Cambodia Blue (Chilobrachys Dyscolus)

Dark, moody, and surprisingly gorgeous under the right lighting, Chilobrachys dyscolus is a fossorial speed demon with incredible flashes of deep metallic blue. Definitely not a species for beginners, but an absolute must-have for Old World enthusiasts who love webbing, burrowing, and bold colors.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Cambodia Blue

Scientific Name: Chilobrachys dyscolus

Origin: Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos

Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm) leg span

Lifespan:

• Females: 10–15 years
• Males: 3–4 years

Temperament: Defensive, fast, typical Old World attitude

Coloration

Dark charcoal to almost black body base

Striking deep blue or purple iridescence across the legs and carapace

Blue tones are most vivid after a fresh molt and in natural light

Fades slightly between molts but always retains that metallic "flash"

Housing & Care

Enclosure Type: Fossorial — lots of depth and anchor points for webbing

Substrate: 6–8+ inches of moist, compactable substrate (coco fiber/topsoil mix)

Humidity: 75–85% — needs consistent humidity (especially for slings)

Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

Decor:

• Deep hide (or let them dig)
• Lots of anchor points — plants, cork bark, moss
• Water dish is a must for hydration

Webbing monsters! They will tunnel and sheet massive amounts of web if happy.

Feeding

Diet: Crickets, roaches, mealworms

Feeding Schedule:

• Slings: 2–3x/week
• Juveniles: Weekly
• Adults: Every 7–10 days

Fierce feeders — strikes fast and drags prey into its tunnels instantly

Why It’s a Showstopper

Insane metallic blue coloration after molt

Fascinating webbing and burrowing behavior

Fast-growing compared to many fossorials

Great “show-off” for seasoned keepers who want something a little wild

Relatively easy to keep once setup is correct (humidity + depth = happy spider)

Notes

Defensive — will threat pose quickly if disturbed

Lightning fast — be extremely cautious during maintenance

Not for handling, not for beginners

Needs good ventilation to prevent mold at higher humidity levels

Fades slightly between molts — if you want peak blue, timing is everything