Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is the currently accepted scientific name. Smith described the species in 2004, and later literature lists Rameshwaram Island, India, as the type locality.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Rameshwaram ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Rameshwaram-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its striking ornamental pattern and localized distribution. It is one of the more specialized Poecilotheria species in collections and is valued for both beauty and rarity.

Adult size is usually about 6-7 cm body length and about 18-22 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

Like other Poecilotheria, it is fast, defensive, and not suitable for regular handling.

Because of its more localized reputation and relative rarity in collections, many keepers prefer a conservative setup with minimal disturbance and clear record-keeping.

☠️ Venom

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica 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 hanumavilasumica is native to southeastern India, with field records also reported from northern Sri Lanka. In the wild it is associated with warm coastal and lowland arboreal habitats with tree cavities and bark 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 hanumavilasumica 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 keeping invoices and origin records is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica 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 setup with vertical retreats
• Cork bark or tree-bark hide
• Strong ventilation
• Water dish
• Minimal disturbance

This species should be given a retreat it can trust and use repeatedly. Repeated rehousing or frequent enclosure changes often create more stress than benefit.

💡 Lighting

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

Bright direct lighting is unnecessary for routine care.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

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

Moderate stable warmth is preferable to aggressive heating.

💧 Humidity and water

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica does best with moderate humidity, fresh water, and strong airflow. The enclosure should not remain stagnant or overly wet.

Useful principles include:

• Fresh water always present
• Slightly more moisture in one area if needed
• Ventilation strong enough to prevent stale air
• No permanently wet enclosure

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a vertical enclosure with secure bark retreats and enough space to climb. Height, ventilation, and retreat security are more important than heavy decoration.

Simple stable decoration is usually best. The enclosure should be easy to service without tearing apart the spider’s main retreat.

🪳 Feeding

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica 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 seals itself in or shows clear premolt behavior, prey should not be left inside to wander.

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 dehydration, poor ventilation, stress from frequent disturbance, and falls in inappropriate enclosures.

Warning signs include lethargy, weak feeding response, repeated frantic movement, and difficult molts.

When troubleshooting, check ventilation, water access, retreat security, and recent disturbance before changing multiple variables at once.

📌 Conclusion

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is a beautiful localized arboreal ornamental tarantula best suited to keepers who can provide secure vertical housing and calm maintenance. Stable warmth, airflow, and retreat quality are the essentials.

📚 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