Dolichothele diamantinensis, commonly known as the Brazilian Blue Dwarf Beauty tarantula, is a small, vibrant New World arachnid endemic to the rocky, high-elevation savannas of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Originally described as Oligoxystre diamantinensis in 2009, this species is highly prized in the hobby for its intense, iridescent coloration and heavy webbing behaviour.
 
Physical Characteristics
Appearance: They feature a metallic blue-green carapace, bright blue legs covered in fine white hairs, and a deep blue abdomen detailed with contrasting reddish guard hairs.
Size: This is a dwarf species, reaching a maximum adult diagonal leg span of only 7.5 to 9 cm (3 to 3.5 inches).
Lifespan: Females are exceptionally long-lived for a dwarf species, surviving 12 to 15 years. Males live significantly shorter lives, typically maturing and dying within 3 to 5 years.
 
Behavior and Temperament
Webbing: They are prolific, heavy webbers. When given anchor points, they quickly construct complex, multi-layered silk tunnels and blanket their entire enclosure.
Disposition: They are generally docile but highly skittish and incredibly fast, particularly as spiderlings (slings). They rarely strike a threat pose, preferring to flee into their webs when disturbed.
Defences: Unlike most New World tarantulas, D. diamantinensis does not possess urticating hairs. Their venom is considered mild, making them an excellent display animal rather than a handling species.
 
Captive Care & Husbandry
Enclosure Setup: Keep them in a terrestrial or semi-arboreal enclosure filled with dry substrate. Provide plenty of anchor points like fake plants and cork bark to support their intricate web networks.
Temperature: They are hardy and thrive at standard room temperatures between 22°C and 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
Humidity & Water: They prefer a humidity range between 60% and 80%. Rather than misting the substrate heavily, keep a clean water dish present or lightly drip water directly onto their waterproof webbing, which they will readily drink from.
Feeding: They possess a voracious appetite and are excellent eaters. Feed spiderlings flightless fruit flies or pinhead crickets every 4 to 7 days. Adults will eagerly take medium crickets or small roaches every 7 to 14 days.