
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chilobrachys natanicharum
A fossorial tarantula from the mangrove forests of Thailand. The body is brown, and from around the fifth moult females develop blue iridescent setae on the undersides of the femora and tibiae. The colour comes from the nanostructure of the setae rather than from pigment.
Chilobrachys natanicharum was described from Thailand in 2023. Its type locality is Khuekkhak in Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province, on the Malay Peninsula, and it lives in evergreen and mangrove forest up to about 60m above sea level. It is regarded as the only tarantula inhabiting Thai mangroves and uses both burrows in the ground and cavities in trees. The blue is structural, produced by the nanostructure of the setae rather than by pigment, and two forms are recognised, one metallic blue and one violet. Males also carry blue setae, but only on the patellae, where they are inconspicuous. The specific name comes from naming rights auctioned to a Thai property developer, with the proceeds going to education for Lahu children and to cancer treatment. Thailand lists the species as controlled wildlife following loss of its habitat.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Electric Blue Tarantula lives About 10 years for females; males die around four months after the mature moult.
The Electric Blue Tarantula grows to Body up to 8cm (female).
Adult females reach 8cm in body length, with a brown body and dark grey legs; from around the fifth moult, blue iridescent setae appear on the undersides of the femora, patellae and tibiae.
The ideal temperature for the Electric Blue Tarantula is 25〜27℃. Ideal humidity is 70〜80%.
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: Chilobrachys natanicharum Chomphuphuang, Sippawat, Sriranan, Piyatrakulchai & Songsangchote, 2023
Synonyms: Chilobrachys sp. electric blue
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Origin
Thailand (type locality Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga Province)
Lifespan
About 10 years for females; males die around four months after the mature moult
Size
Body up to 8cm (female)
Temperature
25〜27℃
Humidity
70〜80%
Live insects such as crickets and roaches
Keep 25-27C by day; night temperatures may fall to around 20C and the species adapts fairly well to room temperature. Hold humidity at 70-80%.
Use an enclosure of about 30x30x45cm with a deep layer of peat. Decoration is not required, though pieces of bark give it anchor points for webbing.
Offer active live prey such as crickets and roaches and remove uneaten items within a day.
It has no urticating hairs. It is fast, moves in leaps and is highly defensive; bites are reported to cause intense burning, dizziness, swelling and muscle cramps. It is kept hands-off.
Thailand lists the species as controlled wildlife after habitat loss. It was described only recently and supply is limited, so check the provenance of any specimen offered.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Electric Blue Tarantula is 25〜27℃. Recommended humidity is 70〜80%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Electric Blue Tarantula is About 10 years for females; males die around four months after the mature moult. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Electric Blue Tarantula typically reaches Body up to 8cm (female) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Electric Blue Tarantula feeds on: Live insects such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Electric Blue Tarantula varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026