Ivory Ornamental Tarantula

Looks how to spot one

hairless exoskeleton

This tarantula has a dark brown to blackish carapace with pale edges that form a starburst pattern. The chelicerae are creamy, and the legs show pale bands and spots. The underside is pale brown, and the abdomen is large and dark with a pattern of three linked spots.1

Personality what they are like

Shy and easily spooked, this spider is extremely fast and will flee if disturbed. It rarely threat-poses but may bite defensively, often hanging on and injecting venom. Juveniles are more nervous than adults. Not suitable for handling.156

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and arboreal, it needs plenty of vertical climbing surfaces and dark hiding spots. It does not require exercise but benefits from a complex enclosure with branches and cork bark.14

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance. No grooming needed. Keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water. Avoid handling due to speed and venom.6

Home where they are happiest

An arboreal setup with good ventilation, a large water dish, and plenty of climbing surfaces. Temperature 17-21°C (70-75°F), humidity 65-75%. Provide a dark retreat and a vertical cork bark slab. This species is listed under CITES Appendix II and EU Annex B, so local laws may restrict keeping it without a permit.463

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed crickets, roaches, locusts, mealworms and superworms. Spiderlings eat small cricket legs or flightless fruit flies. Adults eat 2-5 insects weekly. Avoid overfeeding; monitor abdomen size.564

Company who they like around

Primarily solitary. Communal keeping has been attempted but requires expert care, ample space and food to prevent cannibalism. Not a social species.6

The story where it all began

First described by Pocock in 1895, this tarantula is endemic to Sri Lanka's lowland and montane forests. In the pet trade it is sometimes split into highland and lowland forms, though officially they are the same species. It is less common in captivity than other Poecilotheria, making it more expensive and sought after by advanced keepers.14

Recognised by the official bits

CITES

Appendix II3

EU

Annex B3