Sri Lankan Ornamental Caresheet
Sri Lankan Ornamental Caresheet and Species Information
| Sub Family | Poecilotheriinae |
| Genus | Poecilotheria |
| Species | Poecilotheria fasciata – P. fasciata (A common mistake is to call this species, P.fasciatum this is a common mistake and normally caused by confusing Poecilotheria fasciata – P.fasciata with Cyclosternum fasciatum – C.fasciatum |
| Common Names | Sri Lankan Ornamental, Sri Lankan Ornamental tree spider |
| Tarantula Country of Origin | Old World – Sri Lanka |
| Natural Habitat of Tarantula |
Thick tropical jungles of Sri Lanka |
| Identification |
The Poecilotheria Fasciata has a dark coloured abdomen with a wide central cream band edged in black, with five oblique marks. The Poecilotheria Fasciata’s carapace is grey with cream markings while the legs are banded black and white, with yellow on the underneath of the first two pairs, which the Poecilotheria Fasciata uses as a warning to potential attackers |
| Housing | Arboreal |
| Size | 7-8 inches or 17 – 20cm |
| Temperature | 70F to 80F or 21C – 28C |
| Humidity | Humid 80% |
| Temperement | The Poecilotheria Fasciata is an Old World species with a potent bite and fiery temperement. The Poecilotheria Fasciata is nervous and will retreat to safety if disturbed but if cornered will readily display a threat pose and bit if needs be. The Poecilotheria Fasciata will deliver multiple bites and like all the Poecilotheria species their venom can cause medically significant symptoms. The Poecilotheria Fasciata is really quite ridiculously fast and being a tree spider has incredibly sure footing. show this species a lot of respect especially when doing more in depth enclosure maintenance. |
| Enclosure | Arboreal setup with height more important than floor space. 1-2inches or 2.5 to 5cm of substrate (younger P.fasciata may burrow). The substrate will help to keep hold the moisture you’ll require to keep the humidity at the required levels. Length and width of the setup should at the very least be 3 times the length of the P.fasciata. The Poecilotheria Fasciata is quite active and makes a great display spider. The Poecilotheria Fasciata also webs quite a bit being arboreal so try and find an enclosure with more than one access point so as not to destroy the Poecilotheria Fasciata’s webbing. |
| Substrate | Potting Soil/Peat Moss, Vermiculite or mix of Peat and vermiculite |
| Decorations | Provide at least one burrow and realistic surroundings including tree bark, plants and for tarantulas 3 inches or larger supply a water dish |
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