GBB
Species Description

The Green Bottle Blue tarantula, scientifically known as Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, has earned its place as one of the most sought-after species in the tarantula hobby. The common name derives from the remarkable coloration that develops in adult specimens, combining metallic blues reminiscent of bottle glass with the vibrant orange that completes their striking appearance. Among hobbyists, the abbreviation GBB serves as universal shorthand for this beloved species.

The scientific name provides insight into the species' most distinctive features. Chromatopelma derives from Greek roots meaning colored foot, referencing the brilliant blue legs that distinguish this species from all others. The species epithet cyaneopubescens combines cyaneo meaning blue with pubescens meaning covered in fine hair, perfectly describing the blue, hairy appearance that captivates keepers worldwide.

Chromatopelma represents a monotypic genus, meaning C. cyaneopubescens is the only species within its genus. This taxonomic isolation makes the GBB unique among commonly kept tarantulas, with no closely related species sharing its distinctive characteristics. The nearest relatives belong to other genera within the Theraphosinae subfamily of New World tarantulas.

The species has undergone taxonomic revision since its original description as Eurypelma cyaneopubescens by Strand in 1907. Subsequent reclassifications included placement in Delopelma before Schmidt established the current genus Chromatopelma in 1995. Despite these scientific name changes, the species has remained a hobby staple since becoming established in captive breeding programs decades ago.

Adult Green Bottle Blue tarantulas display a color combination unmatched in the arachnid world, featuring three distinct and vibrant colors that appear almost artificially bright. The legs shimmer with metallic blue coloration that catches light dramatically, while the abdomen glows with intense orange. The carapace completes the palette with blue-green to turquoise tones, creating an overall appearance that many first-time viewers assume must be digitally enhanced.

Adult size reaches five to six inches in diagonal leg span, with females slightly larger and substantially heavier-bodied than males. This medium size makes them manageable display animals that don't require the massive enclosures needed for giant species while still presenting an impressive appearance. Body structure shows semi-arboreal adaptations with relatively long legs compared to strictly terrestrial species.

The color transformation through developmental stages provides one of the most rewarding aspects of raising GBBs from spiderlings. Newly emerged slings display black and tan tiger-striped legs topped with metallic gold carapaces, their abdomens decorated with patterns resembling tribal tattoos. Juveniles may pass through a phase where the golden carapace turns flower-petal pink before developing the characteristic aquamarine of adults.

Mature coloration develops gradually through successive molts, with the transformation from juvenile to adult patterns typically complete around two to three inches in size. Freshly molted specimens display the most intense coloration, gradually fading as the exoskeleton ages and hairs wear between molts. This color cycling provides visual cues about molt timing and overall health.

Dense urticating hairs cover the abdomen, providing defensive capability typical of New World tarantulas. While less frequently deployed than in some species, GBBs will kick hairs when feeling threatened. The hairs cause moderate irritation but are generally considered less problematic than those of some larger species.

Green Bottle Blue temperament combines several characteristics that make them excellent display animals: they are visible, active, non-aggressive, yet not so calm as to be boring. Understanding their behavioral tendencies helps keepers appreciate their appeal while managing the skittishness that occasionally catches new keepers off guard.

The most distinctive behavioral trait is their prolific web production, arguably unmatched among commonly kept terrestrial or semi-arboreal tarantulas. Given appropriate anchor points, GBBs construct elaborate tunnel networks, sheet webs, and retreat structures that transform enclosures into silk architecture displays. This webbing behavior continues throughout their lives, with specimens constantly maintaining and expanding their structures.

Visibility ranks among this species' greatest assets. Rather than hiding in burrows or behind cork bark, Green Bottle Blues typically perch openly on their webbing, displaying their spectacular coloration for extended periods. This behavior makes them ideal display animals, as keepers can reliably expect to see their spiders during observation. Activity continues throughout day and evening hours.

The skittish temperament manifests as rapid, unpredictable bolting when disturbed. GBBs are not aggressive and rarely display threat postures, but sudden movements or vibrations trigger instantaneous flight responses. The speed of these bolts surprises many keepers accustomed to slower-moving species. This skittishness complicates handling and requires extra caution during enclosure maintenance.

Feeding response in this species is legendary within the hobby. GBBs strike prey with explosive speed and rarely refuse meals except during pre-molt periods. This enthusiastic feeding behavior provides entertainment value and simplifies nutrition management. Some specimens become so food-motivated they may strike at anything entering their enclosure, including maintenance tools.

