Brazilian Jewel Tarantula Overview
The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is a stunning and increasingly popular pet tarantula, admired for its vibrant colors and relatively docile temperament. Native to the rainforests of Brazil, these spiders are known for their iridescent blue and green coloration, which shimmers in the light. Keeping a Brazilian Jewel Tarantula can be a rewarding experience for arachnid enthusiasts, but it requires careful planning and dedicated care. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to create a suitable environment, feed your tarantula properly, handle it safely, and address any health concerns that may arise. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula thrives in captivity, offering you years of fascinating observation and enjoyment.
Appearance and Characteristics
Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas are visually striking spiders, particularly the mature females, which display a brilliant array of colors. Their carapace often exhibits shades of iridescent blue or green, while their legs and abdomen can range from a deep, velvety black to a lighter, brownish hue. These colors are not just for show; they serve as a form of camouflage and communication in their natural habitat. The size of a Brazilian Jewel Tarantula typically ranges from 3 to 5 inches in leg span. They are a terrestrial species, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground or in burrows. Their relatively small size and vibrant colors make them a favorite among tarantula keepers, who appreciate their beauty and manageable size. The males, on the other hand, often have a less vibrant coloration and a smaller build.
Habitat and Natural Behavior
In the wild, Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas inhabit the humid rainforests of Brazil. They are typically found in burrows or under the cover of leaf litter, where they can ambush prey. These tarantulas are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active during the night to hunt for insects and other small invertebrates. Their natural environment is characterized by high humidity and moderate temperatures, which are essential for their survival. Understanding their natural behavior is crucial for replicating a suitable environment in captivity. They are ambush predators, meaning they wait for prey to come within striking distance rather than actively hunting them. They are generally considered to be a docile species, but they can still exhibit defensive behaviors like flicking urticating hairs if they feel threatened.
Creating the Ideal Habitat
Creating an ideal habitat is paramount to the health and well-being of your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula. Providing the right environment will not only ensure their survival but also allow them to exhibit their natural behaviors. The setup should mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible, with attention paid to enclosure size, substrate, temperature, and humidity. Proper habitat design also minimizes stress and promotes a sense of security for the tarantula, making them more comfortable and less prone to defensive behaviors. Setting up the habitat is a one-time investment, but maintaining it requires regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal conditions.
Choosing the Right Enclosure
The enclosure should be large enough to allow the tarantula to move around comfortably but not so large that it feels exposed and stressed. For a juvenile Brazilian Jewel Tarantula, a terrarium of 10 gallons (approximately 20 x 10 x 12 inches) is sufficient. As they grow, you will need to upgrade to a larger enclosure, such as a 20-gallon tank or larger. The enclosure should be made of clear glass or plastic to allow for easy observation. The lid should be secure and well-ventilated to prevent escape while maintaining proper humidity levels. Ensure there are no gaps that the tarantula can squeeze through. Avoid enclosures with screen tops, as they can make it difficult to maintain adequate humidity.
Substrate and Decor
The substrate, or bedding, in the enclosure serves several purposes: it helps to retain humidity, provides a surface for the tarantula to walk on, and allows them to burrow if they choose. A good substrate choice for Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas is a mix of peat moss, coco fiber, and a bit of vermiculite. This combination provides excellent moisture retention and allows the tarantula to dig and create a burrow. The substrate should be deep enough, about 4-6 inches deep, to allow for burrowing. Decorate the enclosure with cork bark, artificial plants, and other elements to provide hiding places and enrich the environment. Avoid sharp or abrasive materials that could injure the tarantula.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintaining the correct temperature and humidity is critical for the health of your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula. The ideal temperature range is between 75-85°F (24-29°C). You can use a heat mat placed on the side of the enclosure, not underneath, to provide gentle heat. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the enclosure. Humidity levels should be kept between 70-80%. You can measure humidity using a hygrometer. To increase humidity, mist the enclosure with dechlorinated water a few times a week, or as needed, to maintain these levels. Proper ventilation is important to prevent mold and mildew, but it must be balanced with maintaining adequate humidity.
Feeding Your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
Feeding your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is a straightforward process, but it’s important to get it right to ensure their health and growth. Providing the right type and amount of food, along with proper hydration, are key to their well-being. Young tarantulas require more frequent feedings than adults, and their diet should be adjusted accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to health issues, while underfeeding can stunt their growth or cause them to become stressed. Observing your tarantula’s behavior and appetite will help you fine-tune their feeding schedule.
What to Feed
The primary diet for Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas consists of insects. Crickets, mealworms, and roaches are excellent options. Varying the diet helps to provide a balanced intake of nutrients. Make sure the insects are gut-loaded before feeding them to your tarantula. Gut-loading involves feeding the insects nutritious food items, such as fruits, vegetables, and commercial insect food, which helps to fortify their nutritional value. Avoid feeding your tarantula wild-caught insects, as they may carry parasites or pesticides. Dusting the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements can also benefit their health, especially for growing tarantulas.
Feeding Frequency
Feeding frequency depends on the age and size of your tarantula. Spiderlings and juvenile tarantulas should be fed 2-3 times per week. Adults can be fed once a week or every other week. Observe your tarantula’s abdomen; if it appears swollen, they have likely eaten enough. Remove any uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent stress and potential harm to the tarantula. During molting, the tarantula will refuse food. Do not offer food during this period, as it can stress the tarantula and interfere with the molting process. After molting, wait a few days before feeding them to allow their new exoskeleton to harden.
