
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pamphobeteus antinous
A large terrestrial tarantula in which mature males develop a vivid blue-violet iridescence on the legs while females are uniformly black, a striking sexual dimorphism. It lives in the rainforests of Bolivia and Peru and digs burrows in the substrate.
Pamphobeteus antinous was described by Pocock in 1903 and is a large terrestrial tarantula from the rainforests of Bolivia and Peru. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: females are uniformly black while mature males show a vivid blue-violet iridescence on the setae of the coxa, trochanter and femur as well as on the pedipalps and chelicerae. The colour is structural rather than pigmentary, produced by a coaxial multilayer inside each seta that acts as a cylindrical Bragg mirror and selectively reflects light around 430nm. The hue shifts with viewing angle, and because it appears only in mature males a role in sexual signalling has been proposed. Females live up to 15 years and males about four. It has urticating hairs and will first try to flee when disturbed, but under persistent pressure it aims those hairs at the intruder. In captivity it needs somewhat higher humidity than many species, with deep substrate so it can burrow.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Bolivian Steely Blue lives Females up to about 15 years, males about 4 years.
The ideal temperature for the Bolivian Steely Blue is 21〜27℃.
Origin
Rainforest in Bolivia and Peru, where mean annual temperature is around 26 C
Lifespan
Females up to about 15 years, males about 4 years
Temperature
21〜27℃
Sources: Tom's Big Spiders: Pamphobeteus antinous / Wikipedia: Pamphobeteus antinous / GBIF
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Pamphobeteus antinous Pocock, 1903
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Large live insects such as crickets and roaches
A keeper's published husbandry keeps it at 21-23 C at night and 25-27 C by day. It is described as needing higher humidity than many in the genus.
Provide 10cm or more of substrate so it can burrow, and half-bury a piece of cork bark as a starter burrow. Keep airflow while preventing drying.
Offer large live prey such as crickets and roaches. Growth is comparatively fast, so feed in proportion to its size.
It has urticating hairs and flees first, but under persistent provocation it aims them at the intruder. It is not a species to handle.
It is large and strong, so secure the lid and check for gaps. Males are short-lived after maturing, so breeding should be attempted soon after the final moult.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Bolivian Steely Blue is 21〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Bolivian Steely Blue is Females up to about 15 years, males about 4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Bolivian Steely Blue feeds on: Large live insects such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Bolivian Steely Blue varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026