Pterinopelma sazimai

Pterinopelma sazimai, also known as the Brazilian Blue, hails from the Chapada Diamantina National Park region in eastern Brazil. This vibrant locale is scrubland to dry forest with rocky terrain and scattered vegetation—lovely if you’re an eight-legged jewel. The climate is warm and moderately humid, with a marked wet season. The ground tends to be loose, providing plenty of opportunities for burrowing. In the wild, these spiders hide under rocks or fallen logs, coming out to forage under the cover of darkness. Their natural surroundings explain why they’re such enthusiastic diggers in captivity!

Adults typically reach 12–15 cm in diagonal leg span, so give them a bit of room to strut their sparkly stuff. Females grow larger and chunkier than their male counterparts, who tend to be leggier and lighter. Males also mature a couple of years sooner, which in the spider world isn’t necessarily a win! While they’re not giants, their vivid blue colouration packs real visual punch, so you won’t miss them when they’re out and about.

P. sazimai is a terrestrial tarantula with a fossorial streak, meaning it’s happiest when burrowing and redecorating your pristine enclosure. Don’t be shocked if your carefully arranged décor is tossed about—it’s just getting comfy! In captivity, it will use hides and dig burrows, spending a good portion of its time underground, especially as a juvenile. Adult spiders may venture out more but still appreciate a snug retreat. This species occasionally webs up its burrow entrance for extra privacy—who doesn’t like a bit of peace and quiet now and then?

Females are the mainstay of the collection, often living 10–15 years in captivity when well cared for. Males, ever the tragic romantic, rarely last more than 3–5 years—especially after embarking on the quest for love and, inevitably, their own demise. The well-being of both sexes benefits from stable husbandry and a stress-free environment. With a bit of luck and TLC, your female Brazilian Blue could be your companion for over a decade.

Growth for P. sazimai can best be described as moderate—not too zippy, not a total slouch. Slings will take a couple of years before you’re marvelling at that trademark blue. Fed well and kept warm, they’ll moult steadily along, with obvious spurts of growth in their first few years. Diet, temperature, and humidity all play their parts, so your attention spells the difference between slowpoke and sprinter.

Despite their show-stopping looks, P. sazimai is generally a well-mannered houseguest. Skittish and prone to sudden dashes, sure, but not known for picking fights. If startled, it will more likely bolt to its burrow than stand its ground. As with all tarantulas, individual temperaments can vary, and juveniles tend to be flightier than adults. Handling isn’t recommended—better to admire those blues through glass and avoid the chance of a dramatic escape act!

Aim to keep your P. sazimai between 22–26°C for optimal comfort; these spiders like it warm but not tropical sauna levels! Typical UK room temperatures often do the job, especially in summer, but monitor with a thermometer for accuracy. Night-time drops of a couple of degrees are fine—they're used to daily swings in the wild. If your home is on the chilly side, a thermostatically controlled heat mat attached to the side of the enclosure (not underneath) can be helpful. Avoid baking your spider or risking dehydration by overdosing on the warmth. A Goldilocks approach: not too hot, not too cold!

Keep humidity in the 60–70% RH range—not rainforest-level, but distinctly not arid. Achieve this with a slightly moist substrate; don’t turn it to mud, just aim for ‘clean garden soil’ dampness in one area. Mist a corner every week or so if needed. Always provide a clean, shallow water dish, even if it’s ignored (they’ll appreciate it eventually, promise). Good cross-ventilation is key—overly stuffy air can lead to mould or mites, both of which are a tarantula-keeper’s pet peeve.

As slings and juveniles, you may catch only the occasional, fleeting glimpse—think of it as a game of ‘Where’s Bluey?’ Adults, however, are more outgoing and might grace you with their presence during the evening or when the mood strikes. Their electric blue colouration is worth the wait! P. sazimai produces attractive webbing around its burrow entrance, making even an empty tunnel look stunning. Patient keepers are handsomely rewarded by the rare but memorable sight of a Brazilian Blue basking in full view.

Expect some fetching silk décor! P. sazimai is a moderate webber, often spinning a soft carpet over their burrow entrance and hide. This webbing acts as an early warning system, home décor, and, sometimes, a launchpad for surprise appearances. Don’t expect a C. versicolor-style haunted house, but their webbing habits give a lovely wild touch to the enclosure—and keepers enjoy watching them at work during quiet hours.

Like most tarantulas, P. sazimai is a keen but sometimes choosy eater. Slings gobble pinhead crickets or curly-wing flies every 4–5 days. Juveniles enjoy slightly larger crickets or small locusts once weekly. Adults are perfectly happy with a medium locust, dubia roach, or fat cricket every 10–14 days. Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours, especially during pre-moult, as a pestering cricket can stress—even injure—a moulting tarantula. Keep portions appropriate for your spider’s size; overfeeding leads to pudgy pets and ill-timed fasts. No need to get fancy: variety is nice, but consistency and moderation will see your blue buddy thriving.

A medium terrestrial enclosure (30x30x30cm or equivalent) suits an adult P. sazimai. Go for a secure, well-ventilated box—these spiders are explorers and may test the boundaries if given half a chance. Substrate should be 10–15cm deep (peat, coir, or topsoil mix works well) to satisfy digging urges. Add a sturdy hide (cork bark or a half flowerpot does nicely), and leave some open ground for exploring. Provide a shallow water dish at all times and maintain excellent cross-ventilation to prevent mould. Avoid excess clutter, but feel free to add a few decorative plants or rocks—they’re not fussy. Remember, they value privacy, so that hide is essential!

P. sazimai straddles the line between beginner and intermediate. They’re not annoyingly defensive or prone to wild acrobatics, but skittishness, sensitivity to environment, and a bit of secretive behaviour means true first-timers may want to cut their teeth on something less reclusive. Anyone comfortable with basic tarantula care and happy to maintain stable humidity and warmth will find them a dazzling (and manageable) addition.

Pterinopelma sazimai is a genuine showstopper—who doesn’t want a living sapphire in their collection? Relatively hardy, with dazzling looks and delightful webbing, they’re a pleasure for keepers with a bit of experience under their belt. Yes, they might be shy at times and prone to redecorate when you least expect it, but watching one emerge from its burrow like a blue bolt is unforgettable. Just keep on top of humidity, don’t skip the water bowl and resist the temptation to handle, and you’ll be well rewarded. Perfect for anyone ready to take the next lovely, blue-legged step in the hobby.