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Poecilotheria ornata - Fringed Ornamental Tarantula

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Poecilotheria ornata – Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula

The Sri Lankan Ornamental (Poecilotheria ornata) is one of the largest and most breathtaking Old World arboreal tarantulas. Known for its lightning speed and bold yellow-green patterning, this species commands attention in any serious collection. While not for beginners, its beauty, intelligence, and dramatic presence make it a crown jewel among advanced keepers.

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SALES TO CALIFORNIA ONLY.
WILL NOT SHIP OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA.
THIS IS A PROTECTED SPEICES ON THE CITES LIST AND CANNOT SHIP ACROSS STATE LINES.

The largest poecilotheria species within the genus.  

📣 Special Notices
Visit my YouTube channel to see care setups, feeding demos, and housing advice for Poecilotheria species. Learn how I maintain humidity, ventilation, and vertical habitat for fast-growing ornamentals.
🌿 Care Details
🌡️ Temperature 75–85°F (24–29°C)
💧 Humidity 75–80%, moderate airflow is crucial
🏠 Housing
Babies Vial up to 5" tall × 2" diameter with vertical anchor points; mist lightly every few days.
Juveniles Tall enclosure (~8") with cork bark hide; keep one side slightly damp.
Adults Arboreal setup 14–18" tall; cork bark slab or tube, ample space for webbing and retreat.
🍽️ General Diet
Crickets and roaches (Dubia, Red Runner, Lobster). Offer pre-killed prey to small slings. Adults readily accept medium to large roaches weekly. Remove uneaten food within 24 hours to maintain cleanliness. Avoid pinhead crickets—they lack adequate nutrition.
📘 In-depth Facts
🕷️ Latin name Poecilotheria ornata
📛 Common name(s) Fringed Ornamental Tarantula
🌡️ Temperature 75–85°F (24–29°C)
💧 Humidity 75–80%
📍 Locale Sri Lanka’s central and southern forests
🏷️ Category Arboreal; heavy webber; defensive
📏 Size Up to 9–10" (DLS) – among the largest Poecilotheria species
🪶 Urticating hairs None – relies on speed and threat posture
⏳ Growth rate Fast
🧭 Life span Females 12–15 years; males 3–4 years
🍽️ Feeding Aggressive feeder; takes down large roaches and crickets
🎯 Recommended levels Lovers of all pokies
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⚠️ Safety Disclaimer
Safety Disclaimer: Experiencing a tarantula bite is an extremely rare occurrence, and it's important to note that there have been NO recorded fatalities due to a tarantula bite. The venom potency varies across species, with Old World tarantulas generally having stronger venom than their New World counterparts. Within the Old World category, the Poecilotheria genus is known for having particularly potent venom.

It's crucial to approach tarantulas with respect and understanding. If you happen to get bitten, which is unlikely, the key is to stay calm. In most cases, the discomfort is superficial and subsides within a few minutes to a few hours. However, bites from species with more potent venom may result in symptoms lasting up to a week. Remember, larger tarantulas tend to have more venom than smaller ones.

Please be aware that I cannot assume responsibility for bites. Tarantula handling should be done at your own risk. In my 13 years of experience with these creatures, I have only been bitten once, by a species with highly potent venom. While the experience was painful, the symptoms had completely disappeared after a week.

Handle tarantulas responsibly, and always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the tarantula.