Typhochlaena seladonia (Brazilian jewel tarantula) Information and Caresheet

Scientific Name: Typhochlaena seladonia

Common Name: Brazilian Jewel Tarantula, Candy Shop Spider, Jeweled Pink Toe

Type: New world, arboreal, trapdoor

Endemic Location: Bahia and Sergipe, Brazil. Rainforest.

Adult Size: 2-2.5"

Temperament: Generally more docile, although we have noticed some individuals are particularly defensive. Though a more docile animal, these are not recommended for beginners due to their fragility and specific care. We also do not recommend handling this species. 

Housing: Since seladonia are a trapdoor arboreal, they need special housing. You should have a tall arboreal setup. Height and cross ventilation is very important with this species. We recommend using pieces of cork bark that have a lot of holes for them to start to build their doors in. They love to build their doors at the tops of the enclosures, so be sure to have the cork set up close to the lid. We also suggest offering shredded moss or leaf litter so that the seladonia can use it to build their trap door. Keep in mind, once the trapdoor is made it can sometimes be difficult to find. They are built to blend in perfectly! Keep the substrate lightly damp, and the leaf or moss litter on top dryer. You can lightly mist the sides of the enclosure for them to drink, and drip some water down the sides to the substrate 

Diet: Crickets, roaches and mealworms

Feeding: Feeding seladonia can be one of the most exciting moments with keeping this species. They tend to be picky with their food and can go quite a while without interest in eating. The best way to feed this species is with a lot of attention and patience. You should tong feed this species, and take a Q-tip and gently lift the trap door it has made. Then take your appropriately sized feeder, pinched in a way where it is still wiggling but will not get loose on you, and hold it up to the tarantula. They sometimes need to be provoked to realize that what has entered the door is food. If they are hungry, they will take it into the door. If they are not, they will likely try to smack it away. If they refuse to let their door open no matter how hard you try they are likely not wanting to eat. If they still do not want to eat, you can always try a variety of food. They may not like the food you are providing. 

About: This stunning spider is found in the rainforests of Brazil, living in trapdoors in cracks or holes in the bark of trees. They collect pieces of leaves, bark, and other available materials to camouflage their doors. When prey walks across or near their door, they swiftly pop out and snatch it! They are also VERY fast movers. I was surprised at how fast this tiny spider could bolt when it wanted to, definitely keep a catch cup on hand when feeding these guys. They do posses urticating hairs, but are not quick to utilize them.