Environmental Caution:

When a damp environment has too little air circulation, this can lead to an anaerobic environment. Where the typical aerobic bacteria helps keep certain types of waste from building up, they are instead replaced by anaerobic bacteria whose waste is more likely to be toxic and harmful. This is often accompanied by a strong swampy smell. 

To guard against anaerobic environments, it is important to monitor and control moisture in the environment as well as air quality. One way to maximize both is to have plentiful live plants as the byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen and water. Springtails can help keep the substrate aerated and break down waste so that the beneficial bacteria can more easily turn it into plant food.

Defining Characteristics:

• This species is so fast that it lives up to the phrase, “You don’t have to worry about where it is going, because by that time it is already there!”
• Adult Omothymus violaceopes are stunning iridescent blue to purple
• This species spends the majority of its time hidden underground. That makes it so much more special the rare times that you do see it out and about in its habitat

Name: Omothymus violaceopes is commonly known as the Singapore Blue tarantula. Its species name translates from Latin to “Purple Feet”.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Omothymus violaceopes is an arboreal species, meaning the enclosure should be taller than it is long. The recommended enclosure height is at least 3 times the spider’s diagonal leg span, and the other dimensions should not be less than two times the spider’s diagonal leg span. 

The enclosure will need to be upgraded as the animal continues to grow. They will benefit from a variety of terrarium furniture as well to climb on and foliage to hide behind. 4-5 inches of substrate will help the terrarium retain humidity while still allowing for this species to have its high ventilation requirements.

ABG mix, coco cradle, or Dig-It are good substrate options, but our Pet Bug Team prefers ABG all the way! Live plants can be beneficial to air quality. 

Temperature (°F): This species thrives in the mid 70s to low 80s, so a temperature close to 80 degrees is ideal. Temperatures regularly dipping below 65 degrees, or spiking above 85 degrees should be avoided.

A reliable thermometer is strongly recommended.

Humidity: These spiders thrive in a humid environment, the recommended ambient humidity should stay between 60 and 75%. This can be achieved by making sure the substrate is always slightly moistened.  

The enclosure sides and décor should be spritzed at least lightly around twice a week to provide your animal droplets to drink from and keep humidity up. Do not spray your spider directly. Depending on your location, you may need tools such as a humidifier to achieve this environment. A hygrometer is a great way to monitor the humidity for your animal and see any needed adjustments . 

Size: These tarantulas will be at least 1 inch in diagonal leg span at time of sale. Females grow up to 7 inches, while males are significantly smaller.

Age: These spiders are about 1 year old at time of sale. Females can live up to 15 years while males generally only reach 4 years.

Feeding: These spiders are currently eating two to three 1/4 inch crickets, once a week. There are a variety of appropriate prey items that you can offer, such as roaches, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms, and silkworms. Consider feeding your prey items with our gutload formula to give your pet well-rounded nutrition.

We recommend that the prey items not be much longer than the tarantula's “head” is wide. Larvae are an exception—our larvae are harmless. Since they are very high in fat, they're not the best staple diet, however they make a great weight gain supplement.

Remove uneaten prey items after 24 hours, these may stress your animal out or endanger the spider during molting. Never attempt to feed a freshly molted tarantula less than a week after their molt to prevent injury to the spider. Depending on its age, the hardening process could take anywhere from 48 hours all the way up to a week.

Sexing: Due to age, Psalmopoeus reduncus sold by Josh’s Frogs are sold as unsexed.

Color/Pattern: Adult females are metallic blue to metallic purple. This is a breathtaking species to behold, the rare times that you actually get to see it.

Social Behavior: Omothymus violaceopes is not a sociable animal and should be housed as an individual. Attempts at cohabitation can result in cannibalism. 

This species is fast and defensive, has very potent venom, and has bad urticating hairs. Care should be taken when feeding, doing tank maintenance, or rehousing. Having a second person as a spotter is a good idea.

Natural Range: Omothymus violaceopes can be found in the wild in Malaysia and Singapore.

Links of Interest:

• Arachnoboards: A community of spider enthusiasts that will be able to or have already answered almost any question you can think of with regards to tarantulas.

Still not sure if Omothymus violaceopes from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!