Scientific Name: Dolichothele diamantinensis
Common Name: Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty
Type: Terrestrial
Native Range: Brazil
Diagonal Leg Span (DLS): Approximately 7.5 cm
Growth Rate: Fast
Life Expectancy: Females 12-15 years; Males about 3 years
Experience Level: Intermediate
Dolichothele diamantinensise - Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty
Description:
What Makes Dolichothele diamantinensis So Special?
The Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty is celebrated for its dazzling blue coloration that remains vibrant even as it matures. Despite its diminutive size, its fast growth rate and active behavior make it an exciting species to care for. Although these tarantulas can be skittish and quick—often darting into their burrows when disturbed—they reward careful observation with impressive displays of color and activity. Notably, this species lacks urticating hairs, which is a welcome trait for keepers who prefer to minimize irritation from handling New World species.
A Species at Risk
While not currently classified as endangered, this species faces challenges due to habitat alterations in its native range. Responsible keeping and sourcing from reputable, captive-bred breeders are recommended to support conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable hobby.
Taxonomy, Eymology & Natural Environment
Dolichothele diamantinensis, commonly known as the Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty, is a stunning New World tarantula belonging to the Theraphosinae subfamily. First described in 2009 by Bertani, Santos & Righi, this species is highly sought after in the hobby due to its iridescent blue legs, metallic greenish carapace, and contrasting golden abdominal markings. Despite its small size, D. diamantinensis exhibits vibrant coloration similar to larger species like Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, making it a highly desirable display tarantula.
The genus name Dolichothele comes from the Greek words "dolichos" (δολιχός), meaning "long" or "elongated," and "thele" (θήλη), meaning "nipple" or "projection," possibly referring to anatomical features of the species. The species name diamantinensis is derived from Diamantina, Brazil, the region where this tarantula was first discovered.
Natural Range & Habitat
Dolichothele diamantinensis is endemic to Diamantina, a region in eastern Brazil, where it inhabits dry forests and scrublands. Unlike deep-burrowing tarantulas, this species is an opportunistic burrower and heavy webber, often taking shelter under logs, bark, and within crevices rather than constructing deep tunnels.
This species thrives in a semi-arid environment with moderate humidity, similar to other Brazilian species like C. cyaneopubescens. While it can tolerate slightly drier conditions than rainforest-dwelling tarantulas, maintaining some moisture in the substrate is essential for optimal health, particularly during molting.
Behavior & Temperament
Despite its small size, D. diamantinensis is an extremely fast and skittish species, making it unsuitable for handling. While it is not particularly defensive, it relies on speed as its primary escape mechanism. If startled, it will retreat into its webbing or bolt unpredictably, making rehousing a challenge for inexperienced keepers.
Like many New World tarantulas, D. diamantinensis possesses urticating hairs, though it rarely uses them in defense. Instead, it prefers to rely on its strong feeding response and web-lined retreats to stay safe.
In captivity, this species is known for its extensive webbing, creating intricate tunnel-like structures across its enclosure. It is an active hunter with a strong feeding response, making it a highly engaging species to observe.