Urticating hair deployment occurs less frequently than in some species, with GBBs typically preferring flight to defensive hair-kicking. When cornered or persistently disturbed, however, they will kick hairs, and keepers should remain aware of this capability. The combination of speed and minimal aggression makes them safer than their defensive capacity might suggest.

Housing Green Bottle Blues successfully requires understanding their semi-arboreal tendencies and prolific webbing behavior. Enclosure design should provide both floor space and vertical climbing opportunities along with abundant anchor points for web construction. The resulting habitat often becomes as visually interesting as the spider itself once mature webbing develops.

Enclosure size for adults should measure approximately twelve inches in each dimension, providing adequate space for web architecture while remaining manageable. Larger enclosures allow more elaborate webbing displays but require more extensive furnishing to provide adequate anchor points. Smaller setups work for juveniles but should be upgraded as specimens grow.

Substrate selection favors dry materials matching the species' arid natural habitat. Coconut fiber, dry peat moss, vermiculite mixtures, or commercial arid tarantula substrates all work well. Keep substrate dry, avoiding the moisture-retentive approaches used for tropical species. One to three inches of substrate depth suffices, as GBBs web extensively rather than burrow deeply.

Furnishing provides the anchor points essential for web construction. Cork bark pieces, cholla wood, spider wood, and artificial plants give spiders attachment sites for their elaborate silk structures. Position multiple vertical and diagonal elements throughout the enclosure, creating three-dimensional space for web networks. The investment in appropriate furnishing pays dividends in behavioral display.

Ventilation deserves emphasis, as the low humidity tolerance of this species combines with sensitivity to stagnant conditions. Screen or mesh lids provide excellent airflow, while solid-sided enclosures should include additional ventilation holes. The goal is maintaining dry conditions with good air exchange rather than humidity retention.

Temperature maintenance between 75-85°F suits this species, achievable at room temperature for most households. Supplemental heating is unnecessary unless room temperatures regularly drop below 70°F. If heating becomes necessary, gentle under-tank heaters covering a portion of the floor area provide appropriate warmth.

Water provision through a small dish suffices for humidity needs. Unlike species requiring regular misting, GBBs obtain adequate hydration from their water dish and prey items. The dish should be shallow, stable, and kept clean. Occasional overflow may moisten substrate locally, which is acceptable as long as most of the enclosure remains dry.

Green Bottle Blue tarantulas demonstrate feeding enthusiasm that makes them among the easiest species to maintain nutritionally. Their strong prey drive, acceptance of various feeder insects, and reliable appetite simplify one of the most common concerns for new tarantula keepers. Understanding feeding basics ensures optimal health throughout their potentially fifteen-year lifespan.

Appropriate prey items include crickets, dubia roaches, red runner roaches, superworms, and other commonly available feeder insects. Prey size should roughly match the width of the tarantula's abdomen, though GBBs readily tackle prey larger than many species accept. Gut-loading feeders with nutritious foods improves the nutritional value passed to the spider.

Feeding frequency varies with age and individual metabolism. Juveniles benefit from feeding every five to seven days to support rapid growth, while adults thrive on meals every seven to fourteen days. Monitor abdominal size relative to the carapace, reducing feeding if the abdomen becomes disproportionately swollen or increasing if it appears shrunken.

The feeding response in this species often impresses even experienced keepers. GBBs typically strike prey within seconds of detection, with some specimens attacking before feeders hit the ground. This enthusiastic response makes feeding sessions entertaining observation opportunities. Food-motivated individuals may strike at tongs, brushes, or other objects entering their enclosure.

Pre-molt fasting is normal and may extend for several weeks. During this period, spiders refuse all prey offers and typically show dulled coloration. Never force feeding on a fasting spider, and remove uneaten prey to prevent stress or injury to the molting tarantula. Resume feeding approximately one week after molting once the exoskeleton hardens.

Fresh water should be available constantly in a stable, shallow dish. Despite myths suggesting tarantulas don't drink, GBBs can often be observed drinking from their water dishes, particularly following meals. Maintain clean water and position dishes where webbing won't completely cover access.

Green Bottle Blue tarantulas enjoy robust health across a wide range of conditions, with their hardy constitution forgiving minor husbandry variations that might stress more sensitive species. Most health issues trace to environmental extremes rather than inherent vulnerability, making prevention through appropriate care straightforward. Their tolerance for dry conditions eliminates many humidity-related problems that affect tropical species.

