Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
Typhochlaena seladonia
The Typhochlaena seladonia, universally revered as the 'Brazilian Jewel Tarantula'. It is a tiny arboreal tarantula (barely 2-2.3 inches legspan) unanimously considered the Holy Grail and the most colorful and expensive spider in the world. Its entire body is an incredible fluorescent palette: black and bright pink legs, metallic blue/green iridescent carapace and a black, red and yellow mosaic decorated abdomen. Unique in its ethology: it builds tiny 'arboreal trapdoors' by detaching pieces of bark and assembling them with web on the walls of trees. Incredibly fragile, delicate and very rare in captivity, it requires very expert keepers.
Ambiente
Terrestre
Umidade
70 - 80 %
Temperatura diurna
22 - 26 °C
Temperatura noturna
20 - 22 °C
Descrição da espécie
Geographic Origin and Habitat: The World Spider Catalog records Brazil as the distribution of Typhochlaena seladonia. This recovery adds no habitat characterization beyond that verified distribution.
Taxonomy and Genetics: The World Spider Catalog lists Typhochlaena seladonia (C. L. Koch, 1841) as an accepted species in the genus Typhochlaena, family Theraphosidae.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural claim.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery adds no morphological or sexual-dimorphism claim.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Typhochlaena seladonia must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Esta espécie é originária de: Sud America (Foreste atlantiche umide del Brasile, regione di Sergipe e Bahia).
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifesExtra-Amazônica América do Sul
Perfil de invertebrados terrestres
- Dieta
- Insectivore
- The diet of Typhochlaena seladonia 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.
- Tamanho adulto
- 6.35 cm
- Estilo de vida/Microhabitat
- Arboreal
- The lifestyle of Typhochlaena seladonia 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.
- Ciclo de atividades
- Nocturnal
- The activity pattern of Typhochlaena seladonia 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.
- Socialidade
- Solitary
- This highly specialized arboreal trapdoor spider is entirely solitary and extremely territorial regarding its carefully constructed home. They must strictly be housed individually at all times to completely prevent severe stress, territorial disputes, and the inevitable reality of fatal cannibalism that would undoubtedly occur in any communal setup.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Reproduction in Typhochlaena seladonia 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.
- Venenoso
- Yes
- Tolerância de tratamento
- Display only
- Handling Typhochlaena seladonia 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.
- Brumação
- Não obrigatório
- True brumation is not typically observed in Typhochlaena seladonia, 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.
- Muda
- Periodic
- The molting process is a critical and vulnerable time for Typhochlaena seladonia 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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