Pokies
Species Description

Ornamental Tarantulas belong to the genus Poecilotheria, a group of Old World arboreal tarantulas renowned for their spectacular patterning and significant venom potency. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning varied beast, aptly describing their intricate and diverse coloration patterns. Hobbyists commonly abbreviate the genus as Pokies, a term applied universally to all Poecilotheria species.

The genus contains approximately fifteen described species, with several being frequently encountered in the hobby. Poecilotheria regalis, the Indian Ornamental Tarantula, stands as perhaps the most commonly kept species, known for its accessibility and impressive appearance. Poecilotheria metallica, the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental, commands extreme prices due to its stunning blue coloration and critically endangered status. Other popular species include Poecilotheria ornata, Poecilotheria fasciata, Poecilotheria rufilata, and Poecilotheria subfusca.

Common names typically reference geographic origin or distinctive coloration. The Indian Ornamental, Sri Lankan Ornamental, Fringed Ornamental, and similar names indicate provenance, while designations like Gooty Sapphire or Salem Ornamental reference specific localities or color characteristics. The term ornamental itself reflects the genus's exceptional beauty, distinguishing them from less visually striking tarantula groups.

Taxonomic understanding of Poecilotheria has evolved considerably, with species descriptions and revisions occurring periodically. Some species previously considered single entities have been split into multiple species based on geographic and morphological distinctions. Accurate species identification sometimes proves challenging, particularly with juveniles before adult patterning fully develops. Reputable breeders typically provide locality data for species with multiple populations.

The conservation status of several Poecilotheria species raises significant concerns. Poecilotheria metallica is critically endangered with an extremely limited wild range. Several other species face habitat loss pressures in their native Indian and Sri Lankan forests. CITES Appendix II listing applies to the entire genus, requiring documentation for international trade and emphasizing the importance of captive breeding programs.

Ornamental Tarantulas rank among the largest tarantula species, with adult females of some species achieving legspans of eight to ten inches. Males typically reach somewhat smaller sizes and develop the more slender build characteristic of mature male tarantulas. The combination of large size and intricate patterning makes adult Poecilotheria specimens genuinely impressive display animals.

The defining characteristic of Ornamental Tarantulas is their geometric patterning, featuring intricate bands, chevrons, and contrasting markings unlike anything seen in other tarantula genera. The dorsal pattern typically displays complex arrangements of cream, yellow, or white markings against darker backgrounds ranging from gray to black to deep brown. Ventral surfaces reveal equally impressive patterns, with many species displaying bright warning coloration of yellows, blacks, and whites on the undersides of legs visible during threat displays.

Coloration varies dramatically between species. Poecilotheria metallica displays the genus's most famous coloration, with brilliant metallic blue covering the legs and carapace combined with intricate yellow patterning. Poecilotheria regalis features the classic ornamental pattern of banded legs and chevron-marked abdomen in tans, blacks, and creams. Poecilotheria rufilata, the Red Slate Ornamental, incorporates subtle reddish tones into its pattern. Each species possesses distinctive coloration allowing identification by experienced keepers.

Sexual dimorphism follows typical tarantula patterns. Males develop longer, more slender legs proportional to body size, tibial hooks on the front legs, and specialized pedipalps for mating. Female Poecilotheria maintain robust builds throughout their lives and typically display slightly more vivid patterning. Size differences become apparent in later juvenile stages, with female growth rates exceeding males.

The leg structure reflects their arboreal lifestyle, with proportionally long legs enabling rapid movement through vertical environments. Scopulae, the hair pads on leg segments, provide grip on bark and other surfaces. The species lack urticating hairs entirely, relying on speed, venom, and threat displays for defense rather than the irritating hairs used by New World species.

Juvenile Ornamentals begin life at small sizes but grow rapidly with adequate feeding. Early instars display muted versions of adult patterning that intensifies with each molt. The full beauty of the species emerges gradually, with adult coloration developing over the course of two to four years depending on conditions. Freshly molted specimens display particularly vibrant colors that may fade slightly between molts.

Ornamental Tarantula temperament varies between individuals and species but consistently demands respect due to their medically significant venom and impressive speed. Unlike the predictably aggressive Orange Baboon Tarantula, Poecilotheria species display more variable responses to disturbance, ranging from bolting to retreat to launching defensive strikes. This unpredictability arguably makes them more dangerous than consistently aggressive species.

The primary defensive response for most Poecilotheria involves rapid retreat to their cork bark or tube hide. When disturbed, they typically bolt for cover with startling speed, disappearing into their retreat before keepers can react. This flight response, while preferable to aggression, creates safety concerns during enclosure maintenance when the tarantula may bolt in unexpected directions. Many keepers consider managing bolting behavior the primary challenge of Poecilotheria husbandry.

