Poecilotheria formosa (Salem Ornamental Tarantula)

Poecilotheria formosa (Salem Ornamental Tarantula)

One of the most purple "pokies" out there, the Salem Ornamental is absolutely stunning and also one of the hardest to source and breed in the entire genus. This species features a gorgeous purple carapace (head), with purple femurs and legs offset by beautiful ivory banding for striking contrast. Overall this is a dark bodied pokie with the iconic triangular abdomen pattern, resembling tribal spearheads, and amazing orange setae covering the legs and body. Grab this old world tarantula for sale if you're a collector of old world arboreals, since not much else competes with this species.

Why do hobbyists keep Poecilotheria formosa?

• Stunning Coloration: A purple carapace, purple femurs and legs with ivory banding, and orange setae over a dark body make this one of the most striking Pokies in the hobby.
• Large Size: Reaches 8 inches or more at full leg span, a serious arboreal giant.
• Rare in the Hobby: One of the hardest Poecilotheria species to source and breed, a genuine centerpiece for serious collectors.

How should Poecilotheria formosa be kept?

• Adult Size: Reaches 8 inches or more at full leg span.
• Enclosure: Provide a tall arboreal setup at least 3 times the leg span in height and 2 times the leg span in width and depth, with vertical cork bark reaching near the top.
• Temperature: Keep between 70 to 82 degrees F.
• Humidity: 65-75%, with good ventilation to prevent stagnant air.
• Water: Provide a shallow water dish placed in an elevated position if possible. This is more natural for arboreal species and helps prevent crickets from falling in and drowning.
• Diet: Crickets, roaches, or mealworms sized to about a quarter of the leg span, matching the width of the carapace (head). Feed at least once a week.
• Temperament: Defensive and fast, it carries a medically significant bite typical of old world species, so this is a display only animal. We do not encourage or recommend handling with any of our tarantulas, old world species especially.

Are there any additional notes or considerations?

• Genuine Rarity: This is one of the hardest Poecilotheria species to source and breed, so availability will always be limited.
• Captive Bred: All Tarantulas are 100% captive bred.