Poecilotheria ornata
Price range: £15.00 through £100.00
Prefers to lurk in vertical retreats, flashes a leg at dusk, and relocates at warp speed if you so much as sneeze near the enclosure.
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Poecilotheria ornata, often known by hobbyists as the Ornate Pokie, is the definition of ‘bold arboreal’ in the tarantula world. Native to the forests of Sri Lanka, they rarely touch the ground, instead opting for perches high up where they can construct their characteristic tube-webs and keep a wary eye on the world below. If you’ve kept other pokies, you’ll know – these really do use every inch of vertical enclosure. Quick as anything, they’ll remind you just how fast arboreals can be, so a careful approach is wise every time you open the lid.
Adult females reach substantial sizes, comfortably getting to 20–22 cm diagonal leg span, and while males are slightly smaller and leggier, both look the part – intricate leaf patterns and flashes of yellow under the legs are pretty much standard. They grow quickly, and spiderlings have a habit of doubling in size before you’ve registered their last moult. Lifespan-wise, females will often outlive most pets, clocking well over a decade if kept well. Males are, as ever, a short story, but an eventful one.
Temperature in the mid-20s°C suits them, with humidity somewhere between 65% and 80%. Misting one side occasionally is fine; they’re resilient as long as the ventilation is adequate and there’s always fresh water. As for temperament, the stories are half true: they’re best left unbothered, mainly inclined to sprint rather than stand their ground – unless boxed in, when defensive postures and a potent bite are on the cards. No urticating hairs, which some would say is a blessing or a curse, depending on your outlook.
You’ll usually find them out in the evenings, peeking from behind bark, or dashing up the glass when you least expect it. They favour showmanship over secrecy but will happily vanish into a well-placed hide when it suits. Intermediate keepers and above will have no trouble as long as respect is paid to their speed and attitude – rehousing is best approached with a calm head and good planning. All in all, a species that’s every bit as striking as its reputation suggests – just don’t blink at the wrong moment.
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Species care guide
Poecilotheria ornata
Adult Size
Up to 20–22 cm DLS
Temperature
22–27°C
Humidity
65–80% RH, moderate airflow
Temperament
Ah, temperament—a topic that keeps keepers on their toes! Poecilotheria ornata is famed for its skittish and defensive nature, but truth be told, they’d much rather leg it than pick a fight. When disturbed, they’ll bolt, teleporting from A to B quicker than you can say ‘where’d it go?’ This is not a spider for the faint of heart or for anyone susceptible to ‘jumpy hands.’ Defensive postures happen if escape routes are blocked, and they pack a medically significant bite—so best to admire from a respectful distance. In short: beautiful, bold, but don’t take liberties and you’ll get along swimmingly.
Defence
Poecilotheria ornata packs no urticating hairs—bad news if you were hoping to avoid the vacuum after a rehousing—but good news for your forearms. Their main defence is speed, vertical sprints, and the occasional threat pose, where they’ll display those impressive fangs. If really pressed, they will bite, and their venom can cause a world of discomfort, so caution is key. Always open enclosures with care, use long tongs for spot cleaning, and never corner your Pokie. A calm keeper means a calm spider (usually).
Visibility
Unlike some reclusive species, Poecilotheria ornata often graces keepers with their presence—especially after dark. Although they’ll pick a favourite hidey-hole behind a cork tube or slab, you’ll often see their stripy legs peeking out, or the odd dramatic dash across the glass if you enter the room at the wrong moment. They’re most active at night, making them stars for evening viewing. Give them vertical spaces with multiple web retreats and you’ll be rewarded with frequent, if fleeting, glimpses of their arresting patterns. A real show-stopper for any collection.
Experience Level
Poecilotheria ornata isn’t a beginner’s spider—it’s best suited to keepers with a bit of experience under their belt. Their blinding speed, potential for defensive behaviour, and potent venom mean confidence and quick reflexes are key. Intermediate hobbyists who’ve kept a few faster, more defensive species will do best, especially if you’re comfortable with rehousing fast arboreals and maintaining consistent humidity. For those ready for a challenge and a stunning display animal, ‘Pokies’ are an unforgettable next step.
