Urban Tarantulas
Poecilotheria metallica Tarantula Gooty Sapphire
Poecilotheria metallica Tarantula Gooty Sapphire
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These P. Metallicas are captive raised, captive bred, and captive produced here at Urban Tarantulas within our facility.
We are currently out of babies, and hoping to re-stock in the next few months if we are lucky! But I am going to let go some of my hold-back's. Super limited.
Limited quantity available. This species is getting more and more difficult to come across.
Enclosure size recommendations:
A vial about 4inches tall, and 2 inches wide for babies is recommended.
If you need one, just ask for one in the notes and I will include one for free during shipping.
After several months, they can be rehoused into a 32oz plastic deli container with holes for cross ventilation.
Or something like this: https://www.herpcult.com/product-page/acrylic-enclosure-small-tall
(Use code Urban15 at checkout for discount)
For larger specimens, any arboreal enclosure over 8inches tall will suffice.
Notes on species:
The P. Metallica is one of the bluest tarantulas in the hobby.
The females can grow up to be over 7in long.
Females also can live around 15 years of age.
These tarantulas are critically endangered in the wild, thankfully they are becoming more common in the hobby.
They can live in a community with multiples of them together, although if not given enough food can cannibalize on rare occasions.
They are one of the more docile Poecilotheria species… however I would not recommend handling this species as a juvenile or an adult.
Although tarantula venom has never killed a person, the venom from this genus of tarantulas can pack a very heavy punch. Do not handle this species unless you are very experienced and know the risks.
Care/Husbandry:
- They thrive in humid environments.
Occasional misting of the enclosure is recommended. Keep the substrate humid, but NOT swampy.
Water dish is not necessary for babies, but you can provide one if you want.
For more information on enclosures, check out our FAQ. - They like heat. The hotter your temperature, the faster they mature.
They will tolerate temperatures anywhere from 70° all the way up to 85° - Feed one small cricket once a week
Other useful information
Latin/Scientific name: Poecilotheria metallica
Common name: Gooty sapphire ornamental
Type: Arboreal
Category: Ornamental, Indian species.
Locale: Southeast India, Andhra Pradesh reserve forest.
Size: Female legspan can reach 6.5in to 7.5in across.
Urtication hairs: None
Growth rate: Highly temperature dependent. In the high’s of 77° they grow super fast.
Life expectancy: Females up to 15 years, males 4 years max.
Recommended experience level: intermediate.
For more information on this species, check out : https://www.theraphosidae.be/en/poecilotheria-metallica/
If you would like to see P. Metallica content, check out my Instagram. I update and post quite often.
If you would like to read some reviews from previous customers, check out my Facebook review page.
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SHIPPING
Shipping costs:
I charge a standard rate of $50 for shipping tarantulas, and isopods.
I take a loss on shipping, on every package.
There are many costs associated with shipping that are not evident on the surface level:
An insulated box.
Cold/heat pack.
The vials that the animals go inside of have to be drilled a certain way.
The preparation of the vials with padding takes labor to make.
So $50 for shipping is actually a bargain.
Packages go out usually Monday/Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday.
I will not ship after Wednesday, because if there are shipping delays, I do not want it to go over the weekend.
Live Arrival Guarantee:
I offer LAG (Live Arrival Guarantee) on every single package that I ship.
Animals usually arrive at your doorstep, or your nearest FedEx hub the following day after I ship. Usually 10am, but that is not always the case.
Sometimes it might take an additional day to arrive, but that is rare.
In the RARE case that the animal/s arrive DOA (dead on arrival), the receiver MUST send photos and video to me within an hour documenting the condition of the said animal.
We will then discuss replacement options if that is the case.
I've been shipping and sending hundreds if not thousands of packages over the last 10 years with an impeccable track record.
Shipping costs on DOA’s are never refundable.
Local Pick Up:
Local pick up in Los Angeles is always available.
If you live close, come pick up the animals.
I can also personally deliver the animals the same/next day if the order is over $200.
FAQ
FAQ
Where do you get your enclosures?
For a good quality enclosure, I recommend Herpcult Enclosures
What substrate do you use?
I prefer coco fiber substrate mixed with peat. Usually a 80/20 mixture.
Coco or similar
Sphagnum Peat Moss or similar
What temperature do you keep your tarantulas in?
I have my room set at 80°F, but they will be perfectly fine in temperatures between 69°F-83°F. I prefer using the Govee thermometer.
Are tarantulas venomous?
Yes, all spiders are venomous. However, tarantulas do not possess a medically significant venom. There have been no records of any humans dying due to a tarantula bite.
What happens if I get bit by a tarantula?
On the rare occasion that you get bit by a tarantula, remain calm. Do not run hot water over the wound because it will speed up the spread of the venom. Instead, clean the bite mark with room temperature water and monitor your symptoms. If your pain does not go away, please consult a physician.
What do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas crickets, roaches, mealworms, or superworms. However, crickets are always the easiest and most accessible from pet stores.
Tongs I use are- My favorite option or a less expensive alternative.
How often do you feed your tarantulas?
I feed my tarantulas once a week or bi-weekly.