Brazilian jewel tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Brazilian jewel tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) (origin: Eastern Brazil – Atlantic rainforest). Adult size around body 2–3 cm, leg span 5–7 cm. Life expectancy females 10–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Brazilian jewel tarantula: How big does the enclosure need to be?
20×20×30 cm.
Brazilian jewel tarantula: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 21–24 °C.
Brazilian jewel tarantula: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Brazilian jewel tarantula: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: females 10–12 years.
Brazilian jewel tarantula: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 70–80 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 20×20×30 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, cork bark with crevices, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Small house crickets, flies, firebrats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- body 2–3 cm, leg span 5–7 cm
- Life expectancy
- females 10–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Brazil – Atlantic rainforest
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; a Brazilian export ban – only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep strictly singly: solitary and cannibalistic — two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one. This holds even for animals of equal size and even when both are well fed. For mating, the male is introduced under supervision and separated again immediately.
Notes
Turquoise and magenta in colour, and thus one of the most sought-after tarantulas there is. It builds a flat trapdoor under bark. Very small and delicate, and captive-bred animals are expensive and rare – not one for getting started.
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Related species
- Amazon birdeater (Iridopelma hirsutum) – Intermediate
- Arizona blonde tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes) – Beginner
- Pinktoe tarantula (Avicularia avicularia) – Beginner
- Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus) – Expert
- Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula (Poecilotheria metallica) – Expert
- Peruvian blue tarantula (Thrixopelma cyaneolum) – Beginner
- Singapore blue tarantula (Omothymus violaceopes) – Expert
- Blue foot baboon tarantula (Idiothele mira) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Brazilian jewel tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (20×20×30 cm), substrate (Coco humus, cork bark with crevices, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhochlaena_seladonia, https://marshallarachnids.com/pages/typhochlaena-seladonia-care-guide
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).