Webbing
While they won’t cover the enclosure in silk like a mad scientist, Poecilotheria ornata are skilled architects—they create tube-webs and silk retreats between bark, decor, and glass. Young spiderlings sometimes web a bit more while they’re settling in, but adults are more selective, choosing strategic locations that offer cover and a good vantage point. You might even see them decorating their corner with just enough web for a quick getaway. Watching them design their own ‘Pokie pad’ is half the fun of keeping this species, and their silk retreats make them feel safe and visible.
Feeding
Young Poecilotheria ornata slings love a feast—offer appropriately sized prey like pre-killed pinhead crickets or small roaches twice a week. As they grow, juveniles can tackle gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, or locusts every five to seven days. Adults don’t need to eat as often; every 7–10 days is plenty to keep them plump and content. They have an enthusiastic feeding response, often snatching prey at lightning speed—great fun to watch, but don’t overfeed, or you’ll risk stress and a messy enclosure. Remove uneaten bugs after 24 hours to avoid accidental nips during moults, and keep an eye out for the classic ‘not hungry, just moulting’ refusal. A well-fed Pokie is a happy (and absolutely striking) one.
Enclosure Recommendations
Tall, secure, and escape-proof is the name of the game. Opt for an arboreal enclosure at least 30 x 30 x 45 cm for adults—height matters more than floor space for these vertical explorers. Provide a deep layer (5–8 cm) of moisture-retentive substrate and vertical decor like cork bark tubes, slabs, or branches. These offer both climbing room and webbing opportunities. Cross-ventilation is vital to keep things fresh but not bone-dry. A suitably sized, shallow water dish should be present at all times. Secure all lids—Pokies are keen on exploring loose gaps! Avoid bright lights and loud vibrations as these can stress them, and give them at least one good hide to retreat behind. Minimal but regular maintenance will keep your Ornate Pokie thriving and ready to dazzle.
Final Thoughts
Poecilotheria ornata is not just a spider—it’s an event. With jaw-dropping patterns, vibrant flashes of yellow, and a penchant for daring sprints, they’re a heart-stopping addition to any advanced collection. While they demand respect—both for their potent venom and Houdini skills—they reward prepared keepers with beauty, activity, and the ever-delightful element of surprise. They’ll challenge your husbandry and handling skills (from a safe distance), but get things right and you’ll marvel at them for years. If you love your tarantulas bold, bright, and a bit ‘extra’, the Ornate Pokie deserves pride of place in your spoodoir!
Species-specific FAQs are not available yet.
Shipping & Live Arrival (DOA) Policy
At The Spoodoire, the safety and wellbeing of our tarantulas always comes first. Every spider is packed with care using secure containers, insulation when needed, and appropriate ventilation to help ensure safe travel.
Shipping Information
- We currently ship within the UK only.
- Live animals are shipped using approved next-day delivery services where possible.
- Orders are usually dispatched Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.
- We may delay shipping during periods of extreme hot or cold weather for animal welfare reasons.
- Customers will receive tracking details once their order has been dispatched.
Please ensure somebody is available to receive the parcel on the first delivery attempt.
Live Arrival Guarantee (DOA Policy)
We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee on all tarantulas provided the following conditions are met:
To qualify for a DOA claim:
- The parcel must be accepted on the first delivery attempt.
- We must be contacted within 1 hour of delivery confirmation.
- Clear photographs/videos of the unopened container and specimen must be provided.
- The tarantula must remain in its original packaging until reviewed.
If a DOA is confirmed, we will offer either:
- A replacement specimen (where available), or
- Store credit equal to the value of the animal.
Shipping costs are non-refundable.
Situations not covered by the guarantee
The Live Arrival Guarantee does not cover:
- Incorrect shipping information provided by the customer
- Delayed collection or missed deliveries
- Parcels redirected or left in unsafe locations
- Issues caused by extreme weather after delivery
- Stress-related behaviour, moulting, or temporary lethargy following transit
- Unsuitable temperatures.
Please allow your tarantula time to settle after arrival. Many spiders may remain motionless or defensive immediately after shipping, which is completely normal.
Weather Delays
We reserve the right to postpone shipping if temperatures are considered unsafe for transport. We would rather delay a parcel than risk the health of the animal.
Questions?
If you have any concerns about your order, packaging, or new eight-legged roommate, feel free to contact us and we’ll always do our best to help.
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