When cornered, threatened without retreat options, or surprised, Ornamental Tarantulas readily adopt threat postures and may strike with minimal warning. The threat display involves raising the front legs to expose the fangs and ventral warning coloration, sometimes accompanied by stridulation in some species. However, the warning period may be brief, and strikes occur with speed that prevents human reaction.

Activity patterns tend toward crepuscular and nocturnal behavior, with peak activity occurring during evening and nighttime hours. During the day, specimens typically remain within their retreats, emerging partially or fully as light levels drop. This schedule means keepers often observe their Poecilotheria as partial views of legs visible in hide openings rather than full-body displays. Evening observation sessions reveal more active behavior including enclosure patrolling and hunting.

Web construction creates extensive retreat structures from the initial cork bark or tube hide. Poecilotheria produce dense, funnel-like web retreats that extend from their hide entrance, detecting prey vibrations and providing security. The silk has notable strength, and established webbing can obscure views into hides. Some keepers find this webbing beautiful while others prefer clearer viewing access.

Hunting behavior demonstrates the species' impressive capabilities. They typically wait within or near their retreat opening, detecting prey through web vibrations. Strikes are extraordinarily fast, with prey captured almost instantaneously. They may also actively pursue prey within the enclosure, moving with surprising speed. Feeding responses can seem violent compared to the leisurely approach of some New World species.

Social behavior in the wild occasionally involves multiple specimens sharing tree hollows, leading to suggestions of communal potential. However, captive communal setups remain controversial and risky. Cannibalism occurs, and the medically significant venom means keeper intervention during conflicts is extremely dangerous. Most experienced keepers house Poecilotheria individually.

Housing Ornamental Tarantulas successfully requires enclosures designed for large arboreal species combined with the security measures appropriate for any Poecilotheria. The intersection of husbandry needs and safety considerations creates specific requirements that challenge newer keepers.

Enclosure dimensions must prioritize height for these arboreal tarantulas. Adult specimens require minimum dimensions of twelve by twelve by eighteen inches, with larger enclosures always preferable for these active, large-bodied species. Front-opening enclosures prove essential for safe maintenance, as reaching into top-opening enclosures places hands directly above a potentially defensive tarantula positioned in a high retreat. The enclosure must close and lock absolutely securely, as escaped Poecilotheria represent genuine household safety concerns.

Vertical retreat structures are non-negotiable for proper Poecilotheria husbandry. Cork bark tubes or flats positioned vertically provide essential hiding spots and the security these tarantulas require. Position cork bark to lean against enclosure walls at angles, creating multiple retreat options. The tarantula will select preferred positions and web extensively from these structures. Some keepers provide multiple cork bark pieces to offer retreat choices and facilitate enclosure cleaning.

Substrate choice is less critical for arboreal species spending minimal time on the enclosure floor. Coconut fiber, organic topsoil, or sphagnum moss all work well, providing moisture retention without the depth requirements of burrowing species. Two to three inches of substrate typically suffices, though deeper substrate can help maintain humidity. The primary substrate function involves humidity retention rather than behavioral enrichment.

Temperature requirements fall within the seventy-five to eighty-two degree Fahrenheit range, representing typical tropical conditions. Room temperature in most homes falls within or near this range, potentially requiring supplemental heating in cooler climates or during winter. Heat mats attached to enclosure sides rather than bottoms provide gentle warmth without overheating the arboreal zones where the tarantula spends most time. Thermostatic control prevents temperature spikes.

Humidity management requires particular attention with Poecilotheria. The seventy to eighty percent range provides optimal conditions but must be balanced with excellent ventilation to prevent stagnant air. Cross-ventilation through mesh panels on opposite enclosure sides works best. Misting once or twice daily maintains humidity while substrate moisture and a water dish contribute to ambient levels. Hygrometer monitoring ensures appropriate conditions.

Ventilation cannot be overemphasized for tropical arboreal species. Stagnant, overly humid air promotes bacterial and fungal growth that can prove fatal. The enclosure design must allow continuous air exchange while maintaining humidity, a balance that challenges newer keepers. Mesh panels, screen sections, or strategically placed vents accomplish this goal. Never completely seal an enclosure in attempts to raise humidity.

Water should be available constantly through a shallow dish placed on the substrate. Poecilotheria drink from water dishes and the dish contributes to ambient humidity. Choose a heavy, stable dish that resists tipping. Water should be refreshed every few days to prevent bacterial growth.

Maintenance requires exceptional caution and planning. Never reach into a Poecilotheria enclosure without knowing the tarantula's exact location. Long tongs or forceps should be used for all prey introduction and removal. Water dish filling can utilize spray bottles or turkey basters to minimize enclosure opening time. When complete rehousing becomes necessary, careful planning, appropriate catch cups, and preferably an assistant ensure safe transfers.

