Keeper guide

Male vs Female Singapore Blue Tarantula — Omothymus violaceopes

Male and female Singapore Blue Tarantulas need the same basic care while they are growing, but sex makes a large difference to lifespan and what happens after maturity. Male Omothymus violaceopes generally live around 4–5 years, while females can live 12–14 years.

At a glance

Quick facts

World
Old World
Origin
Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
Lifestyle
Arboreal
UK hobby rarity
Uncommon
Maximum size
Up to about 25–28 cm (10–11 in)
Growth rate
Fast
Male lifespan
Around 4–5 years
Female lifespan
Around 12–14 years
Temperament
Extremely fast and defensive when exposed; highly reclusive when given a secure retreat
Venom
Medically significant Old World venom; severe pain and systemic symptoms are possible
Temperature
23–28°C
Moisture / humidity
Moisture-dependent setup with deep lower substrate, good ventilation and a constant water source
CITES
Not CITES-listed

What difference does sex make?

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

Singapore Blue Tarantulas grow at a fast rate and reach about up to about 25–28 cm (10–11 in). Size alone does not reliably tell you whether a juvenile is male or female.

Lifespan

Male Omothymus violaceopes are generally expected to live around 4–5 years, while females can live 12–14 years because they continue moulting after maturity.

A confirmed female Singapore Blue Tarantula 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 Omothymus violaceopes 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 Singapore Blue Tarantula, 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 Omothymus violaceopes often becomes more active. He may spend more time walking around the enclosure and show less interest in food.

A mature male Singapore Blue Tarantula 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 Omothymus violaceopes do not need different basic husbandry. Both sexes need the same enclosure style, water, ventilation and temperature for the species.

A mature male Singapore Blue Tarantula 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 Omothymus violaceopes. One individual can be calm during maintenance while another reacts more quickly, regardless of whether the spider is male or female.

A mature male Singapore Blue Tarantula 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 Omothymus violaceopes 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 Singapore Blue Tarantula, be prepared for either outcome. Keep moult dates and save suitable exuviae so the sex can be confirmed later.