Ephebopus cyanognathus L2/L3

• Latin name: Ephebopus cyanognathus (West & Marshall, 2000) • English name: Blue Fang Tarantula • Distribution: French Guiana (South America) • Lifestyle: Subterranean / burrowing Appearance and Coloration • Distinctive feature: Bright, metallic blue (sapphire) chelicerae. • Juveniles: Very colorful—black-greenish carapace, iridescent greenish abdomen, pinkish legs. • Adults: Brownish-purple coloration. In adult females, the sapphire color of the chelicerae remains very intense, while in males it fades. • Size: Females are about 5–6 cm long, and their leg span reaches 12–14 cm. Temperament and Behavior • Very fast, agile, and skittish. Assumes a defensive posture when threatened. • Possesses stinging hairs located on the pedipalps rather than on the abdomen. • Its venom is weak to moderate and not life-threatening to humans. Housing Conditions • Temperature: 24–28°C • Humidity: 75–85% • Terrarium: Minimum dimensions 20x20x30 cm with a thick layer of substrate (10–15 cm of moist peat or coconut fiber) to allow for burrowing. • Diet: Live insects (crickets, cockroaches, larvae). Availability and Difficulty • Recommended for intermediate-level keepers.