
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Typhochlaena seladonia
A small arboreal tarantula endemic to the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, unusual for building a trapdoor retreat in crevices of tree bark. It has a greenish cephalothorax and a black abdomen marked with yellow and red spots.
Typhochlaena seladonia is a small tarantula endemic to the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil, chiefly in the states of Bahia and Sergipe. Both sexes have a greenish cephalothorax and a black dorsum bearing two rows of six spots, the posterior pair reddish and the rest yellowish. The genus is arboreal and builds a trapdoor retreat in crevices of tree bark in humid forest, an unusual habit within the Theraphosidae. Unlike typical tarantulas that dig burrows in the ground, it spends its whole life in trees, ambushing small flying insects and cockroaches that come near the entrance of its trapdoor. Its bright colours and distinctive retreat make it highly sought after among keepers.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula lives Females 15-18 years / males 3-5 years.
The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula grows to Body length: males 9.5-12.5mm, females up to 21mm.
It is small: mature males measure 9.5-12.5 mm in body length and females reach up to 21 mm.
Origin
Northeastern Brazil (states of Bahia and Sergipe)
Lifespan
Females 15-18 years / males 3-5 years
Size
Body length: males 9.5-12.5mm, females up to 21mm
Sources: Wikipedia: Typhochlaena seladonia / Wikipedia: Typhochlaena (genus) / 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: Typhochlaena seladonia (C. L. Koch, 1841)
Synonyms: Mygale seladonia C. L. Koch, 1841, Iridopelma seladonium (C. L. Koch, 1841)
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
Small flying insects, cockroaches and crickets
Its habitat is humid forest in northeastern Brazil, so the enclosure should not be allowed to dry out.
Arboreal, building a trapdoor retreat in bark crevices. Use a tall enclosure with cork bark and a thin layer of lightly moist substrate, and never break open the retreat once built.
It ambushes small insects passing the entrance. Feed spiderlings twice a week on flightless fruit flies or small roach nymphs, juveniles every 7-10 days, and adults every 2-3 weeks.
A small, timid New World species with type II urticating hairs. It is not aggressive and hides behind its trapdoor when threatened.
Small and delicate, with limited availability. Brazil's 1999 Environmental Crimes Law prohibits keeping, trading or exporting wildlife without authorisation, so the provenance of traded animals matters. Pterinopelma sazimai is also traded as the Brazilian jewel but is a different species; this one is the small arboreal spider, so check for the name Typhochlaena seladonia.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is Females 15-18 years / males 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Brazilian Jewel Tarantula typically reaches Body length: males 9.5-12.5mm, females up to 21mm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Brazilian Jewel Tarantula feeds on: Small flying insects, cockroaches and crickets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Brazilian Jewel Tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: October 1, 2026