Adult Size: 16 to 18cm
Type: Old World Arboreal
Growth Rate: Fast
Temperament: Not for beginners. Defensive and aggressive.
Lifespan: Females (12 to 15 years) | Males (3 to 4 years)
Origin: Karnataka / Travancore / Rameswaram Island, Southern India
Recommended Climate: 28-30°C (Summer), 20-24°C (Winter)
Recommended Humidity: 70-80%
Basic Enclosure Requirements: Arboreal setup with at least 4 x the size of the spider in vertical space, 5cm to 10cm of substrate, a vertical shelter like hollow cork bark or bamboo and a customary water dish
Poecilotheria striata - Mysore Ornamental
Description
Scientific Name: Poecilotheria striata
Common names: Mysore Ornamental Tarantula
Not for beginners. Not very common in South Africa, but another species of the beautifully patterned Poecilotheria genus, endemic to India, mostly seeming to originate in the Southern regions of India.
Lightning fast from sling to adult as with most Poecilotheria species, this tarantula will grow large and gorgeous. Not necessarily aggressive or defensive and might even hunker down if disturbed rather than show a threat pose or bite, but don’t push it. From sling to adult, these tarantulas move invisibly fast when they decide to run for it, so extreme care is necessary as their bite is significantly unpleasant. It’s venom is potent and it will gladly deliver a nasty bite if provoked or if given the right reasons. It hurts. A lot.