Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia)

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The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is one of the rarest and most visually stunning tarantulas available in the exotic pet hobby. Famous for its metallic blues, vibrant greens, orange highlights, and unique arboreal trapdoor behavior, this incredible dwarf species has become a dream tarantula for serious collectors worldwide.

Captive-bred Brazilian Jewel Tarantulas are highly sought after for their extraordinary coloration, compact size, and fascinating natural behavior. Unlike most arboreal tarantulas, Typhochlaena seladonia constructs silk-lined bark retreats with hidden trapdoor entrances, making it one of the most unique display species in the hobby.

At The Defiant Forest, we specialize in captive-bred tarantulas raised with careful attention to health, feeding response, and secure temperature-controlled shipping.

Species Overview

Scientific Name: Typhochlaena seladonia
Common Name: Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
Type: Arboreal trapdoor species
Origin: Brazil
Adult Leg Span: Approximately 2 inches
Temperament: Skittish but generally mild
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Lifespan: Females 10–15+ years, males 3–4 years

Natural History

In the wild, Typhochlaena seladonia inhabits forested regions of Brazil where it lives within tree bark and natural cavities. This species creates silk-lined chambers with hidden trapdoor entrances that help protect it from predators while ambushing prey.

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula waits inside its retreat until prey passes nearby, quickly emerging to capture insects before retreating back inside. This unusual hunting strategy is rarely seen in tarantulas and is one of the reasons this species is so prized among collectors.

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

• Vibrant coloration that intensifies after molts

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 a shy and reclusive species that prefers to remain inside its bark retreat. When disturbed, it typically retreats quickly rather than displaying defensive behavior.

Like other New World tarantulas, this species possesses urticating hairs, though they are rarely used due to its secretive nature.

Because of its delicate size and specialized care requirements, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula is generally recommended for hobbyists with some experience keeping arboreal tarantulas.

Enclosure Setup

The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula requires a well-ventilated arboreal enclosure with vertical bark surfaces that replicate its natural habitat.

Recommended enclosure features include:

• Cork bark or vertical bark panels

• Moderate humidity

• Excellent ventilation

• Anchor points for webbing and retreats

• Light moisture and access to water

Providing natural bark surfaces encourages the spider to create its characteristic trapdoor retreat.

Feeding

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

• Small crickets

• Roach nymphs

• Other appropriately sized feeder insects

Juveniles may be fed once or twice weekly, while adults typically feed every 7–10 days depending on size and feeding response.

This species often captures prey directly from the entrance of its retreat.

Molting and Growth

Like all tarantulas, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula grows by molting its exoskeleton. Prior to molting, the spider may refuse food and remain hidden for extended periods.

After a molt, the tarantula should be left undisturbed while its exoskeleton and fangs fully harden. Freshly molted specimens often display especially vibrant coloration.

Why Keep the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula?

• Brilliant jewel-like metallic coloration

• Rare arboreal trapdoor behavior

• Highly collectible species

• Unique web-building behavior

• Incredible display tarantula

• Captive-bred specimens available

For collectors seeking one of the most extraordinary tarantulas in the hobby, the Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is truly a masterpiece of nature.

Learn More About Tarantula Care

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

You can also browse our full collection of captive-bred Tarantulas for Sale at The Defiant Forest.