Feeding Ornamental Tarantulas presents few challenges from a nutritional perspective, as these voracious predators readily accept appropriately sized prey with impressive enthusiasm. The primary considerations involve safety during prey introduction and matching prey size to tarantula size through their growth.

Natural diet in the wild consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates encountered in their arboreal habitat, with larger specimens occasionally taking small vertebrates like geckos or tree frogs. This varied diet translates well to captivity where commercially available feeder insects meet all nutritional requirements without the need for vertebrate prey.

Prey selection should include appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, red runner roaches, locusts, and superworms. The arboreal nature of Poecilotheria does not require flying prey, as they readily take ground-dwelling insects from substrate or positioned on cork bark. Variety in prey types provides nutritional diversity, though staple feeders like crickets or roaches suffice if other options are unavailable.

Prey sizing follows standard tarantula guidelines, with items roughly equal to or smaller than the tarantula's opisthosoma length. Poecilotheria can certainly overpower larger prey given their size and speed, but appropriately sized items reduce injury risk and stress. Oversized prey left in enclosures may harass the tarantula during vulnerable pre-molt periods.

Feeding frequency varies with age and size. Juveniles in rapid growth phases benefit from feeding every four to five days, fueling their impressive growth rates. Sub-adults can be fed every five to seven days as growth slows. Adults typically thrive on weekly feeding, though females being conditioned for breeding may receive more frequent meals. Overfeeding adult females leads to obesity while overfeeding males shortens their already brief adult lives.

Prey introduction demands the safety precautions appropriate to any Poecilotheria interaction. Long tongs or forceps place prey items without requiring hands inside the enclosure. Quick, deliberate movements minimize open enclosure time. The tarantula will typically strike prey rapidly, sometimes before the item fully enters the enclosure. Some keepers prefer dropping prey onto substrate away from the retreat, while others place items near hide openings for immediate capture.

Gut-loading feeders ensures maximum nutritional value passes to the tarantula. Feed prey items nutritious vegetables, fruits, and commercial gut-load products for twenty-four to forty-eight hours before offering them to tarantulas. This practice provides vitamins and minerals that plain-fed insects may lack.

Uneaten prey should be removed within twenty-four hours using long tongs. Crickets in particular may harass tarantulas during pre-molt periods when they become vulnerable and inactive. Never leave live prey in an enclosure with a molting tarantula, as injuries during this period can prove fatal.

Water access through a stable dish allows drinking as needed and contributes to humidity. Poecilotheria drink regularly when provided clean water. Refresh the dish every few days to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene.

Pre-molt fasting is normal and may last several weeks in adult specimens. The tarantula will refuse food and remain secluded in its retreat. This behavior should be respected rather than addressed with continued prey offerings. Resume feeding after the molt once the exoskeleton has hardened, typically several days to a week post-molt.

Ornamental Tarantulas prove reasonably hardy with appropriate husbandry, with females capable of reaching twelve to fifteen years or more in captivity. Males live significantly shorter lives, typically three to four years total with only months surviving after their ultimate molt. Signs of health include robust feeding response, alert posture, clear leg segment joints, and well-maintained web structures. The species' need for both high humidity and good ventilation creates the primary husbandry challenge, as imbalances in either direction cause problems. Like all invertebrates, Poecilotheria have essentially no access to veterinary care, making prevention through proper husbandry the only practical health approach.

Ornamental Tarantulas thrive when keepers maintain the delicate balance between humidity and ventilation that their tropical arboreal lifestyle requires. The absence of invertebrate veterinary options makes prevention through proper husbandry absolutely essential. Female Poecilotheria that receive appropriate care can live well over a decade, providing years of stunning visual display and the satisfaction of successfully maintaining these challenging, beautiful species.

Handling Ornamental Tarantulas is never recommended and should be avoided under all circumstances. This guidance applies universally regardless of individual temperament, keeper experience, or perceived tameness. The combination of medically significant venom, extreme speed, and unpredictable defensive responses makes any handling attempt genuinely dangerous.

The venom of Poecilotheria species produces symptoms significantly more severe than typical tarantula bites. Documented effects include intense localized pain, severe muscle cramping extending far beyond the bite site, nausea, heart palpitations, sweating, and symptoms potentially persisting for days to weeks. While not considered life-threatening to healthy adults, the experience is universally described as extremely unpleasant, and individual sensitivity cannot be predicted prior to envenomation.

Beyond venom concerns, the extreme speed of Ornamental Tarantulas makes any situation uncontrollable within fractions of a second. These tarantulas can leap, bolt, or strike before human reflexes can respond. An Ornamental Tarantula on a hand can reach the shoulder or face before the keeper processes what has happened. Their arboreal adaptations include powerful jumping ability that ground-dwelling species lack.