The exceptional hardiness of Green Bottle Blue tarantulas makes them among the most forgiving species for keepers still developing husbandry skills. Their tolerance for household conditions, strong feeding response, and visible activity provide positive feedback that builds confidence. Health problems in this species typically indicate significant husbandry failures rather than inherent fragility, making them reliable long-term captives for attentive keepers.

Green Bottle Blue tarantulas present a handling paradox: their non-aggressive temperament suggests handleability, while their skittish speed makes actual handling challenging and potentially risky. Understanding this dichotomy helps keepers appreciate these tarantulas appropriately and make informed decisions about interaction.

The primary handling challenge is the explosive bolting response triggered by disturbance. GBBs move faster than most keepers expect, covering surprising distances in fractions of a second. This speed makes keeping control during handling difficult, with escapes a constant risk. Bolting tarantulas may run up arms, off hands, or across rooms before keepers can react.

Despite handling challenges, GBBs rarely bite or display aggression during interaction attempts. They prefer flight to fight and typically bolt rather than stand ground. This makes them safer than their speed might suggest, as the worst likely outcome is an escaped spider rather than a bite. However, pursuing escaped tarantulas risks injury to the spider and stress to both parties.

If handling becomes necessary for enclosure maintenance or transfers, work over the enclosure or a secure container to catch potential bolters. Move slowly and deliberately, avoiding sudden movements that trigger flight responses. Having a catch cup ready helps recapture escaped spiders quickly. Some keepers find coaxing spiders into cups easier than direct handling.

The genuine appeal of Green Bottle Blue tarantulas lies in observation rather than physical interaction. Their visibility, activity, spectacular coloration, and elaborate webbing behavior provide engagement that handling cannot match. Watching a GBB construct web tunnels, ambush prey, or simply perch in full display offers far more meaningful interaction than brief handling sessions.

Rehousing presents the primary situation where handling or manipulation becomes necessary. When transferring GBBs between enclosures, use catch cups and work methodically. Have the destination enclosure prepared and positioned to minimize transfer distance. Accept that some spiders will bolt during the process and remain calm rather than making sudden grabbing movements that risk injury.

Green Bottle Blue tarantulas represent an exceptional choice for keepers at nearly any experience level, combining stunning appearance with forgiving care requirements and engaging behavior. Their status as a premier beginner species reflects genuine ease of husbandry rather than limited appeal, as experienced collectors prize GBBs as much as newcomers. Understanding their characteristics helps potential keepers determine suitability for their specific interests.

The visual appeal of adult GBBs is essentially unmatched in the tarantula hobby. Their metallic blues, vibrant orange, and turquoise tones create a living jewel that draws attention in any room. The color transformation from striped juveniles through pink intermediates to stunning adults provides ongoing visual rewards for keepers raising spiderlings. Few invertebrates offer comparable aesthetic impact.

Care requirements fall well within beginner capability while remaining engaging for experienced keepers. The low humidity tolerance eliminates one of the most common beginner mistakes, while room temperature maintenance removes heating complexity. Their strong feeding response provides positive reinforcement that builds keeper confidence. These factors combine to create an ideal entry point into tarantula keeping.

The heavy webbing behavior distinguishes GBBs from many commonly kept species, creating enclosures that become art installations as silk architecture develops. Keepers interested in tarantula behavior rather than simply owning specimens find endless fascination in observing web construction and modification. This active behavior compensates for the hands-off nature of responsible tarantula keeping.

Potential keepers should honestly assess their comfort with speed and skittishness. While not aggressive, GBBs move faster than many expect, and their bolting tendencies can startle keepers accustomed to calmer species. Those seeking tarantulas for handling may find GBBs frustrating despite their non-aggressive nature. Accepting them as display animals maximizes enjoyment.

Availability and cost favor this species strongly, with captive-bred specimens readily obtainable from numerous breeders at reasonable prices. The established captive breeding population ensures consistent availability while supporting conservation of endangered wild Venezuelan populations. Purchasing captive-bred individuals represents both practical and ethical best practice.

Longevity considerations matter for any pet commitment. Female GBBs can live fifteen years or longer, representing a substantial long-term commitment. Males live only three to four years but may be more affordable. Consider which timeline matches your situation when selecting specimens.