Mike's Basic Tarantula

A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast

Poecilotheria metallica

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Common name: Gooty Sapphire Ornamental

Indigenous: India

Habitat: India’s seasonal cycle includes three main phases: the cool, dry winter from October to March; the hot, dry summer from April to June; and the southwest monsoon season of warm, torrential rains from mid-June to September. India’s winter season brings cold temperatures to the mountain slopes and northern plains; temperatures in the Thar Desert reach freezing at night. Farther south, temperatures are mild. Average daily temperatures in January range from 13° to 27°C (55° to 81°F) in the northeastern city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta); from 8° to 21°C (46° to 70°F) in the north central city of New Delhi; from 19° to 30°C (67° to 85°F) in the west central coast city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay); and from 19° to 29°C (67° to 85°F) in the vicinity of Chennai (formerly Madras) on the southeastern coast. Dry weather generally accompanies the cool winter season, although severe storms sometimes traverse the country, yielding slight precipitation on the northern plains and heavy snowfall in the Himalayas.

Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 78°-82°F(25.5°-27.8°C) and the humidity at 65%-75%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept basically dry; I mist once a week, and monthly I wet the substrate, than allow it to dry out completely.

Enclosure: This is an arboreal tarantula. As spiderling or juvenile, I put a twig in  the vial so it may climb. When they get between three and four inches (7.76cm-10.16cm), I housed them in their permanent enclosures. They should be given a vertical branch or cork to climb upon. Their enclosure should be taller than longer. I use a round, vertical critter cage for their terrarium.

Substrate: Use one inch (2.54cm) of substrate in vial, deli cup for spiderlings, and two inches (5.06cm) in a terrarium for sub-adult to adult. (I use a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, coconut fiber and dirt for firmness, as the substrate).

Retreat/Hide: A ten inch (25.4cm) vertical bark leaned against the cage.

Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (.635cm) baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now I give my Gooty Sapphire Ornamental two (2) -one inch B. dubia roaches or five (5) adult crickets weekly.  This species is a excellent eater. For variety, I give my girl one (1) house gecko every six (6) months to stimulate the natural instinct of hunting. It is amazing to see their hunting strategy.

Water Requirements: I glued several small bottle cap to the bark and sides of the cage that is leaning against the cage for water and I also mist.

Growth Rate: This is a fast growing tarantula. I bought her at one inch (2.54cm). The first year she attained a leg length of three inches (7.76cm).

Adult Size: I read that this tarantula only reaches a leg length of six inches (15.24cm) inches. My girl is a relaxed six inches (15.24cm) and growing.

Temperament: This is a very fast moving spider. It is not what I would consider a defensive tarantula, but will probably bite if provoked. It has never given me a threat pose.

Comments: As an introduction to this species, I suggest you get a large, Avicularia species. The species in the Avicularia Genus will give you an experience with a large fast moving arboreal without the potent toxin.

This Pokie species is a striking royal blue. The leg undersides are a bright lemon yellow. It is reported that the toxin from this tarantula is stronger than most tarantulas. Even though I consider this tarantula as fairly docile, because of its potential speed, and toxin, this species is not recommended as a beginner tarantula.