Genus Highlight: Poecilotheria Tarantulas – The Highly Desired Arboreal Hunters

Written by William West, Tarantula Expert and Owner of Exotics Unlimited

When it comes to impressive tarantulas, the Poecilotheria genus, or "Pokies", is highly desired by experienced keepers. Known for their distinctive anatomy, bright coloration, patterns, larger size, and quick movement, these arboreal hunters are impressive to observe and remain a favorite for advanced collections. 

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What Makes Poecilotheria Tarantulas Unique?

Native to India and Sri Lanka, Poecilotheria are large, high-canopy Asian arboreal tarantulas considered the apex predators of the tarantula world. They sit at the very top of their food chain. 

Their size, speed, and strong venom allow these tarantulas to take down more than just insects. They’re capable of hunting small lizards and even birds. This ability sets them apart from most species that prey on insects, and some keepers believe it may be one reason their venom is considered especially potent. 

At the same time, their bold patterns and bright flashes of color, combined with their fast movements, make them some of the most visually stunning tarantulas available.

Poecilotheria Tarantulas Care Guide: Temperament, Habitat, Feeding, and Enclosure

Pokie care is best suited for intermediate or experienced tarantula keepers. They must be ready for the challenge and are prepared to handle their speed, potent venom, and create an appropriate arboreal display setup. 

Poecilotheria tarantulas are known for being fast, defensive if provoked, and capable of delivering significant bites due to their potent venom. They also require specialized arboreal enclosures, which makes them better suited for intermediate to advanced keepers rather than beginners. 

These spiders thrive in tall, well-ventilated setups with ample climbing space and cork bark hides that replicate their natural tree-dwelling environment. With the right habitat and respect for their behavior, they can be some of the most rewarding tarantulas to observe.

Proper care also means keeping a stable temperature and humidity level and respecting their speed and unpredictability during maintenance. While they do well on a standard insect diet, we have observed that many successful breeders of "pokies" will feed their females either lizards or frozen, thawed mice meat to encourage the female's production of larger, healthier egg sacs. 

Why They’re So Desired

• Appearance: unmatched coloration and patterns, especially species like Poecilotheria metallica. Their patterns offer natural camouflage, allowing them to hide in plain sight on tree bark in the high canopy.
  
• Size: one of the largest arboreal genera. Their body proportions are noticeably elongated, and they have larger toe pads than other arboreals.
  
• Prestige: considered an “advanced keeper” species, respected and sought-after by seasoned collectors.
  
• Rare: several species are harder to find and protected in the wild, making these captive-bred tarantulas highly valued.
  

Popular Poecilotheria Species Available

At Exotics Unlimited, we’re proud to offer several Poecilotheria species for sale, including:

Poecilotheria formosa (Indian Ornamental)

The Salem Ornamental is one of the most purple pokies, featuring a gorgeous purple carapace, purple femurs, ivory banding, and bright orange setae. With its dark body and iconic triangular abdominal pattern, this species is both stunning and difficult to source, making it a must-have for serious old-world arboreal collectors.

Poecilotheria metallica (The Gooty Sapphire)
This bright blue Indian species is accented with beautiful yellow leg bands. Reaching about 6”, it’s one of the smaller pokies, yet still a fairly tough tarantula. We classify this species as intermediate due to its quick movements and venom that is stronger than some others, though not deadly.

See available Poecilotheria metallica for sale.

Poecilotheria regalis (Indian Ornamental)

For decades, the Indian Ornamental has been a favorite in the hobby, admired for its impressive size, yellow legs, and striking contrast with their white body and bold black markings that resemble tribal artwork. If you’re in the market for a display arboreal species that stands out and draws attention, this is a classic choice.

Poecilotheria ornata (Fringed Ornamental)

Available for North Carolina (NC) shipping or local pickup only due to ESA policies (meaning it can’t be sold across state lines), the Poecilotheria ornata is one of the most colorful and impressive old-world tarantulas out there. 

Known as the “rainbow pokie,” it displays vivid yellow and black patterns with red hairs that shine in natural light. Heavier and bulkier than most arboreal species in the hobby, this tarantula makes a one-of-a-kind display species once fully grown.

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica (Rameshwaram Ornamental)

One of the rarest pokies in the hobby, this beautiful species shows a yellowish tint across the pattern, a yellow underside, and a purplish carapace. A true collector’s gem! 

Poecilotheria miranda (Bengal Spotted Ornamental)

A rare arboreal “pokie” with white-and-black leg bands, purple femurs and carapace, and the classic ornamental arrowhead pattern. Known as one of the apex arboreal tarantulas, they hunt larger prey, like lizards. P. miranda has an elongated body with larger toe pads and is a truly unique and rare arboreal species.

Each of these species showcases the unique beauty and impressive nature of this genus of tarantulas. 

To learn more about arboreal care tips, check out our Complete Guide to Arboreal Tarantula Care.

What Keepers Are Saying

About the Author 

William West, founder of Exotics Unlimited, discovered his passion for tarantulas at just five years old and never looked back. What began as a childhood curiosity has grown into decades of experience breeding and caring for more than 150 species. Today, he’s recognized as a leader in the U.S. tarantula hobby, building a trusted brand and sharing real-world, practical knowledge to help other keepers thrive.