This beautiful species first came into the U.S. hobby in the mid-'90s. While is is extremely colorful with its vivid blue, it is also very secretive and nocturnal. It likes a very deep burrow.


Scientific description author and date: Smith, 1996

Range: Burma, Thailand, possibly Malaysia

Type: Obligate burrower.

Color/pattern/appearance: Vivid blue coloration in the legs, greyish-blue carapace and abdomen. Mature females are completely blue. Mature males are muted in coloration and are sexually dimorphic.

Maximum size: 6"

Temperature: 78F-85F day. No lower than 60F at night.

Humidity: 80-90%

Tank setup: Adults can be housed in 5 - 10 gal. tanks with 8"-10" deep "Cocosoft" substrate or peat moss, shallow and wide water dish. Cork bark or resin plastic shelter. A more vertical tank is helpful to create a deep depth of substrate for this species.

Feeding requirements: Spiderlings/juvs twice a week on small crickets (1-2). Sub-adults/adults once a week large cricket (2-3), roaches (1-2) or pinkie mouse or rat pup.

Water requirements: Mist tank 1-2 times a week with fine water mist to keep humidity around 80-90%%. Change water dish whenever fouled or at least 1-2 times a week.

Disposition: Very aggressive. Do not free handle. Will often go into a threat display and possibly bite upon the slightest distrubance.

Venom effects: Generally considered medically insignificant, but there are individual reports of a more venomous bite. BEWARE.

Growth rate: Fast. Males mature in 1.5 yrs. Females in 2.5-3 yrs.

Breeding remarks: Fairly easy to breed, but eggsacs are eaten by the mothers upon any disturbance and they are difficult to artificially incubate.

Number of eggs: 120-180