The Brazilian Blue: A Guide to the Shimmering Lasiocyano sazimai
Introduction
In 2012, a discovery sent shockwaves through the arachnid world: a tarantula so blue it looked like it had been dipped in metallic cobalt ink. The Lasiocyano sazimai (formerly Pterinopelma sazimai), or the Brazilian Blue, is widely considered one of the most beautiful spiders on Earth. Endemic to a specific "ecological island" on the tabletop mountains of the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Brazil, this species glows with a breathtaking iridescent blue that intensifies with every moult. For the tarantula keeper, it is the ultimate display animal a shimmering, living jewel that brings a bolt of electric colour to any collection.
Size, Growth, and Longevity
The Brazilian Blue is a sleek and elegant terrestrial tarantula, typically reaching an adult diagonal leg span of 12cm to 15cm (5 to 6 inches). While they aren't the bulkiest spiders, their vibrant colour more than makes up for their medium frame. In terms of development, they have a slow to moderate growth rate. They require a bit more patience than the "fast" birdeaters, but the reward is seeing those dull grey spiderlings slowly unveil their metallic blue adult livery. Females are long-lived, often reaching 12 to 15 years, while males follow a shorter cycle of 3 to 4 years.
Temperament and Suitability
The temperament of the L. sazimai is often described as skittish and nervous. As a new world species, it lacks the high-potency venom of old world spiders, but it is much faster and more "bolty" than your average docile pet. While they aren't typically aggressive, they are quick to retreat to their burrows if startled and will not hesitate to flick urticating hairs if they feel cornered.
Because of their speed and occasional defensiveness, the Brazilian Blue is best suited for intermediate keepers. They are manageable for those who have mastered the basics with calmer species and are looking for a more active, visually striking inhabitant. They make fantastic display animals, as adults are often found sitting out in the open, showcasing their incredible iridescence.
Enclosure Setup
Replicating the highland habitat of the Brazilian mountains is key to success. This species is an opportunistic burrower, so provide a terrestrial enclosure with 10cm to 15cm of moisture retaining substrate. While they spend plenty of time on the surface, they appreciate having a deep burrow to retreat to when they feel vulnerable.
To thrive in the captivity, they prefer a slightly more humid environment than desert species, but they cannot tolerate stagnant air. Aim for a humidity level of 60% to 70%, which is easily maintained by keeping one corner of the substrate damp and providing a shallow water dish. Excellent cross ventilation is a must to keep the environment fresh. They do well at standard room temperatures of 22C to 26C. They are enthusiastic feeders, taking crickets and roaches with a confident, lightning-fast response.
Conclusion
The Lasiocyano sazimai (Brazilian Blue) is a true inexpensive crown jewel of the hobby. Its unreal, metallic coloration and active nature make it a standout new world species that never fails to impress. For the Utarantula keeper who has moved past the absolute beginner stage and wants a spider that looks like it belongs in a high-end art gallery, Sazima's tarantula is the perfect choice. It is a vibrant, shimmering testament to the incredible diversity of the natural world.
