The Green Bottle Blue tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens) is a vibrant New World species, popular as a pet due to its striking coloration: metallic blue legs, a green carapace, and an orange abdomen. Native to the arid scrublands of Venezuela, this species is often visible outside its web. While the GBB possesses venom, the common term “poisonous” is biologically incorrect. The venom is primarily used to subdue prey and is not considered a significant medical threat to healthy humans.
Clarifying Venom and Poison
An organism is classified as venomous if it actively injects its toxin into another creature, typically using specialized structures like fangs, stingers, or spurs. The Green Bottle Blue tarantula uses its fangs to inject a complex mix of proteins and neurotoxins into its prey or a threat, which makes it a venomous animal. Poisonous organisms, by contrast, deliver their toxins passively, usually through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption upon contact. For example, a poison dart frog is poisonous because its toxins are secreted onto its skin and must be absorbed or consumed to be harmful.
Severity of the GBB’s Bite
The venom of the Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is considered mild compared to many other spiders and poses minimal danger to people. While a bite can be a painful experience, the symptoms are generally localized and short-lived. The mechanical puncture from the tarantula’s fangs often causes more initial trauma than the venom itself. Typical reactions following envenomation include sharp, localized pain, mild redness, and swelling at the site of the bite. The severity of the reaction is often compared to a common bee or wasp sting, though an individual’s unique physiological response, especially if allergic, can influence the outcome.
Post-Bite Treatment
These effects are usually temporary, resolving within a few hours to a couple of days. In the event of a bite, the area should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce local swelling and alleviate discomfort. While medical attention is rarely necessary, monitor for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread rash, which would require immediate professional care.
The Role of Urticating Hairs
Separate from its venomous bite, the Green Bottle Blue tarantula possesses a secondary, often more irritating, defense mechanism: urticating hairs. These are specialized, barbed bristles, or setae, located on the dorsal side of its abdomen, characteristic of New World tarantula species. When feeling threatened, the spider can rapidly rub its hind legs against its abdomen, effectively kicking a cloud of these microscopic hairs toward the perceived danger. The urticating hairs cause irritation not through chemical injection, but through mechanical penetration into the skin and mucous membranes, triggering an inflammatory response. Contact with the skin typically results in an itchy rash, redness, and a stinging sensation, sometimes referred to as urticaria. The most serious reactions occur when the hairs make contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, potentially causing inflammation and long-term damage that may require medical intervention.
Safe Interaction and Handling
Because the Green Bottle Blue is a fast-moving and easily startled tarantula, physical handling is strongly discouraged. Handling causes unnecessary stress to the spider, increasing the likelihood of a defensive response, whether it be flicking urticating hairs or biting. A fall from even a short distance can also be fatal to the tarantula due to its fragile abdomen. Keepers should use long tongs or other tools to avoid direct contact with the spider during routine enclosure maintenance.
Enclosure Maintenance
The best practice is to move the tarantula into a temporary catch cup before cleaning or making changes to its habitat. When working inside the enclosure, especially during activities that might disturb the substrate or webbing, wearing eye protection and gloves can significantly reduce the risk of irritation from the airborne hairs. Maintaining a secure, escape-proof enclosure minimizes risks associated with this defensive arachnid.