Water and Hydration
Providing access to fresh water is crucial for hydration. A shallow water dish should be placed in the enclosure. Use a water dish that is shallow enough to prevent the tarantula from drowning. Change the water regularly to keep it clean and free from debris. In addition to the water dish, misting the enclosure can also help maintain humidity levels. Ensure that the water you use is dechlorinated to avoid harming your tarantula. Some keepers also provide a water source, like a wet sponge, for smaller tarantulas to prevent drowning.
Handling and Interaction
Handling a Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is possible, but it should be done with caution and respect for the animal. They are generally considered to be less aggressive than some other tarantula species, but it’s still crucial to understand their behavior and practice safe handling techniques. Handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid stressing the tarantula. If you choose to handle your tarantula, be prepared and avoid any sudden movements. Building a positive and safe interaction with your tarantula requires patience, understanding, and a calm approach.
Safe Handling Practices
Before handling, ensure the tarantula is calm and not showing signs of stress. Avoid handling during or shortly after molting. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling, as tarantulas can be sensitive to chemicals and odors. Handle your tarantula over a soft surface, such as a bed or the ground, to minimize the risk of injury if it falls. Be mindful of your movements and avoid sudden gestures. Never try to grab or force the tarantula; let it crawl onto your hand. If the tarantula appears agitated or defensive, it’s best to leave it alone. If a tarantula drops, do not try to catch it. Let it land on the soft surface.
Understanding Tarantula Behavior
Understanding tarantula behavior is key to safe handling. Pay attention to the tarantula’s body language. If the tarantula raises its front legs, it is a sign of defense. If the tarantula flicks its urticating hairs from its abdomen, it is a warning sign to back off. Defensive postures, such as rearing up or displaying fangs, should be respected. If a tarantula starts to move quickly or attempts to escape, it may be stressed. Always handle with slow, deliberate movements. Over time, you may develop a sense of your tarantula’s temperament and be able to anticipate its behavior, but always prioritize safety.
Common Health Issues and Prevention
Like any pet, Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas can experience health issues. However, with proper care and preventative measures, many of these issues can be avoided. Regular observation, understanding the signs of illness, and taking appropriate action can help ensure your tarantula lives a long and healthy life. Prevention is key to maintaining the health of your tarantula, focusing on the environment, diet, and minimizing stress. By observing your tarantula, you can catch potential problems early and seek appropriate treatment.
Recognizing Signs of Illness
Keep a close eye on your tarantula for any signs of illness. These include loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty walking, tremors, or abnormal posture. Other symptoms include a swollen abdomen (which can be caused by parasites), or any unusual discharge. If the tarantula appears to have a wound, treat it immediately with antiseptic. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian experienced in treating exotic animals. Early detection and intervention can often improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Preventative Care
Proper preventative care can significantly reduce the risk of health problems. Ensure that the enclosure is clean and well-maintained. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and mold. Provide a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. Maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure. Regularly check the tarantula for any signs of illness or injury. Quarantine any new tarantulas before introducing them to your existing collection to prevent the spread of diseases. If you are unsure about any aspect of your tarantula’s health, do not hesitate to seek advice from a qualified veterinarian specializing in exotic animals. Consistent and attentive care will help keep your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula healthy and thriving.
Breeding Your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
Breeding Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas is a rewarding, but also a challenging, endeavor. Successful breeding requires careful planning, knowledge of the species’ breeding behaviors, and the ability to provide the right environment for both the adults and the spiderlings. It is important to have a good understanding of tarantula mating before attempting to breed them. Only experienced keepers should consider breeding, as it requires specific knowledge, equipment, and commitment.
Sexing Your Tarantula
Before breeding, you must be able to determine the sex of your tarantulas. This is typically done by examining the exuviae (molted skin) of the tarantula. The easiest way to sex a tarantula is by looking at the underside of their abdomen. Females typically have a spermathecae, which is a small pouch. Males have a series of small hooks on their front legs, called tibial hooks, used to hold the female’s fangs during mating. Examining the exuviae under a magnifying glass can help you identify these features. It’s important to ensure you have a mature male and female before attempting to breed them.
Mating and Egg Sac Care
Mating can be a risky process, as the female may attack the male. Place the male in the female’s enclosure when the female is receptive. The male will typically drum his pedipalps on the ground to attract the female. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to approach. After mating, separate the male from the female to prevent him from being eaten. If successful, the female will produce an egg sac. Keep the egg sac in the enclosure at a stable temperature and humidity. You can remove the egg sac and place it in an incubator for better control over conditions and to improve the chances of a successful hatching, but this requires special expertise. After the spiderlings hatch, provide them with a suitable enclosure and small food items. Feeding and care of the spiderlings require special knowledge and attention to detail. Provide them with the necessary care to ensure their survival and growth.
Caring for a Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is a rewarding experience that allows you to observe the beauty and behaviors of these amazing creatures. By providing the right environment, proper nutrition, and responsible handling, you can ensure that your tarantula thrives. Remember to always prioritize the health and well-being of your pet, and seek professional advice when needed. Enjoy the journey of keeping your Brazilian Jewel Tarantula!