Mike's Basic Tarantula
A Basic Site for the Tarantula enthusiast
Poecilotheria regalis
Common name: Indian Ornamental
Indigenous: India
Habitat: India’s hot and dry season reaches its most oppressive stage during May, when temperatures as high as 49°C (120°F) are commonly recorded in the northern plains. Temperatures in the southern peninsula are somewhat lower, averaging 35° to 40°C (95° to 104°F). At higher altitudes, as in the Western Ghats and the Himalayas, temperatures are considerably cooler.
Temp/humidity: I keep the temperature between 78°-82°F and the humidity at 65%-75%. The substrate in the terrarium is kept dry; I mist once a week and monthly, I moist the substrate, than allow it to dry out completely.
Enclosure: This is a 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 (3"-4"), 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: one inch (1") of substrate in vial, deli cup  for spiderlings, and two inches (2") 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 (10") vertical bark leaned against the cage.
Food Consumption: I introduced one-forth inch (1/4") baby crickets to the spiderlings. Now I give my Indian Ornamental two (2) - one inch B. dubia roaches or seven (7) adult crickets weekly.  This species is a excellent eater. For variety, I give my girl one (1) house gecko every six (6) months.
Water Requirements: I glued a small container for water to the bark and mist.
Growth Rate: This is a fast growing tarantula. I bought her at one inch (1"). The first year she attained a leg length of three inches (3").
Adult Size: I read that this tarantula can reach a leg length of seven (7) inches. I have own her for ten (10) years and she has grown to seven inches (7").
Temperament: This is a very fast moving spider. It is not what I would consider a defensive tarantula, but will probably bite if provoked.
Comments: This species is the most common of the Pokies. If you like arboreals, you probably will end up with this species. This is a robust spider and it makes a good display tarantula. This Pokie has a ghostly appearance with beautiful markings. The under legs are a bright lemon yellow. It is reported that the toxin from this tarantula is stronger than most tarantulas. Because of its speed, and toxin, this species is not recommended as a beginner tarantula.
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.
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