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Poecilotheria striata

🔤 Taxonomy

Poecilotheria striata is the currently accepted scientific name. World Spider Catalog treats it as an accepted Indian species.

Older literature and hobby discussion can confuse Poecilotheria striata with the Sri Lankan Poecilotheria vittata. Keep records by scientific name and locality rather than by common name alone.

English common names used in the hobby:

  • Mysore ornamental tarantula
  • striated parachute spider
  • striated ornamental

📌 Description

Poecilotheria striata is a fast arboreal Old World tarantula from India with strong striping, pale leg markings, and the classic ornamental spider build.

Adults are usually around 16-20 cm legspan. Females are heavier and long-lived, while mature males are lighter, restless, and shorter-lived.

It is hardy only when the enclosure is secure and ventilated. It is not a beginner species, not a handling animal, and not a spider to rehouse without a plan.

☠️ Venom

Treat Poecilotheria striata as medically significant. Bites may cause severe local pain, cramping, swelling, nausea, dizziness, and prolonged discomfort.

Avoid handling entirely. Use long tools, catch cups, and a closed-room rehousing plan. Seek medical advice for serious, spreading, allergic, respiratory, or persistent symptoms.

🌍 Distribution

World Spider Catalog lists Poecilotheria striata from India. Published work on the species discusses distribution and conservation status in southern India.

Captive care should provide a secure tree-retreat substitute: vertical cork, ventilation, water, warm stable temperatures, and moderate humidity without stagnant air.

Range map

⚖️ Legal status

Poecilotheria striata 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.

Keep purchase invoices, breeder details, import or transfer paperwork where relevant, and photos or records that connect the animal to a lawful source. Local rules on ownership, import, sale, transport, exhibition, breeding, and proof of legal origin may still apply.

🤌 Husbandry

House Poecilotheria striata singly. It is a fast arboreal predator and routine communal housing is not appropriate.

Start spiderlings in smaller arboreal containers so food and molts can be monitored. Increase enclosure size gradually, always keeping a secure vertical retreat and controlled access.

Adults need a tall enclosure that can be serviced without forcing the spider out. Place the water dish and feeding access away from the main escape path.

Useful adult priorities:

  • tall secure enclosure
  • vertical cork bark retreat
  • cross-ventilation
  • fresh water access
  • door layout planned around speed

💡 Lighting

No UVB or specialist lighting is needed. Normal room light is enough.

Avoid hot lamps and bright light aimed at the retreat. A visible spider is less important than a stable, safe enclosure.

🌡 Heating and temperature

Keep daytime temperatures around 23-27°C, with nights around 20-23°C. Stability is more important than chasing high heat.

Warm the room or one side of the enclosure gently if needed. Avoid heat mats under the floor and any heat source that dries the retreat.

💧 Humidity and water

Aim for roughly 60-75% with good ventilation. Keep water available and dampen part of the substrate or enclosure when needed.

The goal is a hydrated spider in a breathable enclosure, not a sealed humid box. Let surfaces dry between heavier moisture inputs.

🌿 Enclosure and decoration

Use cork bark, hollow bark tubes, and stable vertical anchor points. The spider should be able to hide fully and move vertically without reaching the door immediately.

Substrate can be shallow, but it should help buffer moisture. Avoid loose heavy decor, mesh that catches claws, and enclosure fronts that open directly into the retreat.

🪳 Feeding

Feed roaches, crickets, locusts where legal, and occasional worms. Adults usually do well on suitable prey every 7-14 days.

Remove uneaten prey before molts and do not overfeed. A lean, hydrated ornamental spider is safer than a swollen one in a tall enclosure.

🩺 Common problems

Common problems include escapes, poor ventilation, dehydration, stale humidity, fall injuries, and stress from repeated disturbance.

Most emergencies happen during water changes, rehousing, or when a keeper tries to force visibility. Design the enclosure so routine care stays boring.

📌 Conclusion

Poecilotheria striata suits experienced keepers who want an Indian ornamental display species and can provide secure arboreal housing, CITES paperwork, and no-contact maintenance.

📚 Sources and further reading