Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) 

The Defiant Forest always has many captive born tarantulas for sale, however , the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is one of the most extraordinary and sought-after tarantulas in the world. Known for its brilliant jewel-like coloration and unique trapdoor lifestyle, this tiny arboreal tarantula has become legendary among tarantula collectors.

Native to Brazil, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula displays vibrant metallic greens, blues, oranges, and purples that shimmer under proper lighting. Despite its small size, Typhochlaena seladonia is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby.

What makes this species especially fascinating is its arboreal trapdoor behavior. Unlike most tarantulas, the Brazilian Jewel constructs silk-lined retreats within tree bark and creates a trapdoor entrance similar to trapdoor spiders. This remarkable behavior, combined with its dazzling coloration, makes the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula one of the most unique tarantulas available in captivity.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Typhochlaena seladonia
Common Name: Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
Type: Arboreal trapdoor species
Origin: Brazil
Adult Leg Span: 1.5–2 inches
Temperament: Skittish but generally mild
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Lifespan: Females 10–15+ years, males shorter

Natural History

In the wild, Typhochlaena seladonia inhabits forested regions of Brazil where it lives within tree bark and natural cavities. These tarantulas construct small silk-lined chambers with hinged trapdoors that allow them to remain hidden from predators.

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula waits inside its trapdoor retreat until prey passes nearby, quickly opening the door to capture insects before retreating back inside.

This remarkable hunting strategy is rarely seen in tarantulas and is one of the reasons why Typhochlaena seladonia is so fascinating to observe in captivity.

Appearance

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is widely considered one of the most beautiful tarantulas in the hobby.

Typical characteristics include:

• metallic green and blue coloration

• bright orange and purple highlights

• jewel-like iridescent body tones

• compact arboreal body structure

The vivid coloration of Typhochlaena seladonia often becomes especially vibrant after molting.

Collectors interested in other Blue species:

• Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica)

• Brazilian Blue Tarantula (Pterinopelma sazimai)

• Socotra Island Blue Baboon Tarantula (Monocentropus balfouri)

• Sabah Blue Earth Tiger Tarantula (Phormingochilus sp.)

Collectors interested in other Dwarf Species

• Trinidad Dwarf Tarantula (Cyriocosmus elegans)

• Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty Tarantula (Dolichothele diamantinensis)

• Brazilian Savannah Dwarf Tarantula (Guyruita cerrado)

• Pumpkin Patch Tarantula (Hapalopus sp. Colombian)

• Cuban Orange-Violet Masked Tarantula (Citharacanthus cyaneus)

Temperament

Typhochlaena seladonia is generally a shy and reclusive species that prefers to remain within its trapdoor retreat. When disturbed, the spider typically retreats quickly rather than displaying defensive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula possesses urticating hairs, though they are rarely used due to the spider’s secretive nature.

Because of its delicate size and specialized behavior, this species is often recommended for hobbyists with some experience maintaining arboreal tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula requires an enclosure that provides vertical surfaces and bark-like structures to replicate its natural habitat.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• cork bark or vertical bark panels

• moderate humidity

• excellent ventilation

• anchor points for silk retreats

• a shallow water source or periodic moisture

Providing bark surfaces allows Typhochlaena seladonia to construct its characteristic trapdoor retreat.

Feeding

Like most tarantulas, Typhochlaena seladonia feeds primarily on small insects such as:

• small crickets

• roach nymphs

• other appropriately sized feeder insects

Juveniles may be fed once or twice per week, while adult specimens typically feed every 7–10 days depending on size.

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula often captures prey from the entrance of its trapdoor retreat.

Molting and Growth

Tarantulas grow through a process known as molting, where they shed their old exoskeleton and emerge slightly larger.

Prior to molting, the spider may refuse food and remain hidden within its retreat. After molting, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its new exoskeleton and fangs harden.

Following molts, the vibrant jewel-like coloration of Typhochlaena seladonia often appears even more brilliant.

Why Keep the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula?

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is highly prized among tarantula enthusiasts for several reasons:

• breathtaking jewel-like coloration

• rare arboreal trapdoor behavior

• one of the smallest tarantulas in the hobby

• extremely unique display species

For collectors seeking one of the most remarkable and beautiful tarantulas in existence, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is truly a masterpiece of nature.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

If you're new to keeping tarantulas, see our complete Tarantula Care Guide to learn about enclosure setup, feeding schedules, molting, and species selection.

You can also browse our full selection of Tarantulas for Sale to discover other fascinating tarantula species available at The Defiant Forest.