Molting periods require the same hands-off approach with additional precautions. Pre-molt specimens may remain in their retreats for extended periods, refusing food and displaying reduced activity. The enclosure should not be disturbed during this time beyond essential water dish maintenance. Post-molt specimens require several days for exoskeleton hardening before feeding should resume. Never attempt to assist a molting tarantula, as this causes fatal damage.

Routine care should minimize enclosure interaction entirely. Long-handled tools accomplish all necessary tasks without hands entering the enclosure. Tongs or forceps place and remove prey items. Water dishes can be filled using spray bottles, turkey basters, or long-handled cups. Visual health checks through enclosure walls replace any need for hands-on examination.

Rehousing becomes necessary as specimens outgrow enclosures or complete substrate changes are required. This process requires careful planning, appropriate tools, and understanding of the risks involved. The cup-and-cardboard method, using a clear container placed over the tarantula and cardboard slid beneath, provides the safest transfer approach. However, the tarantula's speed means this must be executed quickly and precisely. Having a second person assist and planning the entire process before beginning reduces mishap risk.

Emergency procedures should be understood before acquiring Ornamental Tarantulas. In the event of a bite, remain calm, note the time, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop beyond localized pain. Inform medical personnel of the species involved and expect supportive care rather than specific antivenom treatment. Having emergency contact information readily available demonstrates responsible keeping.

Observation provides all meaningful interaction with these stunning display animals. The intricate patterning, impressive size, and fascinating behavior of Poecilotheria species reward keepers who appreciate them from safe distances. Evening observation when they become active offers the best viewing opportunities. The satisfaction of successfully maintaining these challenging species comes from proper husbandry rather than handling attempts.

Ornamental Tarantulas represent expert-level captives that should only be considered by keepers with extensive tarantula experience, particularly with other Old World species. The combination of medically significant venom, extreme speed, and specific husbandry requirements places them firmly outside appropriate beginner or even intermediate keeper territory. This is not a matter of cautious recommendation but realistic assessment of the risks involved.

Experience requirements extend well beyond basic tarantula husbandry. Prospective Poecilotheria keepers should have maintained multiple Old World species, demonstrated competence with fast, defensive tarantulas, and developed the reflexes and habits necessary for safe management. Understanding escape prevention, enclosure security, and emergency procedures should be second nature rather than learning experiences.

The progression many successful Poecilotheria keepers follow involves years of experience with New World species, followed by Old World species of lesser medical significance, before approaching Ornamental Tarantulas. This progression builds the specific skills needed while establishing respect for what these animals can do if mishandled.

Time commitment remains modest in terms of daily care, with visual health checks, occasional feeding, and water maintenance constituting routine requirements. However, keepers must remain vigilant about enclosure security and mentally prepared for the heightened attention any maintenance requires. Complacency with Poecilotheria leads to dangerous situations.

Financial considerations vary significantly depending on species. Common species like Poecilotheria regalis remain relatively affordable, while Poecilotheria metallica commands premium prices reflecting its rarity and conservation status. Initial setup costs include substantial enclosures, cork bark, heating equipment if needed, and monitoring tools. Ongoing costs involve feeder insects and substrate replacement. The lack of veterinary options means no medical expenses but also no treatment options when problems occur.

Family and household considerations require serious evaluation. Homes with young children must ensure absolute enclosure security that children cannot breach. The consequences of a child receiving a Poecilotheria bite extend beyond immediate medical concerns to lasting psychological effects. Household members with arachnophobia deserve consideration, as an escaped Ornamental Tarantula represents a far more serious situation than a loose docile species. All household members should understand and accept the risks before acquisition.

Legal considerations apply more significantly to Poecilotheria than many tarantula genera. CITES Appendix II listing requires documentation for international movement. Some localities restrict venomous or medically significant invertebrate keeping, potentially affecting Ornamental Tarantula legality. Verification of local regulations before acquisition prevents potential legal complications.

Conservation ethics merit consideration when acquiring Poecilotheria, particularly endangered species. Purchasing captive-bred specimens from reputable breeders supports conservation efforts and avoids contributing to wild collection pressure. The critically endangered status of some species places ethical responsibility on keepers to prioritize captive breeding over wild-caught specimens.

Realistic expectations should center on Ornamental Tarantulas as display animals requiring careful, respectful management rather than interactive pets. Keepers who find satisfaction in maintaining challenging species, appreciating stunning natural beauty, and developing expertise in their care will find Poecilotheria deeply rewarding. Those seeking handleable, interactive animals should direct attention elsewhere entirely. The Ornamental Tarantula rewards those who respect its nature with years of impressive display and the satisfaction of successfully keeping one of the tarantula hobby's most demanding and beautiful genera.