Dolichothele diamantinensis

Dolichothele diamantinensis – a small tarantula with blue legs

Blue legs, a greenish-shimmering thorax, and reddish hairs on the abdomen: Dolichothele diamantinensis stands out for its vivid colors. Its web is also fascinating. While spinning, the spider can weave grains of soil into the silk. This makes its hiding place, nestled between the soil and the bark, less conspicuous.

This species is native to the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. There, it lives in open, rocky landscapes known as “Campo Rupestre.” You can use this as a guide when setting up its enclosure: Provide it with sheltered crevices near the ground and several spots where it can anchor its web.

Setting Up a Terrarium for Dolichothele diamantinensis

Choose a relatively shallow, well-ventilated terrarium with a secure lid. The floor space is more important than extra height when setting up the terrarium. Leave enough room for a hiding spot, a water dish, and low branches that you’ll still be able to reach later, even as the web spreads out.

• Add soil suitable for burrowing: Give the spider enough substrate so it can expand the area beneath its hiding place.
• Provide a shelter: A flat piece of cork creates a protected crevice. Make sure it’s stable.
• Create anchor points for the web: Small twigs and pieces of bark give the spider support while spinning. Place them so that the web is pulled along as little as possible when the door is opened.
• Provide targeted moisture: As a starting point, you can lightly moisten a small area along the edge and let the rest of the substrate dry out. A shallow dish of fresh water should remain easily accessible.

Feeding and Care

Offer small live insects as food, such as crickets that are the right size for your spider. Place the food near the web without opening the shelter. Remove any uneaten prey, especially when the spider retreats to molt.

When caring for your tarantula, try to keep the web as intact as possible. If you place the water dish close to the door, you can change it without having to reach into the hiding area every time.

The Right Accessories for Your Tarantula

Tarantula & Scorpion Terrarium Complete Sets —a low-profile design provides space for substrate, a hiding spot, and a water dish. For small animals, make sure the lid and slats close securely.

Tarantula substrate – serves as a substrate that allows for digging and can be lightly moistened in one spot if necessary.

Cork bark —creates a shallow crevice that serves as a shelter while also providing support for the web.

Insektenliebe Round Bowl – Designed in a shallow shape appropriate for the animal’s size, it serves as a drinking bowl.

Food tweezers – help you remove food scraps from the terrarium without getting your hand too close to the web.

The Right Prey – We select prey that’s appropriate for your spider’s species and size.

Conclusion: Plenty to observe at ground level

With Dolichothele diamantinensis, it’s worth taking a closer look at the web: Among the cork, twigs, and substrate, this little tarantula builds its own hideaway. A flat, well-ventilated terrarium with a safe hiding spot and an easily accessible water dish makes care easier for you without having to constantly disturb this area.