Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens 'GBB'
Blue legs, orange abdomen, green carapace — and a prolific webber that redecorates constantly.
About Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens
Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens — universally known as the GBB (Green Bottle Blue) — is a New World tarantula from the Paraguana Peninsula in northern Venezuela. It is the only species in its genus and one of the most visually striking tarantulas available. Adults display metallic blue legs, a vivid orange abdomen, and a blue-green carapace.
GBBs are semi-arid in origin and produce extraordinary amounts of webbing. Given anchor points, they will carpet the entire enclosure in dense, thick web — this is normal behaviour and one of the main appeals of the species. They are fast-growing compared to many tarantulas, reaching adult size in 2–3 years.
Enclosure
The GBB is terrestrial but heavily utilises vertical space for webbing. Provide a well-ventilated enclosure of around 30×30×25 cm for adults, with plenty of anchor points for web construction:
- Cork bark pieces, fake plants, and sticks arranged to give web attachment points
- Substrate: dry coconut fibre or a coir mix, 5–8 cm deep
- Excellent ventilation is essential — this is a semi-arid species that does not tolerate stagnant, humid air
- A shallow water dish, kept clean — this provides all the humidity they need
Do not remove or disturb the webbing. The GBB lives on and within its web structure — it is essentially their home. They will rebuild after a moult or if disturbed, but unnecessary destruction causes stress.
Temperature, humidity & water
This species comes from a hot, dry environment. Keep temperatures at 24–28°C. Humidity should be lower than most tarantulas — 40–60% is ideal. Overly damp conditions can cause health issues.
A water dish is all that is needed for hydration and ambient moisture. Do not mist the enclosure regularly — occasional light misting of one corner is acceptable if your home is very dry, but the substrate should remain mostly dry.
Feeding & moulting
GBBs are enthusiastic, aggressive feeders with a strong feeding response. They grow quickly and eat well. Feed every 5–7 days with appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, or locusts.
Pre-moult signs include darkening of the abdomen, refusal of food, and reduced activity. After moulting, wait 1–2 weeks before offering food to allow the fangs to harden fully. The fresh moult often gets incorporated into the web structure.
Tarantulas moult by flipping onto their backs. If you find your tarantula lying upside-down, it is almost certainly moulting — not dead. Do not touch it, do not spray it, and do not attempt to help. The process can take several hours. Leave it completely undisturbed.
Temperament & handling
The GBB is rated intermediate because it is fast and skittish rather than aggressive. When startled, it bolts — and it can move surprisingly quickly. This makes handling impractical and risky. An escaped tarantula at speed is stressful for both keeper and spider.
As a New World species, the GBB can flick urticating hairs when threatened. It rarely bites, but the combination of speed and hair-kicking makes it a look-but-don't-touch species for most keepers. Use a catch cup and card for any necessary transfers between enclosures.
If urticating hairs contact you
- If hairs contact your skin, use tape to remove them and wash the area
- If hairs get in your eyes, flush immediately with clean water and see a doctor — do not rub
- Wash hands after handling or cleaning the enclosure