
Description de l'espèce
Geographic Origin and Habitat: The World Spider Catalog records South Africa as the distribution of Idiothele mira. This recovery adds no habitat characterization beyond that verified distribution.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The World Spider Catalog lists Idiothele mira Gallon, 2010 as an accepted species in the genus Idiothele, family Theraphosidae.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural claim.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery adds no morphological or sexual-dimorphism claim.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: SANBI reports that Idiothele mira is terrestrial and constructs densely silk-lined tunnels or cells beneath rocks and logs in lightly wooded habitats; the burrow can be up to 25 cm deep, running shallowly and obliquely to the soil surface. This is a natural-history observation, not a terrarium specification.
Lighting and Heating: This recovery does not establish lighting or heating parameters.
Humidity and Hydration: This recovery does not establish humidity or hydration parameters.
Feeding and Supplementation: This recovery does not establish feeding or supplementation guidance.
Compatibility and Coexistence: This recovery does not establish cohabitation guidance.
Health and Common Diseases: This recovery does not establish health, clinical, or veterinary guidance.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Cette espèce provient de : Africa (Savane e boscaglie aride del Sudafrica).
Origine
Afrique et Madagascar
Profil d'invertébré terrestre
- Régime alimentaire
- Insectivore
- The diet of Idiothele mira primarily consists of appropriately sized live insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. In the wild, they are opportunistic ambush predators that will take down any prey they can overpower. Feeding should occur once or twice a week depending on the size and age of the individual. It is important to remove any uneaten prey after 24 hours to prevent stress or injury to the tarantula. Fresh water must also be available at all times in a shallow dish.
- Taille adulte
- 11 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Fossorial
- The lifestyle of Idiothele mira revolves around creating and maintaining a suitable retreat, whether that be a deep burrow or an intricate web structure. Terrestrial species will spend significant time digging and moving substrate to form a comfortable living space. Arboreal types, on the other hand, will construct silken tubes hidden among foliage or bark. They lead highly solitary lives and will generally not tolerate the presence of other individuals in their territory outside of mating. A well-designed enclosure that mimics their specific natural habitat is essential for their overall well-being.
- Cycle d'activité
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Idiothele mira is predominantly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. As dusk approaches, they typically emerge from their retreats to actively forage for food or wait in ambush. During the daylight hours, they prefer to remain hidden in dark, secure hiding spots to avoid predators and extreme temperatures. Maintaining a proper day-night light cycle in the enclosure helps regulate their natural circadian rhythms. Observing them under a dim red light at night can provide fascinating insights into their natural habits.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- This highly specialized species is completely solitary and aggressively territorial regarding its burrow. They must always be housed individually, as any attempt to force them into a communal living situation will invariably result in severe stress, violent territorial conflicts, and ultimately the death of one or both spiders.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Idiothele mira typically involves a delicate courtship process where the male drums on the ground to signal his presence to the female. Once the female accepts, the male carefully approaches to transfer sperm using his pedipalps. After a successful mating, the female will construct an egg sac containing anywhere from fifty to several hundred eggs, depending on the species size. Incubation lasts for several weeks, during which the female fiercely guards the sac. Eventually, the spiderlings emerge and will soon disperse to begin their solitary lives.
- Venimeux
- Yes
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Expert only
- Handling Idiothele mira should generally be kept to an absolute minimum to avoid causing unnecessary stress to the animal. Tarantulas are fragile creatures that can suffer fatal injuries from even a short fall. If manipulation is required for enclosure maintenance or rehousing, using a catch cup or the soft paintbrush method is highly recommended. Direct handling carries the risk of getting bitten or exposed to irritating urticating hairs. Prioritizing observation over interaction ensures the safety of both the keeper and the spider.
- Brumation
- Non requise
- True brumation is not typically observed in Idiothele mira, but they may experience a period of reduced activity during cooler winter months. During this time, they might retreat deeper into their burrows and significantly decrease their food intake. It is important to avoid overfeeding and to carefully monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure they remain within safe parameters. Keepers should refrain from disturbing the spider to allow it to rest naturally. Normal activity and appetite will usually resume once ambient temperatures begin to rise again in the spring.
- Mue
- Regular
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Idiothele mira as it allows them to grow and regenerate lost appendages. Prior to a molt, the tarantula will often refuse food, become lethargic, and develop a dark patch on its abdomen. When the time comes, they will construct a molting mat of silk and flip onto their backs to begin extracting themselves from their old exoskeleton. Under no circumstances should they be disturbed or fed during this exhausting process. After molting, they need several days to weeks to fully harden their new fangs and body before they can eat again.
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