Brazilian Blue Tarantula Care Guide

Lasiocyano sazimai is endemic to a small area of eastern Brazil centered on the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia state. Formally described in 2011, it was recognised on the International Institute for Species Exploration's Top 10 New Species list in 2012 — a rare distinction for an arachnid. In 2023, molecular and morphological research led to its reclassification from Pterinopelma into the newly established genus Lasiocyano — a name combining the Greek for 'hairy' and 'blue'.

The Chapada Diamantina is a highland plateau dominated by Caatinga and Cerrado biomes — seasonally dry forests, open savannas, and dramatic rocky outcrops. Temperatures are highly variable: summer days are warm, while winter nights at elevation drop considerably. Rainfall follows a pronounced wet-and-dry cycle. This environmental seasonality is key to understanding the species in captivity — it is naturally conditioned to periods of both drought and heavier moisture, and is more adaptable than its vivid appearance might suggest.

In the wild, L. sazimai shelters in rock crevices, beneath stones and fallen wood, and in self-constructed silk-lined burrows in loose soil. It is primarily nocturnal.

Prioritise floor space and substrate depth. As an opportunistic burrower and a skittish species, the Brazilian Blue needs adequate depth to create a retreat and feels exposed without it.

Provide a cork bark hide and burrow-starter (a diagonal cork tube pushed into the substrate works well). Cross-ventilation is important. This species will use silk but is not as prolific a webber as the GBB or Pumpkin Patch.

Reflect the seasonally variable Chapada Diamantina — a moderate moisture gradient year-round, with good ventilation.

L. sazimai has a moderate feeding response — less aggressive than a GBB, but a reliable feeder under good conditions. It will ambush from a hide entrance or actively hunt when hungry.

Prey: Crickets, Dubia roaches, mealworms. Size prey to the spider's abdomen width or slightly smaller.

Frequency: Juveniles every 5–7 days. Adults every 7–14 days. This is a medium-growth-rate species — consistent feeding produces steady, healthy growth without the rapid development of faster species like the GBB.

Pre-moult fasting of weeks to months is normal. A plump, round abdomen indicates a well-hydrated, healthy spider. Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours.

The Brazilian Blue is skittish and nervous — it strongly prefers flight over any threat display. When disturbed, expect fast lateral movement and a possible attempt to flee the enclosure. It is not a species recommended for regular handling.

Urticating hairs (Type III) are present and readily flicked when the spider feels threatened. Type III hairs are among the more irritating varieties — they embed in skin and mucous membranes and can cause persistent inflammation. Always wash hands after working in the enclosure, and never rub your eyes after contact.

Dehydration: A shrivelled or wrinkled abdomen, particularly in a spider that was previously plump. Ensure the water dish is always full, and create a moist substrate gradient. Recovery is usually rapid once water access is restored.

Failed moult: More common in this species when humidity is too low during the pre-moult phase. Increase substrate moisture and ensure the spider has a covered hide. If stuck for more than 12 hours, carefully mist the enclosure — do not attempt manual removal.

Mites: White or red mites moving through substrate or visible on the spider. Relocate the spider, discard all substrate, clean the enclosure with hot water, and resubstrate. Mites typically indicate excessively wet conditions or decaying prey left too long.