Ybyrapora diversipes — Amazon Sapphire (Sling)

A Living Jewel with Dramatic Colour Changes

The Amazon Sapphire Sling is one of the most visually spectacular tarantulas in the hobby. Known for its intense blues, greens, and later striking adult patterning, Ybyrapora diversipes offers something few species can — a complete transformation in colour as it matures.

This arboreal species is not only beautiful but also active, engaging, and rewarding to raise from a sling.

Why You'll Want This Species

• Exceptional colouration — vivid blues and greens in early stages

• Dramatic colour transformation into a patterned adult

• Arboreal species with visible webbing and movement

• More display-oriented than many reclusive tarantulas

• Highly desirable among collectors

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ybyrapora diversipes (formerly Avicularia diversipes)

• Common Name: Amazon Sapphire

• Origin: Brazil (Amazon rainforest regions)

• Adult Size: ±12–15 cm leg span

• Temperament: Generally calm, can be quick and skittish

• Lifespan:

  • Females: ±10–12 years

  • Males: ±3–4 years

Appearance

• Slings/Juveniles: Bright metallic blues and greens

• Sub-adults: Transitional colours with increased contrast

• Adults: Complex patterning with darker base tones and orange accents

This species is famous for its multi-stage visual evolution, making it one of the most exciting tarantulas to grow out.

Enclosure & Setup Guide (By Life Stage)

Sling

• Enclosure: Small arboreal sling enclosure or vial with height

• Substrate Depth: 2–4 cm (lightly moist)

• Setup: Vertical anchor points (twigs, cork bark), good ventilation

• Tip: Cross ventilation is critical for sling survival

Juvenile

• Enclosure: Small arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 3–6 cm

• Setup: Cork bark tube, foliage, anchor points for webbing

Sub-Adult

• Enclosure: Medium arboreal enclosure

• Substrate Depth: 5–8 cm

• Setup: Vertical hides, plants, water dish

Adult

• Enclosure: Arboreal setup with height and airflow

• Substrate Depth: 5–10 cm

• Set up Essentials:

  • Cork bark or vertical retreat

  • Water dish

  • Plenty of anchor points for webbing

Ideal Conditions:

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• Humidity: 70–80% with excellent ventilation

• Lighting: Moderate to low

• Ventilation: High (critical for arboreal species)

Feeding Guide

• Diet: Crickets, roaches, flying insects

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3 times per week

• Juveniles: Once per week

• Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days

• Adults: Every 10–14 days

This species is an active feeder and will often hunt within its webbing.

Behaviour & Handling

• Generally calm but quick to move

• Arboreal and often visible in its web structure

• May jump when startled

• Handling is not recommended

Best suited for keepers who enjoy watching movement, webbing, and natural behaviour.

Important Considerations

• Venom: Mild to moderate (New World species)

• Visibility: Moderate to high compared to burrowers

• Key Requirement: Excellent ventilation — especially for slings

Why Start With a Sling?

Starting with a sling allows you to:

• Experience the full colour transformation journey

• Watch its arboreal web-building behaviour develop

• Raise one of the most visually rewarding species from the beginning

Ready to Own One of the Most Colourful Tarantulas in the World?

The Amazon Sapphire Sling is perfect for keepers who want vibrant colour, visible behaviour, and a truly unique growing experience.

Secure yours while available — this is a standout species in any collection.

Photo credit: Quensalinas via Wikimedia Commons