Typhochlaena seladonia — Brazilian Jewel (Sling)

One of the Most Beautiful Tarantulas on Earth

The Brazilian Jewel Sling is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking tarantulas in the world. With its vibrant metallic colours, intricate patterns, and unique arboreal lifestyle, Typhochlaena seladonia is a true collector's dream.

Native to the Atlantic forests of Brazil, this miniature masterpiece combines brilliant greens, blues, purples, reds, and golds into a living work of art. Unlike many larger tarantulas that rely on size to impress, the Brazilian Jewel captivates through its extraordinary beauty and fascinating behaviour.

For serious collectors, owning a Brazilian Jewel is often considered a milestone achievement.

Why You'll Want This Species

• One of the most colourful tarantulas in the world

• Highly sought-after collector's species

• Unique trapdoor-style arboreal behaviour

• Compact size is ideal for display

• Rare and prestigious addition to any collection

• A true showpiece species

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Typhochlaena seladonia

• Common Name: Brazilian Jewel

• Origin: Brazil (Atlantic Forest)

• Adult Size: Approximately 5–7 cm leg span

• Temperament: Shy, reclusive, generally calm

• Lifespan:

  • Females: 10–15 years

  • Males: 2–4 years

Appearance

The Brazilian Jewel is famous for its incredible colouration:

• Metallic green carapace

• Brilliant blue, purple, red, and gold highlights

• Distinctive patterned abdomen

• Compact, elegant body shape

• Jewel-like iridescence that changes under different lighting

Few tarantulas can rival the sheer beauty of this species, making it one of the most photographed spiders in the hobby.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small arboreal sling enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 2–3 cm

• Setup: Cork bark, twigs, and elevated anchor points

• Tip: Provide narrow cork bark pieces where the sling can construct its signature retreat

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 3–5 cm

• Setup: Cork bark tubes, branches, and web anchor points

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Medium arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5 cm

• Setup: Multiple elevated retreat options and foliage

Adult

• Enclosure: Arboreal setup with moderate height

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup Essentials:

  • Cork bark sections

  • Branches and climbing surfaces

  • Water dish

  • Good ventilation

  • Areas suitable for retreat construction

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 70–80%

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Ventilation: Excellent airflow

Feeding Guide

Diet:
Fruit flies (for small slings), pinhead crickets, small roaches, and appropriately sized feeder insects.

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

Although small, this species displays an impressive feeding response when prey approaches its retreat entrance.

Behaviour & Handling

• Arboreal and highly secretive

• Constructs unique silk-lined retreats within cork bark

• Often creates trapdoor-like entrances

• Fast when disturbed

• Handling is not recommended

Much of the enjoyment of this species comes from observing its remarkable retreat-building behaviour and admiring its stunning colours.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Mild (New World species)

• Visibility: Moderate

• Experience Level: Intermediate

• Adult Size: Small dwarf species

• Availability: Rare and highly desirable

Due to its rarity and slow reproduction rates, the Brazilian Jewel is often considered a premium collector's species.

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Watch the incredible colours emerge with each moult

• Observe its famous retreat-building behaviour from the beginning

• Experience the full development of one of the world's most beautiful tarantulas

• Raise a highly prized collector's specimen from its earliest stage

Ready to Own a Living Jewel?

The Brazilian Jewel Sling is perfect for collectors who appreciate rarity, beauty, and unique behaviour.

Few tarantulas combine stunning colouration, fascinating natural history, and collector appeal quite like Typhochlaena seladonia. Secure yours today and add one of the hobby's most extraordinary species to your collection.

Photo credit: Rogrio Bertani (2012), CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons