Poecilotheria miranda

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria miranda is the currently accepted scientific name. The species was described by Pocock in 1900, and Tarantupedia lists the type locality as Bengal: Chota Nagpur.

English common names used in the hobby:

• Bengal spotted ornamental tarantula

German common names used in the hobby:

• Bengalische Schmuckvogelspinne

📌 Description

Poecilotheria miranda is an arboreal Old World tarantula from India, known for its bold contrasting pattern and impressive adult appearance. It is a striking ornamental species that combines large visual impact with typical fast 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 quick, defensive when pressured, and not suitable for routine handling.

This is mainly a display and observation species. Keepers usually appreciate it for its posture, bark retreat behavior, and adult pattern rather than for any kind of direct interaction.

☠️ Venom

Poecilotheria miranda 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 miranda is native to India. In the wild it is associated with warm forested habitats with bark retreats, tree holes and vertical structure.

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 miranda 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 purchase records is advisable.

🤌 Husbandry

Poecilotheria miranda should be housed alone in a secure arboreal 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
• Secure bark retreat
• Strong ventilation
• Water dish
• Minimal disturbance

An adult is usually kept in a tall enclosure rather than a decorative wide setup. The goal is to provide secure vertical retreat options and enough room for calm movement between bark, wall, and hide.

💡 Lighting

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

Bright direct lighting is unnecessary and may make the spider stay hidden more often.

🌡 Heating and temperature

This species does well at warm room temperatures:

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

Moderate stable warmth is safer than pushing very hot conditions. Overheating is a more common risk than keeping the enclosure a little below the top end of the range.

💧 Humidity and water

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

Useful principles include:

• Fresh water always available
• One side or lower area can stay slightly more humid
• Upper air space should stay well ventilated
• Heavy constant spraying should be avoided

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use a vertical enclosure with cork bark and enough room to climb and retreat. Height and enclosure security are more important than dense decoration.

Decoration should stay stable and practical. Tall loose decor or cluttered layouts make maintenance harder and can increase stress during rehousing or cleaning.

🪳 Feeding

Poecilotheria miranda 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.

Frozen-thawed vertebrate prey is not appropriate. Uneaten live prey should be removed if the spider is in premolt or has clearly stopped feeding.

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 stress, dehydration, poor ventilation, falls, and molting trouble.

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

If problems appear, first re-check enclosure security, airflow, water access, and temperature stability. Old World arboreal species should be approached calmly because rushed interventions can make a situation worse.

📌 Conclusion

Poecilotheria miranda is a striking arboreal ornamental tarantula for keepers who can provide security, height, and calm maintenance. Stable warm conditions, airflow, and a reliable vertical retreat 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