Mystery Tarantula found in Bahia, Brazil

[tomlemes]

Hi Tarantula experts! I wonder if you could help me - I spotted an amazingly colourful tarantula recently when I was holidaying in Bahia, Northeast Brazil.

The closest thing I can find on the internet is the Greenbottle blue Tarantula (Chromatopelma cyaneopubescen), but to be honest that doesn't look that similar. Also, Wikipedia says that it is found in Venezuela, a loooong way from Bahia. Have I discovered a (beautiful) new species?

I have higher-res images if that would help. Thanks,

Tom

 

[Josh]

Hey Tom, Welcome to TF!
That's a spectacular looking Tarantula! I'm not sure exactly what it is - you're right about Chromatopelma cyaneopubescen. It looks similar but not a 100% match. I've attached a photo to show how similar/dissimilar they are...
It would be amazing if you discovered something new. I always wanted to do that...

 

[jetfire]

I want one! Someone needs to find out what it is, so I can try tracking down a breeder or importer... Is there maybe a university or something in Brazil that you could send the pic to for identification? chances are, if it's a known species, they would be the ones to ask...

 

[Josh]

That's a great idea. Maybe find an arachnology department at a university and see if we can get them to post on our forum!

 

[kheymann]

Very cool pictures and this site may help. They helped me identify some larvae I had macro shots of and it only took a few days for a reply. http://www.whatsthatbug.com/

 

[Josh]

I emailed a professor to see if he could identify this T.
He hasn't replied or registered yet... :-/

 

[custm42425]

i think id have been looking for something to put it in and bring it back with me lol

 

[Samuraisid]

Im putting my feelers out to see if I can get a name for you. Ive never seen this before, and couldnt begin to guess what it is. Bring them back to NA and breed them. Or better yet, sell them to me and let me breed them

I will highly suggest you sned an email to Rick West over at www.birdpsiders.com He has spent his life traveling the world taking pics of tarantulas.

I've contacted Amanda over at Tarantulas Canada, Canadas best source for anything T related, and I have also sent an email to Stan Schultz, the author of the Tarantula Keepers Guide, and he is the premier authority on captive T's the world over.

 

[Samuraisid]

Its Iridopelma sp. possibly seladonium.

 

[Josh]

Is that species part of the trade here in N America?

 

[Samuraisid]

Its in the hobby, but pretty rare. Not sure why that is, though as its absolutely gorgeous.

Ill take 6

 

[donna]

Gorgeous Tarantula, i can't imagine living in a country where Tarantulas are wild, i would love to see something like that while i was out. my eldest son though would never go outside, he is not spider lover