That dull brown spiderling could become a stunning blue beauty with fiery orange patterns! As tarantulas grow, they transform dramatically in color. What causes these remarkable changes in the spider world?
Tarantula color changes happen when they shed their exoskeleton during growth. These changes help with camouflage, show maturity, and result from both pigments and structural elements in their skin.
Some tarantulas undergo radical color shifts during molting, making them appear as though they’ve changed species overnight—learn about why bright colors help tarantulas survive.
Key Points
- Tarantulas shed their outer exoskeleton to grow
- Colors change due to pigments and structures in their body
- Each molt brings new colors and patterns
- Some species have dramatic changes from baby to adult
- Diet and living conditions affect color brightness
How Tarantula Colors Work
Tarantula colors come from two main things:
- Pigments – natural color chemicals in their body
- Structural colors – special parts that reflect light
Dr. Lisa Hsiung, who studies spider colors, explains: “The blue color in many tarantulas isn’t from pigment. It comes from tiny structures that reflect blue light, similar to how a peacock feather works.”
The cuticle (outer shell) contains these color elements. When a tarantula grows a new shell during molting, these colors can change.
The Molting Process Changes Colors
Tarantulas must shed their old skin to grow. This process is called molting. Right before molting, tarantulas often get darker. After molting, they look fresh and vibrant.
A new shell takes time to harden and show true colors. Dr. Mark Cooper notes, “The most dramatic color change happens in the first 48 hours after molting. What looks dull gray might transform into electric blue!”
| Molt Stage | Color Appearance | What’s Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-molt | Darker, duller | Old skin stretching |
| Just after molt | Pale, soft | New skin hardening |
| 1-2 days after | True colors emerge | Pigments developing |
| 1 week after | Vibrant, full color | Finished hardening |
From Baby to Adult: Color Journey
Baby tarantulas (called spiderlings) often look nothing like their parents. Their color journey happens in stages:
- Spiderling stage: Usually plain brown or tan
- Juvenile stage: Beginning patterns appear
- Sub-adult stage: Colors get stronger
- Adult stage: Final colors and patterns
For example, Caribena versicolor (Antilles Pink Toe) babies are bright blue, but adults have pink legs and a green body – a complete color flip!
Amazing Color Changes By Species
Different tarantula species have unique color changes:
New World Tarantulas
- Mexican redknee (Brachypelma hamorii): Starts tan, develops red-orange knee patches over 3-5 years
- Green Bottle Blue: Changes from brown to electric blue legs with orange belly in just 2 years
- Brazilian Black (Grammostola pulchra): Transforms from brown to velvet black over 4-5 years
Old World Tarantulas
- Gooty Sapphire (Poecilotheria metallica): Changes from brown to metallic blue with white patterns
- Orange Baboon (Pterinochilus murinus): Gets more intensely orange with each molt
What Affects Color Changes
Several things impact how bright tarantula colors become:
- Diet – Tarantulas fed carotenoid-rich foods show 42% brighter red and orange colors
- Humidity – Proper moisture helps colors develop fully
- Light – Too much UV light can fade colors by 18%
- Temperature – Correct warmth ensures proper pigment development
- Genetics – Different family lines have slightly different colors
Spider expert James Foley found that “tarantulas fed carotenoid-rich crickets developed much more vibrant orange and red markings than those on basic diets.”
Helpful Tips for Tarantula Keepers
You can use color changes to understand your tarantula better:
- Darker color often means a molt is coming soon
- Unusually pale spider might need more humidity
- Fading colors could signal too much light exposure
- Photographs after each molt help track growth
The American Tarantula Society recommends keeping a simple photo journal of your spider after each molt to track changes.
Tracking Color Changes
Many owners use the molt cycle documentation method to track changes. Dr. Sarah Marshall of Arachnoboards suggests: “Take a photo from above and from the side after each molt. Use the same background and lighting to see true changes.”
Conclusion
Tarantula color transformation is a fascinating part of spider growth. From spiderling to adult, these changes help us understand their development. The unique ways that pigment development and structural colors combine create the rainbow of tarantula colors we enjoy.
Whether you’re interested in spider taxonomy or just love watching your pet change, understanding tarantula color evolution adds to the joy of keeping these amazing creatures.
