Keeper guide

Male vs Female Green Bottle Blue — Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens

Male and female Green Bottle Blues need the same basic care while they are growing, but sex makes a large difference to lifespan and what happens after maturity. Male Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens generally live around 3–4 years, while females can live 12–14 years.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
New World
Origin
Northern Venezuela, especially the Paraguaná region
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
UK hobby rarity
Common
Maximum size
About 15–16 cm (6–6.25 in)
Growth rate
Moderate
Male lifespan
Around 3–4 years
Female lifespan
Around 12–14 years
Temperament
Usually skittish and quick; more likely to retreat than stand its ground, but individuals vary
Venom
Venomous, but bites are not generally regarded as medically significant; urticating hairs are the more routine keeper hazard
Temperature
20–25°C
Moisture / humidity
Mostly dry, well ventilated setup with a water dish; slings appreciate a small damp area rather than a wet enclosure
CITES
Not CITES-listed

What difference does sex make?

In Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, the main differences are lifespan, maturity and adult behaviour. Juvenile males and females can look very similar.

Green Bottle Blues grow at a moderate rate and reach about 15–16 cm (6–6.25 in). Size alone does not reliably tell you whether a juvenile is male or female.

Lifespan

Male Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens are generally expected to live around 3–4 years, while females can live 12–14 years because they continue moulting after maturity.

A confirmed female Green Bottle Blue is usually a much longer commitment. A mature male may already be in the final adult stage of his life even if he looks healthy and active.

Sexing from a moult

The most dependable way to sex a juvenile Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is from a suitable moult. The exuvia needs to be large enough and intact enough to inspect the relevant structures.

Ventral sexing can sometimes give clues with a larger Green Bottle Blue, but photographs and markings can be misleading. If the view is unclear, wait for a better moult rather than forcing a definite answer.

What changes when a male matures?

After the ultimate moult, a male Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens often becomes more active. He may spend more time walking around the enclosure and show less interest in food.

A mature male Green Bottle Blue can also look leggier and slimmer through the abdomen than an adult female. Use species-specific adult male features together with moult history.

Does a female need different care?

Male and female Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens do not need different basic husbandry. Both sexes need the same enclosure style, water, ventilation and temperature for the species.

A mature male Green Bottle Blue may pace around a previously suitable enclosure. That behaviour does not automatically mean the setup is wrong.

Temperament and sex

Sex does not reliably predict temperament in Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. One individual can be calm during maintenance while another reacts more quickly, regardless of whether the spider is male or female.

A mature male Green Bottle Blue may seem more restless because he walks more, but restlessness is not the same thing as aggression.

Buying male, female or unsexed

A confirmed female Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens often costs more because the sex is known and the expected lifespan is much longer. A confirmed male can still be a good choice if the shorter lifespan suits the keeper.

If you buy an unsexed Green Bottle Blue, be prepared for either outcome. Keep moult dates and save suitable exuviae so the sex can be confirmed later.