Poecilotheria fasciata

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria fasciata is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Latreille in 1804, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality simply as Ceylon.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Sri Lankan ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Sri-Lanka-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria fasciata is an arboreal Old World tarantula from Sri Lanka, recognized for its slender build, banded pattern, and quick movement. It is one of the classic ornamental tarantulas and is kept mainly for its striking appearance and elegant arboreal behavior.

Adult size is usually about 6-7 cm body length and about 18-20 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

Like other Poecilotheria, it is fast, defensive when pressured, and not suitable for routine handling.

It is best kept as a calm display species. Most husbandry mistakes with arboreal Old World tarantulas come from insecure housing, poor ventilation, or too much disturbance rather than from lack of complexity.

☠️ Venom

Poecilotheria fasciata should be treated as a medically significant tarantula. A bite can cause intense local pain, swelling and, in some cases, wider symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, nausea, dizziness or prolonged discomfort.

There is no species-specific antivenom used in routine pet-keeping practice. Do not handle this spider, do not force interactions, and plan enclosure work so that defensive contact is unlikely. Seek medical advice after any serious bite, allergic reaction, breathing difficulty, spreading symptoms, or bite involving a child or vulnerable person.

🌍 Distribution

Poecilotheria fasciata is native to Sri Lanka. In the wild it is associated with warm forest and wooded habitats with tree holes, bark sheets and vertical retreats.

For captive care, the useful lesson from this distribution is:

• a secure vertical enclosure with cork bark or tree-bark retreats
• strong cross-ventilation with moderate humidity
• fresh water and occasional moisture without stale air
• minimal disturbance around the main retreat
• careful maintenance, because fast arboreal species can bolt quickly

⚖️ Legal status

Poecilotheria fasciata is covered by the CITES Appendix II listing for Poecilotheria spp. In the EU wildlife trade system, Poecilotheria tarantulas are treated under Annex B rules.

The species is not relevant to the Bern Convention because it is not native to Europe. Local rules on import, sale, breeding, transport, exhibition, and documentary proof of legal origin may still apply, so retaining paperwork is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Poecilotheria fasciata should be housed alone in a secure vertical enclosure.

Slings and juveniles should start in small, secure containers, often around 250 ml for small slings, then move through intermediate enclosures as they grow. Upgrade gradually so the spider can find prey easily and maintain stable conditions.

Stage management is different from terrestrial species. Slings and small juveniles should be kept in smaller, well-ventilated vertical containers where prey can be found and the retreat stays secure. Adults need taller, escape-proof enclosures with a dependable bark retreat and a clear maintenance plan, because large Poecilotheria are fast, defensive, and difficult to manage safely during rehousing.

Good basic husbandry includes:

• Tall enclosure with usable vertical space
• Cork bark tube or vertical hide
• Strong cross-ventilation
• Water dish
• Minimal disturbance

Adults usually benefit more from dependable retreat structure than from elaborate decoration. A simple secure enclosure is easier to maintain safely.

💡 Lighting

No special lighting is required. A normal day-night cycle is enough.

Bright direct lighting is unnecessary for this species.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

• Daytime: around 24-28°C
• Night: slight drop acceptable

Stable warmth and airflow matter more than trying to push the enclosure overly hot.

💧 Humidity and water

Poecilotheria fasciata does best with moderate humidity and very good airflow. The enclosure should not be stuffy or constantly wet.

Fresh water should always be available, and one area can remain slightly more humid than the rest.

Useful principles include:

• Water always available
• Moderate overall humidity
• Better ventilation than many keepers first expect
• No permanently wet stuffy enclosure

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a tall setup with cork bark, vertical structure, and firm anchor points. Substrate depth is less important than height and secure retreat options.

Avoid frequent rearrangement because arboreal Poecilotheria species stress easily from repeated disturbance.

The enclosure should be easy to service without dismantling the spider’s main retreat every time.

🪳 Feeding

Poecilotheria fasciata is insectivorous. Suitable prey includes:

• Crickets
• Roaches
• Locusts where available
• Mealworms only in moderation

Slings are fed every 3-5 days; juveniles once or twice weekly. Adults usually do well every 7-14 days depending on prey size and body condition.

If the spider is clearly preparing to molt, uneaten prey should be removed promptly.

Stage matters with feeding. Slings can take small prey or prekilled pieces more often while growing, but prey must be removed if it is not eaten or if the spider is in premolt. Adults need less frequent feeding; a consistently overlarge abdomen, sluggish movement, or repeated refusal after heavy meals usually means feeding should be reduced rather than escalated.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include falls in unsuitable setups, dehydration, poor ventilation, overly damp stagnant conditions, and stress during maintenance.

Warning signs include lethargy, refusal to feed with visible decline, repeated frantic movement, and difficult molts.

In many cases, the first corrections are simple: improve airflow, confirm water availability, reduce disturbance, and review how secure the retreat really is.

📌 Conclusion

Poecilotheria fasciata is a beautiful arboreal ornamental tarantula for keepers who can provide security, height, ventilation, and calm maintenance. Stable warm conditions and an undisturbed vertical retreat are the key elements.

📚 Sources and further reading

• CITES Appendices and Species+ trade database, checked April 2026
• EU wildlife trade regulations and annex references, checked April 2026
• GBIF species backbone and occurrence data for taxonomy and distribution context
• IUCN Red List and specialist husbandry references where applicable