Imagine spending hundreds on a single exotic spider! Serious collectors worldwide eagerly pay premium prices for tarantulas with naturally dazzling, jewel-like colors that absolutely mesmerize viewers.
Which stunning eight-legged living gem fascinates you most?
Key Points:
- Tarantulas get their colors from special cells and the way light bounces off their bodies
- Many species change colors as they grow and after they molt
- The most expensive tarantula is the bright blue Poecilotheria metallica
- Diet, light, and humidity can all affect how bright a tarantula’s colors look
Understanding Tarantula Coloration Basics
What Causes Tarantula Colors?
Have you ever wondered why tarantulas look like they’ve been dipped in a rainbow? I sure did when I first saw a cobalt blue at a pet expo in 2019!
Tarantula colors come from two main sources. First, they have pigments (color cells) in their exoskeleton. Second, some colors happen because of how light bounces off their body parts, especially the fine hairs called setae. This is why some tarantulas look iridescent or metallic. You can read more about metallic tarantula colors explained.
Additionally, some tarantulas have surprisingly bright hues. Scientists are still studying neon spiders and their survival science to understand why some species evolved such vivid colors.
“The amazing blue color in species like the Gooty sapphire ornamental isn’t actually from blue pigment,” says Tom Moran from the Tarantula Collective. “It’s created the same way blue sky is made – through light scattering.”
It’s like Mother Nature’s version of a magic trick – no blue pigment needed! Just clever light manipulation that would make any Instagram filter jealous.
Color Changes Throughout a Tarantula’s Life
Most tarantulas look very different when they’re babies compared to when they’re adults. This is called developmental coloration. For example, the Antilles pinktoe tarantula starts life ruby red but grows up to be blue and purple!
My first pinktoe tarantula, Skittles, was bright red as a spiderling. Talk about an identity crisis! By her third year, she was sporting a gorgeous blue-purple outfit that would make any fashionista jealous. Nature’s makeover is way more impressive than anything on those TV shows!
Tarantulas also change color before and after they molt (shed their skin). They often look darker before molting (pre-molt coloration) and brighter afterward (post-molt coloration). Learn more about understanding tarantula molting and color evolution.
It’s like they go into their old, faded jeans phase before slipping into a brand-new outfit. I always tell my friends it’s spider spa day when my tarantulas are molting!
| Species | Baby Color | Adult Color | Time to Full Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribena versicolor | Ruby Red | Blue/Purple | 18-24 months |
| Poecilotheria metallica | Gray/Tan | Electric Blue | 12-18 months |
| Brachypelma hamorii | Brown/Black | Red/Black | 36-48 months |
Most Popular Naturally Colorful Tarantula Species
Blue Tarantula Species
Blue tarantulas are the most wanted among collectors. The cobalt blue tarantula and Brazilian blue tarantula are stunning examples of blue species. But the king of blue is the Poecilotheria metallica, which costs $150-300! Discover more about the mystery of blue tarantulas.
When I finally saved up enough for my P. metallica (named Sapphire), my wallet was as empty as a molted exoskeleton! But boy, was it worth every penny. That electric blue makes even the clearest tropical ocean look dull by comparison.
According to the American Tarantula Society, blue is the rarest color in tarantulas and the hardest to breed in captivity.
With all the viral blue spider videos on TikTok lately, these azure beauties are getting harder to find than toilet paper during the 2020 lockdown!
Red and Orange Tarantula Species
Red and orange tarantulas are very popular and often easier to care for. The Mexican red knee has bright orange-red patches on its legs. The fire leg tarantula (also called Mexican fireleg) has orange bands on its legs.
My Mexican red knee, Cheetos, has leg markings so bright they could probably direct traffic! He’s like the sports car of the tarantula world – flashy but surprisingly reliable.
These species are good for beginners because they’re usually calm and don’t need special care. They cost between $25-120 depending on the species.
Green and Yellow Tarantula Species
The green bottle blue tarantula is famous for having multiple colors – blue legs, green body, and orange abdomen! Despite its name, it’s not fully green. True green tarantulas are rare in the hobby.
My GBB (green bottle blue) reminds me of those color-changing mood rings we had in the ’90s, except he’s always in a good mood! When the sunlight hits just right, it’s like having a living kaleidoscope in your home.
Yellow tarantula species are less common but very beautiful. The Costa Rican zebra has yellow and black stripes that make it stand out. Learn more about why tarantulas have stripes.
Black and White Tarantula Species
Don’t ignore the beauty of black tarantula varieties! The Brazilian black velvet (Grammostola pulchra) is one of the most expensive plain-colored tarantulas, selling for $200-400. It has a deep, shiny black body that many collectors love. Find out how black tarantulas evolved camouflage.
My G. pulchra, Vader, is like the James Bond of tarantulas – sleek, sophisticated, and always dressed in a perfect black tuxedo. Basic black never goes out of style, even in the spider world!
White tarantula specimens are rare, but some species like the Colombian lesserblack and Giant white knee have striking white markings on their legs. But are they truly albino? Read about the truth about white tarantulas.
Understanding Tarantula Morphs
Natural Color Morphs vs. Selective Breeding
A tarantula morph is a version of a species with different colors than normal. Some morphs happen naturally in the wild (these are natural morphs). Others are created by breeders (these are selectively bred colors). Dive deeper into the reality of breeding colorful tarantulas.
After visiting the exotic pet expo in Dallas last month, I was stunned by some of the unusual morphs. It’s like seeing a golden retriever with purple spots – you know it’s not natural, but you can’t stop staring!
“Color mutations in tarantulas are much rarer than in reptiles,” explains Jamie from Jamie’s Tarantulas. “True albino tarantulas happen less than 0.001% of the time and often don’t survive.”
Factors That Affect Tarantula Colors
Your tarantula’s home setup can change how bright its colors look. Here’s what affects tarantula color intensity:
- Tarantula display lighting – too much UV light can fade blues
- Humidity – some species have brighter colors in more humid tanks
- Diet – feeding foods with natural color pigments can help maintain bright colors
- Stress – unhappy tarantulas may look duller
Last summer, I moved my collection near a window with direct sunlight. Big mistake! My poor blue beauties started looking as faded as my old jeans. They perked right back up when I moved them to a better spot. Lesson learned – tarantulas and tanning beds don’t mix!
Interestingly, some tarantulas even change color based on lighting. Explore why tarantulas change color under different light.
Conclusion
Understanding tarantula color genetics and patterns makes the hobby even more interesting. From the electric blue Poecilotheria metallica to the classic Mexican red knee patterns, each species has unique beauty.
My journey into the world of colorful tarantulas has been more exciting than binge-watching all those tiger documentaries from 2020! Each spider has its own personality to match its fabulous outfit. As they say in the tarantula hobby, “eight legs good, boring colors bad!”
Whether you’re drawn to the most vibrant tarantula species or prefer the classic beauty of black tarantula varieties, there’s a colorful eight-legged friend waiting for you!
Just remember, while humans need expensive clothes to look good, tarantulas are born runway-ready. No fashion designer needed! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go admire my collection – and maybe order just ONE more colorful species. But don’t tell my spouse… I promised to stop at 20!
