Poecilotheria metallica☠

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria metallica is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1899, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as near Gooty, 257 miles from Madras.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Gooty sapphire ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Gooty-Saphir-Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria metallica is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India and one of the most famous tarantulas in the hobby because of its vivid electric blue coloration. It is a highly sought-after ornamental species with very strong display appeal.

Adult size is usually about 6-7 cm body length and about 16-18 cm legspan, with females typically heavier than mature males.

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

Its fame sometimes leads beginners to underestimate the care style it needs. This is still an Old World arboreal species that should be managed as a secure display animal rather than as a handling tarantula.

☠️ Venom

Poecilotheria metallica 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 metallica is native to a very restricted area of Andhra Pradesh in India. In the wild it is associated with dry deciduous forest fragments with tree holes 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 metallica 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 purchase records should be retained.

🤌 Husbandry

Poecilotheria metallica 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
• Cork bark retreat
• Strong ventilation
• Water dish
• Minimal disturbance

An adult setup should emphasize security and retreat structure more than visual complexity. Frequent rearrangement is usually counterproductive.

💡 Lighting

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

Strong display lighting is unnecessary and may keep the spider more withdrawn.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

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

Avoid overheating the enclosure. Stable moderate warmth with ventilation is safer than hot stagnant air.

💧 Humidity and water

Poecilotheria metallica does best with moderate humidity, fresh water, and strong airflow. The enclosure should not be stagnant or constantly wet.

Useful principles include:

• Water always available
• Some moisture retention without swampy substrate
• Good airflow from top to bottom
• No persistently wet stale enclosure

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a vertical enclosure with secure bark hides and enough room to climb. Retreat quality, ventilation, and enclosure security are more important than complex decoration.

Stable anchor points help the spider move and web normally. Loose heavy decor should be avoided.

🪳 Feeding

Poecilotheria metallica 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.

As with other Poecilotheria, uneaten prey should be removed if the spider is clearly in premolt or has sealed itself inside a retreat.

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, falls, stress from excessive disturbance, and failed molts.

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

When something seems wrong, check airflow, water access, enclosure security, and recent maintenance changes before making major adjustments.

📌 Conclusion

Poecilotheria metallica is one of the most spectacular arboreal ornamental tarantulas in the hobby, but it needs secure, thoughtful care rather than frequent interaction. Height, ventilation, retreat security, and stable warm conditions matter most.

📚 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