Cobalt Blue Tarantula
One particular quote by Raymond Chandler comes to mind when one speaks of a cobalt blue tarantula “He looked about as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a slice of angel food.” There is no way to ignore this creature wherever you see it. It looks mesmerizing yet it still has the menace of a typical tarantula. Keeping your distance is the best approach with the cobalt blue tarantula because although they are beautiful they are also very aggressive including their young. In fact, they are considered one of the most aggressive species of tarantulas worldwide.
Why are they cobalt blue?
Science still has discovered what makes the Haplopelma lividum or any other blue tarantula like the greenbottle blue tarantula also scientifically known as Poecilotheria metallica, blue. They just are. According to scientific theory the blue hue probably evolved naturally and independently in these species at least eight times considering the fact that tarantulas are among the oldest species of spiders on earth.
There are several blue tarantula species including the Brazilian blue-green pink toe tarantula, the Singapore blue, the gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula and of course the greenbottle blue tarantula among others. But the spiders don’t create blue in the same way but they all have precisely arranged blue colored nanocrystals that lend them their distinct colors. This is a system that can rapidly evolve according to scientists which may explain why these spiders have a number of variations.
What to do when bitten by a cobalt blue tarantula
The chances of being bitten by a cobalt blue tarantula increase exponentially when one provokes the spider. The provocation combined with their propensity to get aggressive really fast means one is likely to have a cobalt blue tarantula bite if they are not carefully when going through their territory. If you are bitten by one here are some things to do.
First, expect localized swelling, redness and pain. You will probably spot a weal from the bite for some time to come.
To treat it, begin by washing the site with soap and water which help to minimize chances of infection of the wound. Because the spider has large fangs you may end up with two bite marks that are open and can easily become infected if left uncleaned and exposed.
Apply a cool compress to the site to mitigate the swelling and reduce the redness. You can just use cold water or opt for some ice cubes depending on the severity of the pain and swelling. An effective home remedy is applying the paste of meat tenderizer (powder) mixed with a little water to the site to reduce the irritation that may cause you to itch.
Apply a hydrocortisone cream topically to further lessen the irritation and eliminate it completely. While doing all the above stay vigilant to see if you (or the victim of the bite) have an allergic reaction to the bite because that can quickly advance to an anaphylactic shock which will prove fatal. In case of severe reactions make your way to the nearest hospital and describe the cobalt blue tarantula for the correct assistance.
