Typhochlaena seladonia (Brazilian Jewel Tarantula) 0.33-0.5" & PRO Setup

Typhochlaena seladonia (Brazilian Jewel Tarantula)

The Brazilian Jewel is the pinnacle of color when it comes to tarantulas. Adults develop a dark, polished carapace (head), pale tan to cream legs covered in fine hairs, and subtle blue tones along the femurs, while the abdomen shows a vivid, high contrast pattern of metallic teal, deep black striping, and bright red near the front. This dwarf species is also one of the only tarantulas in the hobby that builds a true trapdoor, blending flush against tree bark to ambush prey, arguably the most advanced hunting tactic of any tarantula. Grab this new world tarantula for sale if you want the most visually striking species in the entire hobby.

Why do hobbyists keep Typhochlaena seladonia?

• Stunning Coloration: A dark polished carapace, pale cream legs with subtle blue femurs, and an abdomen patterned in metallic teal, black, and red, one of the most intricate color combinations in the hobby.
• Unique Hunting Behavior: Builds a camouflaged trapdoor flush against tree bark and ambushes prey from the entrance, a genuinely rare behavior among tarantulas.
• Docile Temperament: Calm and easygoing despite its advanced, specialized lifestyle.
• Rare in the Hobby: Still relatively new to captive breeding and considered one of the most sought-after species by collectors.

How should Typhochlaena seladonia be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches about 2.5 to 3 inches at full leg span, a true dwarf with an outsized reputation.
• Enclosure: Choose a tall arboreal enclosure at least twice the leg span in width, depth, and height. Flat cork bark, ideally centered and not touching the sides, is essential, this species will not behave naturally without it. Drilling shallow holes into the cork for slings and adding a light dusting of fine bark or sphagnum helps it build and camouflage its trapdoor.
• Temperature: Keep between 65 to 75 degrees F.
• Humidity: Keep the substrate lightly damp while letting the moss or leaf litter on top run drier. Good ventilation and height are both important for this species.
• Water: A small, stable water source works well, a narrow vial-style dish set into the substrate helps maintain humidity without overwhelming airflow.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, and similar feeders sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Docile but genuinely skittish, quick to disappear into its trapdoor when it feels disturbed.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Cork Bark Is Mandatory: This species will not behave naturally without proper flat cork bark to build its trapdoor on, it is not optional setup for this species.
• Sling Coloration: Slings begin far more muted, in soft browns and creams with faint patterning, gradually developing the full jewel-toned adult look as they mature.
• Hard to Spot: Once the trapdoor is built, it can be genuinely difficult to find, this species is built to blend in perfectly.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.