Brazilian Blue Tarantula Care Guide

Meet the Sapphire-Hued Giant of South America

Among New World tarantulas, few species create the same first impression as the Brazilian Blue Tarantula, Lasiocyaneo sazimai. Covered in electric blue coloration that seems almost artificial under proper lighting, this species has become one of the most sought-after display tarantulas in modern collections. 

Unlike many brightly colored tarantulas that remain hidden for most of their lives, the Brazilian Blue often spends time visible in the open, perched near webbing or resting beside its retreat. Combined with its vivid metallic sheen and manageable care requirements, it has earned a reputation as one of the standout centerpiece species for tropical terrestrial setups.

Species Overview

• Common Name: Brazilian Blue Tarantula

• Scientific Name: Lasiocyaneo sazimai

• Type: Terrestrial New World Tarantula

• Origin: Brazil

• Adult Size: 5–6 inches

• Growth Speed: Moderate

• Temperament: Nervous but usually manageable

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 12–15 years

  • Males: 3–4 years

• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Why This Tarantula Became So Popular

For years, blue tarantulas for sale in the trade were considered specialty collector species, often associated with difficult Old World arboreals. The arrival of Lasiocyaneo sazimai changed that dynamic dramatically.

This species gave keepers:

• vivid blue coloration

• terrestrial husbandry

• simpler enclosure needs

• calmer behavior compared to many other species

As a result, it quickly became one of the most photographed tarantulas in the hobby.

Under bright natural lighting, mature specimens can display:

• cobalt-blue legs

• shimmering metallic carapace tones

• dark contrasting abdomen coloration

• iridescent highlights that shift depending on angle

No two individuals seem to reflect light exactly the same way.

Native Habitat and Lifestyle

The Brazilian Blue originates from regions of Brazil with warm temperatures and seasonal humidity fluctuations. Unlike heavy burrowing desert species, these tarantulas often create shallow retreats beneath bark, roots, or natural debris.

In captivity they usually behave as opportunistic terrestrial spiders:

• webbing around hides

• modifying enclosure corners

• sitting exposed during evening hours

• retreating quickly if startled

They are not considered heavy burrowers, although juveniles may dig more readily than adults.

Enclosure Design

This species does particularly well in naturalistic tropical terrestrial setups.

Recommended Adult Enclosure

• 10–15 gallon terrestrial enclosure

• Moderate ventilation

• 3–5 inches of substrate

• Cork bark hide

• Moss patches or leaf litter

• Water dish

Ideal environmental conditions:

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• Humidity: 65–75%

A slightly humid substrate with dry upper layers usually works best.

One interesting behavior many keepers notice is selective webbing. Rather than coating the entire enclosure, Brazilian Blues often create localized silk mats around feeding and resting areas.

Feeding Response

The Brazilian Blue Tarantula is generally an enthusiastic feeder without being overly aggressive.

Common feeders include:

• crickets

• dubia roaches

• red runner roaches

• mealworms

Adults usually feed once weekly, while juveniles may eat every few days during active growth phases.

This species tends to display a quick ambush-style feeding response rather than prolonged stalking behavior.

Temperament

Despite the dramatic appearance, Lasiocyaneo sazimai is not considered especially defensive.

Typical behavior includes:

• quick retreating

• nervous movements

• occasional hair kicking

• short bursts of speed

Most specimens prefer fleeing to confrontation.

That said, they can be surprisingly fast when startled, particularly juveniles.

Molting and Color Development

One of the most exciting aspects of keeping this species is watching the coloration intensify with age.

Young spiderlings often appear:

• grayish

• charcoal toned

• muted brown-blue

After several molts, the famous metallic blue coloration begins developing more strongly. Freshly molted specimens are especially spectacular.

Many keepers notice:

• brighter leg coloration after molts

• increased iridescence under LED lighting

• darker contrasting abdominal hairs with maturity

Is the Brazilian Blue Good for Beginners?

Compared to many famous blue tarantulas, the Brazilian Blue is relatively approachable.

Why keepers often recommend it:

• terrestrial setup simplicity

• manageable humidity requirements

• striking appearance

• generally non-aggressive temperament

However, beginners should still understand:

• proper moisture balance

• secure enclosure setup

• stress-free maintenance routines

This species thrives best when left largely undisturbed.

Display Value in the Hobby

Few tarantulas combine:

• color

• visibility

• manageable care

• moderate temperament

as effectively as Lasiocyaneo sazimai.

For many collectors, this species represents the ideal “showpiece” terrestrial tarantula — visually dramatic without requiring highly advanced Old World husbandry.

Its popularity continues to rise as captive-bred specimens become more available within the hobby.

Final Notes

The Brazilian Blue Tarantula remains one of the most visually distinctive New World species available today. With its shimmering coloration, approachable care requirements, and impressive display behavior, it has firmly established itself as a favorite among both newer keepers and longtime collectors.

When provided with stable humidity, moderate warmth, and a secure terrestrial enclosure, Lasiocyaneo sazimai becomes a truly unforgettable species that stands out in nearly any exotic invertebrate collection.